Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, especially in the United States. It’s hard to resist a hot, cheesy, and delicious slice of pizza when it’s in front of you.

However, pizza can also be high in calories, fat, and sodium, which can be bad for your health. If you’re watching your weight or looking for ways to make healthier choices, here are some amazing ways to cut calories from pizza.

1. Start with a Thin Crust

The crust is the foundation of any pizza, and it can make a big difference in the calorie count. A thick crust can have more calories, fat, and carbs than a thin crust. Choose a thin crust to save on calories without sacrificing flavor.

2. Go for Whole Wheat Crust

Whole wheat crust is a healthier option than traditional white crust. It’s higher in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a better choice for people with diabetes.

3. Skip the Extra Cheese

Cheese is a major source of calories in pizza. Skipping the extra cheese can save you a lot of calories. If you need cheese, go for a lower-fat option like part-skim mozzarella.

4. Load Up on Vegetables

Vegetables are a healthy addition to pizza. They’re low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Load up on veggies like peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and broccoli to add flavor and nutrition to your pizza.

5. Choose Lean Protein Toppings

Protein is an important nutrient for your body, but some toppings can be high in fat and calories. Choose lean protein options like chicken, shrimp, or turkey. Avoid high-calorie toppings like bacon or sausage.

6. Cut Back on Meat Toppings

Meat toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon can be high in calories and saturated fat. Consider cutting back on meat toppings or choosing a veggie pizza instead.

7. Watch the Sauce

Sauce is a major source of calories in pizza. Be sure to watch the sauce portion to save on calories. Alternatively, use tomato sauce or marinara sauce instead of creamy sauces like Alfredo or ranch dressing.

8. Add Flavor with Spices

Spices are a great way to add flavor to your pizza without adding calories. Add spices like oregano, basil, garlic, or red pepper flakes to your pizza for a kick of flavor.

9. Choose a Small Pizza

A larger pizza means more calories. Choose a small pizza or split a larger pizza with friends to save on calories.

10. Skip the Stuffed Crust

Stuffed crust may be tempting, but it can add a lot of calories. Skip the stuffing and go for a plain crust instead.

11. Take Off the Crust

If you’re really serious about cutting calories, you can take off the crust altogether. This may not be the most satisfying pizza experience, but it can help you save on calories.

12. Use Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Instead of using oil or butter to grease the pan or pizza stone, use non-stick cooking spray. This will help save on calories without sacrificing flavor.

13. Use Low-Fat Cheese

If you can’t skip the cheese, choose a low-fat option. Low-fat cheese can save you a lot of calories without sacrificing flavor. Be sure to read the label to make sure it’s truly low-fat.

14. Blot the Cheese

If you’ve already added cheese to your pizza, you can save some calories by blotting off the excess grease with a paper towel. This will help absorb some of the extra calories without affecting the flavor.

15. Choose a White Pizza

A white pizza doesn’t have tomato sauce, which can be high in calories. A white pizza can also be made with olive oil and garlic, which can add flavor without adding as many calories as tomato sauce.

16. Go Easy on the Cheese

You don’t have to skip the cheese altogether, but you can go easy on it. Use less cheese than the recipe calls for to save on calories.

17. Use Pesto Instead of Tomato Sauce

Pesto is a flavorful alternative to tomato sauce. It’s made with basil, garlic, and olive oil, which can add a lot of flavor without a lot of calories.

18. Choose a Veggie Pizza

A veggie pizza is a great way to get your fill of veggies without a lot of calories. Choose a veggie pizza with whole wheat crust, low-fat cheese, and lots of veggies for a healthy and satisfying meal.

19. Make Your Own Pizza

Making your own pizza can be a fun and healthy alternative to ordering takeout. You can control the ingredients and the portion size, which can help you save on calories.

20. Use Cauliflower Crust

Cauliflower crust is a popular alternative to traditional crust. It’s lower in calories and higher in fiber than traditional crust. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities.

21. Cut Into Smaller Slices

The bigger the slice, the more calories it has. Cut your pizza into smaller slices to help you eat less and save on calories.

22. Use Portion Control

Portion control is key when it comes to eating pizza. Be sure to measure out your portions and stick to them to save on calories.

23. Skip the Crusts

The edges of the pizza, also known as the crusts, can be high in calories. If you don’t like the crusts, skip them to save on calories.

24. Choose a Margherita Pizza

A Margherita pizza is a classic Italian pizza that’s made with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. It’s lower in calories and fat than other types of pizza.

25. Choose Turkey Pepperoni

Pepperoni is a popular pizza topping, but it can be high in calories and fat. Choose a healthier alternative like turkey pepperoni to save on calories.

26. Use Feta or Goat Cheese

If you need cheese on your pizza, choose a lower-fat option like feta or goat cheese. These cheeses are lower in calories and fat than traditional mozzarella.

27. Load Up on Salad

Adding a salad to your pizza can help you feel more full and satisfied. Load up on a salad with plenty of greens and veggies to help you save on calories.

28. Swap Meat Toppings for Veggies

If you’re a meat lover, consider swapping some of your meat toppings for veggies. This can help you save on calories and add more nutrition to your pizza.