According to your weight loss plan, you’re supposed to stick within a set range for daily caloric intake. And you’re probably keeping an eye on things like grams of protein and carbs as well. For pizza lovers, this situation can feel challenging. Does this mean you can’t eat your favorite food ever again? Well, no… But your portions might be more limited than you would prefer.

Another option is to investigate alternative types of pizza crusts. Since the crust of pizza contains most of the carbs (and a lot of calories) changing the type of crust you use can allow for a bit more indulgence in this popular dish.

So, what are these alternatives? The following four types of crust have risen in popularity in recent years.

Cauliflower crust. You can purchase pre-made cauliflower crust, or make it from scratch yourself. Many pizza shops are even offering this option now! You can automatically add another serving or two of much-needed vegetables by switching to this type of crust. Cauliflower contains some valuable nutrients, such as fiber, potassium, and folate. Plus, cauliflower crust is gluten-free for those who require that diet.

Sweet potato crust. Various recipes for sweet potato crust are available online, most of which use mashed sweet potatoes, oats or almond flour, and an egg. This is another great way to add some veggies to your meal, along with fiber and beta carotene (which is converted to vitamin A in the body).

Almond flour crust. If you enjoy a thin, crispy crust, then an almost flour crust might be right up your alley. Just know that almond flour is high in fat (although it’s the “good” kind of fat) so this is not exactly a super low-calorie option. But since it’s rich in vitamin E and does not contain processed white flour, almond flour crust is still a healthier option.

Chickpea flour crust. Now this is the option for those of you who need to add more protein into your diets. Chickpea flour is high in protein, along with nutrients like manganese, folate and iron. Chickpea flour crust is very filling, but is also more thin and crispy than a traditional crust.

As you continue to experiment with making your favorite foods healthier, give us a call to discuss your weight loss plan. We can help you decide how many calories you should be eating each day, and offer our advice on fitting your favorite foods into your meal routine.