If you are a pizza lover, you know how difficult it can be to resist a freshly baked pizza with gooey melted cheese and a crispy crust. However, if you are monitoring your calorie intake, you might be wondering if you can still indulge in a slice of pizza without feeling guilty. The good news is that 1 slice (142 g) 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza contains around 290 Calories, which is not too bad if you consume it in moderation.

Apart from the calorie count, let's take a closer look at the nutritional value of one slice of a Large Cheese Pizza. It is essential to know the size of the slice of pizza, the type of crust, variety of cheese used, and other Toppings added as they can affect the overall nutritional value of the Pizza Slice.

In this article, we will examine the nutritional content and health benefits of a slice of 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza. So, you can savor every bite of your favorite pizza without any guilt!

Calorie count of One Slice

One slice (142 g) 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza contains around 290 Calories, which is not too bad if you consume it in moderation. However, if you eat 2-3 Pizza Slices with other high-calorie foods or drinks, the calorie count can add up quickly and lead to weight gain. So, it is essential to limit your pizza intake and combine it with nutritious foods and exercises to maintain a healthy weight. Moreover, the calorie count can vary depending on the Toppings, crust type, and pizza size. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the nutritional information provided by the pizza chain before ordering.

Size of the Pizza Slice

In general, a slice of a 14-inch large pizza can weigh around 142 g. However, some pizza chains can have different pizza sizes and slice portions, which can affect the nutritional values per slice. For instance, if you order a small pizza, the slice size can be smaller, but the crust might be thicker, resulting in a higher calorie count. Similarly, if you go for a thin crust pizza, the slice size can be larger, but the calorie count can be lower as compared to a regular hand-tossed pizza. Therefore, it is essential to know the pizza size and slice portions before calculating the nutritional values.

Type of crust

The type of crust can make a big difference in the overall nutritional value of the Pizza Slice. Hand-tossed, thin-crust, deep-dish, and stuffed crust are some of the popular crust types available in most pizza chains. A hand-tossed Pizza Crust is a better option than deep-dish or stuffed crust if you are looking for a lower calorie count. On the other hand, if you are in the mood for a thicker and chewy crust, a deep-dish pizza can satisfy your cravings. Similarly, if you prefer a crispy and thin crust, a thin-crust pizza can be a good choice. It has a lower calorie count and can be a better option if you are watching your waistline.

Variety of Cheese used

Cheese is one of the primary Toppings used in pizzas, and it can affect the overall nutritional value of the Pizza Slice. Most pizza chains offer a variety of cheese options, such as mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, feta, and more. Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese in pizzas due to its smooth texture and mild flavor. It is a good source of Protein and Calcium, but it can also be high in Calories and saturated fat. If you are looking for a lower calorie and healthier cheese option, you can go for feta cheese. It is lower in fat and calories than mozzarella and provides a tangy flavor to the pizza slice.

Other Toppings added

Apart from cheese, other Toppings such as vegetables, meats, and fruits can also affect the nutritional value of the Pizza Slice. Some of the popular vegetable toppings include mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. They are low in Calories and high in fiber and nutrients, making them a healthy add-on to your pizza slice. If you prefer meat toppings, you can opt for grilled chicken or lean beef instead of pepperoni or sausage. They are lower in calories and higher in Protein and can make your pizza slice more filling. Fruits such as pineapple or tomatoes can also be a tasty and healthy topping for your pizza slice. They are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants and can add a refreshing flavor to your slice.

Total Fat content

One slice of a 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza can contain around 11 g of Total Fat, with 5 g of saturated fat. Saturated fat can increase the risk of heart diseases and should be taken in moderation. If you prefer a lower-fat Pizza Slice, you can opt for a thin-crust pizza with less cheese and add on some healthy Toppings like vegetables and fruits. It is also essential to control your portion sizes and limit your overall fat intake to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Protein content

One slice of a 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza can contain around 14 g of Protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. Cheese and meat Toppings are good sources of protein, but they can also be high in Calories and fat. If you are looking for a lower fat and calorie protein source, you can choose grilled chicken or vegetarian toppings like mushrooms and spinach. However, it is essential to balance your overall protein intake with other macronutrients like Carbohydrates and fats to maintain a well-balanced diet.

Carbohydrate content

One slice of a 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza can contain around 33 g of Carbohydrates, which is an essential source of energy for your body. However, if you consume too many carbohydrates or eat pizza frequently, it can lead to weight gain and other health issues. If you are monitoring your carbohydrate intake, you can opt for a thin-crust pizza or go for vegetable Toppings instead of carb-heavy meats. Also, try to balance your carbohydrate intake with other macronutrients like Protein and fat and choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates like white flour.

Sodium levels

One slice of a 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza can contain around 700 mg of Sodium, which is about one-third of the daily recommended intake of sodium for an adult. However, most pizza chains can use high-sodium ingredients like cheese, cured meats, and sauces, which can increase the overall sodium content of the Pizza Slice. If you are monitoring your sodium intake, you can opt for a vegetable pizza with less cheese and refined meats. You can also ask the pizza chain to go easy on the salt or add your seasonings like herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. However, it is essential to remember that sodium is essential for your body's proper functioning, but too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.

Calcium levels

One slice of a 14" Large Cheese Hand-Tossed Style Pizza can contain around 250 mg of Calcium, which is a good source of essential mineral for your body. Calcium is crucial for healthy bones and teeth and can also prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis. If you want to boost your calcium intake, you can opt for cheese and vegetable Toppings like broccoli and spinach, which are high in calcium. You can also choose a pizza chain that uses calcium-fortified crust and cheese. However, it is also essential to remember that too much calcium can lead to calcium buildup in your body and cause health issues.