Being mindful about what you eat doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love!

Friday night pizza has been my favorite tradition for years. Every Friday, Michael and I sit down to homemade pizza—a ritual that’s become the highlight of our week. Whether I’m in a dieting phase or not, this is a meal I never miss out on. The secret? I’ve found a way to enjoy it while staying aligned with my nutrition goals.

Spoiler: This doesn’t mean low-calorie pizza! Not every goal-aligned meal has to be low-calorie. Instead, I focus on making small tweaks to boost the protein and fiber content without sacrificing the joy of pizza night. Here’s how I do it:

1. The Crust is Sacred - Let me be clear: I do not mess with the crust. Sure, there are ways to make lower-calorie, higher-protein crusts (like using Greek yogurt and flour), but for me, the crust is the best part of the pizza experience. It’s non-negotiable. Instead of compromising on the crust, I make adjustments elsewhere.

2. Light Sauce - We’re big fans of BBQ sauce in this house, and I opt for a light layer to keep the flavors balanced and the calorie count reasonable. Choosing a lower-calorie BBQ sauce or marinara is an easy swap that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice.

3. All the Toppings - This pizza isn’t just topped—it’s loaded. To bump up the protein and fiber, I pile on toppings like lightly breaded chicken (shoutout to @realgood), red onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper. These not only make the pizza more filling but also add vibrant flavors and textures.

4. Two Types of Cheese - I take a balanced approach to cheese. About 80% of the cheese I use is low-fat mozzarella, which is lower in calories and higher in protein. The remaining 20% is full-fat Toscano pizza cheese from Trader Joe’s (a.k.a. the GOAT of pizza cheeses). This mix keeps the fat content in check while delivering all the cheesy goodness you’d expect from a pizza. Honestly, I can’t taste the difference, and the balance works perfectly.

Why This Works for Me

By making these small changes, I’ve created a pizza that I genuinely prefer. It’s not super greasy, it’s packed with protein and veggies, and I don’t feel sluggish afterward. Plus, I’ve worked out the macros for my typical serving (1/4 of the pizza): Calories: 525 / Protein: 40g / Carbs: 62g / Fat: 12g

When I’m in a dieting phase, I adapt by eating fewer carbs earlier in the day to leave room for pizza and enjoying 2-3 slices instead of 4 and pairing it with a side salad for extra volume and nutrients.

This is your friendly reminder: being mindful about what you eat doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love! Restrictive diets may work short-term, but they’re not sustainable—and they certainly don’t bring joy. For me, Friday night pizza is about balance: enjoying what I love while still honoring my goals.

If finding this balance feels like a struggle for you, let’s talk. There’s a better way to reach your goals without sacrificing your favorite traditions. You deserve to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination 🍕 Need help? I’m just a message away! 😎

Train With Moxie