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Yes, a visit to a fast-food joint is often problematic when you’re on a diet. There are just too many unhealthy options, especially at a pizza joint like Papa John’s.
The good news is that you can still visit Papa John’s now and again, and stick to your diet plans. You just have to order the right items, and these are the Papa John’s items you ought to consider getting on your next visit.
Tropical Luau Pizza
Let’s not dwell too much on whether the presence of pineapple on pizza is actually a good thing or not. Sure, this has long been a controversial issue, with purists decrying the very idea of pineapple on pizza. Pineapple hate is real, at least when it’s on pizza. But fans still love the taste.
The thing is, this list is not about the taste at all. It’s about what’s healthy for you, and what Papa John’s menu items are okay with your particular diet. And if you’re on a low-calorie diet, this is one pizza you’d appreciate. It only has 180 calories per slice. That means you can eat 2 slices, and you’ll still get fewer calories than a basic cheeseburger.
And you also don’t lack for taste, even with the pineapple. After all, you still have a little mozzarella, along with some green peppers and even some tasty Canadian bacon.
This even has a tolerable sodium level at 470mg, and you only get 2g of saturated fat. All in all, it’s a good choice for everyone, unless you’re just a strict pizza purist.
Chicken and Veggie Pizza
True, this doesn’t have pineapple. But then it has chicken, and you’ll never find chicken on pizza if you’re ever in Italy. Some say that it’s almost as blasphemous as pineapple.
But again, it’s still a healthy choice, comparatively speaking. You only get 180 calories as well as 2g of saturated fatfor each medium slice, same as with the Tropical Luau Pizza. The white chicken breast gives you some lean protein (7g of it), and only 430mg of sodium.
You also get a little bit of cheese, along with some black olives, Crimini mushrooms, green peppers, and Roma tomatoes. Two slices of this, and you’ll feel full while you don’t upset your dietician.
Garden Fresh Pizza
This doesn’t have meat at all, so it should please even those on a vegetarian diet. If you’re trying to lose weight, then the 200 calories per slice isn’t bad at all. You also get only 3g of saturated fat, along with only 480mg of sodium.
The taste should please even the carnivores, with the ripe black olives, Crimini mushrooms, crisp green peppers, and onions. Who says vegetarian fare should be bland? Again, stick to two slices and it should be okay.
Cheese Pizza
You pay only $9.11 for a cheese pizza, but you sure get a lot for your money. It’s a classic flavor for good reasons, and the taste is just great. but it’s not only yummy, it’s also healthy for you.
This comes with just 210 calories per medium slice, along with only 3.5g of saturated fat and 520mg of sodium. And you also get 8g of protein per slice. Get two slices of this, and it should do for you for lunch.
Bruschetta Cheesesticks
Get this if you’re looking for a side dish or if you only want a snack. It goes great with the pizza, with ingredients that include mozzarella and Roma tomatoes along with Special Garlic and Basil Pesto sauces.
It shouldn’t break your low-calorie requirements as each stick only has 100 calories, 260mg of sodium, and 2g of saturated fat. Even the Papa’s Garden Salad has more calories, sodium, and saturated fat.
Papa’s Garden Salad
A side salad is often the go-to option for a healthy side dish, though that’s not always the case when it comes to fast food. The good news is that the Papa’s Garden Salad is actually as healthy as you’d expect. The bowl only comes with 120 calories in total, along with 340mg of sodium and 3g of saturated fat.
This might be even healthier than other side dishes, due to the 2g of fiber. The fiber helps to make you feel full. So, you can try getting a forkful of the salad first before each bite of the pizza. That may even make you feel full with only a single pizza slice.
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Technically, if you’re on a special diet (especially on a weight loss diet), then it’s best if you avoid desserts altogether. But if you’re really craving for something sweet to finish off the meal, this may be the least evil among all your options.
At least it only comes with 190 calories, 105mg of sodium, and 4.5g of saturated fat. Still, you also get 18g of sugar. It’s a dessert, after all.
Pizza Sauce
This is your best bet for your dipping sauce, as it only comes with 20 calories, no saturated fat, and 230mg of sodium.
Final Words
Even with these menu options, it’s still a good idea to limit your Papa John’s visits if you’re on a special diet. If you go there every day, there’s probably no way you can stick to your diet.
