Eating Out: Italian

Who doesn't love Pizza or Pasta? Pizza and pasta are as American as Apple Pie. It is estimated that more than 3 billion pizzas are sold in the US each year from nearly 62,000 pizza parlors, coast to coast. And every American eats an average of 46 slices (23 lbs.) of pizza a year.
Pizza is thought to have originated in the 7th or 8th century AD in Southern Italy, probably as a focaccia bread with toppings. It was brought to the USA in the late 19th century by Italian immigrants (over 4 million came over a relatively short period during an economic downturn) and was often sold by peddlers in Italian neighborhoods carrying them in metal tubs on their heads, for 2 cents a slice. The first pizzeria opened in New York City's Little Italy around 1905. After the end of World War II, the GI's returning from Italy brought with them their love for pizza, and the USA was never the same again. It is hard to imagine the USA with no take-out or delivery pizza!

Well here are a few pointers on choosing pizza:
(the numbers are from the largest pizza chain in the country)

A cheese only Personal Pizza (7.25 oz) has about 590 calories with 24 grams of fat, while a Supreme (9 oz) has 720 calories (36 grams of fat) and a Meat Lover's (9.25 oz) has a whopping 830 calories (46 grams of fat). Why not opt for the Veggie Lover's (8.25 oz) which has a relatively low 550 calories with only 20 grams of fat?

For the Hand-Tossed style (12"):
Cheese only - 1760 calories (64 grams of fat), 220 calories (8 grams of fat) per slice
Italian Sausage and Onion - 1920 calories (88 grams of fat), 240 calories (11 grams of fat) per slice
Pepperoni - 1840 calories (80 grams of fat), 230 calories (10 grams of fat)

For the Stuffed Crust (14"):
Cheese only - 2800 calories (112 grams of fat), 350 calories (14 grams of fat) per slice
Meat Lover's - 3840 calories (208 grams of fat), 480 calories (26 grams of fat) per slice
Veggie Lover's - 2640 calories (104 grams of fat), 330 calories (13 garms of fat) per slice

For the Thin Crispy Crust (12"):
Cheese only - 1520 calories (64 grams of fat), 190 calories (8 grams of fat) per slice
Meat Lover's - 2240 calories (128 grams of fat), 280 calories (16 grams of fat) per slice
Veggie Lover's - 1440 calories (48 grams of fat), 180 calories (6 grams of fat) per slice

What about sides?
Well here is some information to help you make a better choice:
Breadsticks (1) - 150 calories (7 grams of fat)
Crispy Buffalo Wings (2) - 230 calories (15 grams of fat) without dipping sauce
Dipping Sauce (Ranch or Blue Cheese) (1.5 oz) - 225 calories (24 grams of fat)

Pastas
Chicken Alfredo (23 oz) - 1260 calories (66 grams of fat)
Meaty Marinara (22 oz) - 1040 calories (48 grams of fat)

Post these numbers next to the flyer of the local Pizza joint on your fridge and refer to them before you call!