For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, finding convenient and satisfying meal options while eating out can often feel like navigating a maze. Pizza, a beloved staple for many, typically falls into the "off-limits" category due to its high carbohydrate content. However, Marco's Pizza offers a glimmer of hope for keto enthusiasts with its crustless pizza bowl and other keto-friendly options. This article delves into the nutritional facts of Marco's keto pizza alternatives, providing insights and tips to help you make informed choices while staying true to your dietary goals.
The Keto Pizza Revolution: Marco's Enters the Scene
The introduction of keto-friendly options by pizza chains has been a welcome development for those adhering to low-carb diets. The emergence of Papa Murphy’s Crustless Keto Pizza sparked interest and anticipation within the keto community. For residents in areas without Papa Murphy's, the quest for a suitable keto pizza alternative continued, until Marco's Pizza stepped up to the plate.
Marco's Pizza, with its numerous locations across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states, presents a viable option for individuals seeking a keto-compliant pizza experience. While a traditional pizza is out of the question, Marco's Pizza Bowls offer a solution.
Unveiling Marco's Keto-Friendly Options
Marco's Pizza offers several options that can be modified to fit a ketogenic diet. These include pizza bowls, meatball bakes, chicken wings, and salads. Let's examine each of these in detail.
The All Meat Pizza Bowl: A Carnivore's Delight
For meat lovers, Marco's All Meat Pizza Bowl is a standout choice. Packed with a variety of meats typically found on a pizza, this bowl is a filling and satisfying option.
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The Garden Pizza Bowl: A Vegetarian-Friendly Option
Those seeking a break from meat can opt for the Garden Crustless Pizza Bowl. This bowl offers a medley of vegetables, providing a lighter yet flavorful alternative.
Customization is Key: Reducing Net Carbs
The net carb content of Marco's pizza bowls ranges from 13g to 17g, which, while significantly lower than traditional pizza, may still be a concern for those strictly adhering to a ketogenic diet. The good news is that customization can further reduce the carb count.
One effective strategy is to request the pizza bowl without pizza sauce. By eliminating the sauce, you can shave off approximately 4-5g of sugar and 6g of total carbs, bringing the net carb count down to around 7-11g. This simple modification makes the pizza bowl an even more appealing keto-friendly option.
Marco's Nutritional Calculator: Your Macro Guide
Marco's Pizza provides a valuable tool on its website: a nutritional breakdown and calculator. This calculator allows you to adjust the macros based on the specific items you add or subtract from your entree. This feature empowers you to fine-tune your order to align perfectly with your ketogenic goals.
Beyond Pizza Bowls: Exploring Other Keto-Friendly Choices
In addition to pizza bowls, Marco's offers other items that can be incorporated into a ketogenic diet.
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Meatball Bake: A Hidden Gem
The Meatball Bake is a side item that predates the introduction of pizza bowls. It consists of meatballs, cheese, and sauce, essentially mirroring the contents of a pizza bowl without the crust.
Notably, Marco's meatballs contain no fillers like breadcrumbs, making them a suitable option for keto dieters. To further minimize carbs, you can request light sauce or no sauce at all. Opting for no sauce reduces the net carb count to approximately 11g per serving, which constitutes half the pan.
Chicken Wings: A Low-Carb Indulgence
For those craving a side dish, Marco's offers chicken wings with only 1 net carb per wing.
Salads: A Light and Green Alternative
If you prefer a lighter option, Marco's salads can be a good choice. Remember to request your salad without croutons to keep it keto-friendly.
Navigating Marco's Menu: Tips for Keto Success
To ensure a successful keto dining experience at Marco's, keep the following tips in mind:
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- Prioritize Crustless Options: Opt for pizza bowls or other crustless alternatives to eliminate the high carb content of traditional pizza crust.
- Customize Your Order: Don't hesitate to request modifications such as no sauce or light sauce to reduce the carb count.
- Utilize the Nutritional Calculator: Take advantage of Marco's online nutritional calculator to fine-tune your order and track your macros.
- Be Mindful of Toppings: Choose toppings wisely, prioritizing low-carb options like meats, cheeses, and non-starchy vegetables.
- Beware of Hidden Carbs: Be cautious of dressings and sauces, as they can often contain hidden sugars and carbs. Opt for oil-based dressings or ask for nutritional information.