Healthy Eating at Pizza Express Metrocentre

Simon and I have a life long commitment to beat the bulge. Having both battled obesity, we are constantly attempting to watch what we eat and being huge foodies it's never very easy. One of our favourite restaurants to eat in on those days when we're committed to making more sensible choices is Pizza Express, we've been going every since we first met and their low calorie healthy eating menu has saved us many times.

So when Pizza Express invited us to check out their new look restaurant in the Metrocentre we had no fears about overindulging and I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to talk about how we make healthy eating decisions at Pizza Express and what we like to order.

Pizza Express in the Metrocentre has recently reopened and is paying homage to Metrocentre history with a little something that is bound to make Geordies smile. Pizza Express sits where Metroland once was and to celebrate, the refurbishment includes artwork inspired by the rollercoaster that used to be inside the mall.

The rollercoaster pictures are as close as I'm ever going to get to Metroland as unfortunately the funfair inside the Metrocentre was before my time (it closed in 2008, four years before my very first visit to the North East) but I know that those who spent their childhood at Metroland are going to love reminiscing with their families over slices of pizza.

Whilst the interiors of Pizza Express at the Metrocentre have changed the menu that we all know and love remains, with, of course, a newly launched Spring menu full of delicious salads, and the much talked about Lemon Bundt Cake (has anyone tried it? I've heard it's really good!).

On our trip it was the Leggera Menu that had our full attention. Perfect for those working hard on their bikini bod for Summer or if you just fancy something a little lighter while you're out shopping, the menu offers lower calorie pizzas, pastas, salads and even dessert options if you can't resist the sweet stuff.

Simon and I always order Leggera pizzas whenever we go to Pizza Express, the thin based pizzas have a hole in the middle filled with a delicious fresh salad which cuts the calories down to under 600 calories per pizza. We've never felt like we're missing out when we order the lighter calorie pizzas and actually enjoy them more than the full sized versions, so much so that every Friday we recreate them ourselves at home - something we've been doing ever since we first discovered the Leggera menu at Pizza Express

Simon opted for his favourite, the Leggera Pollo ad Astra (£10.90) - Chicken, light mozzarella, sweet Peppadew peppers, tomato, cajun spices garlic oil and red onion. He orders it every time we visit, in fact he doesn't even need to look at the menu, he loves it so much I can't see him ever ordering anything else.

I'm also very much a creature of habit at Pizza Express and always order the Leggera Padana (£10.70). Goat's cheese, caramelised onion, spinach, red onion, tomato and garlic oil. It is so delicious and always fills me up. Crazy to think that a pizza with a hole in the middle can be so filling but there are plenty of toppings and the salad really bulks the dish out.

Of course, when you're dining out as a treat desserts are a must. For those who are feeling extra virtuous there's a Leggera Raspberry Sorbet for just under 200 calories however, if like us, you always like to push it that little bit further the Dolcetti menu is a perfect smaller treat.

Mini desserts served with a tea or coffee, the perfect way to be naughty but without going too crazy! There are four desserts to choose from as part of the Dolcetti menu with something to suit every taste. Although not part of the healthier menu they do come in at less calories than a full dessert (although obviously be aware that ordering a creamy latte to go with it will increase the calories!)

Simon chose the Lemon Posset Crunch (£4.75), creamy lemon posset on a ginger biscuit base, which I was very thankful for as I'd been wanting to try this one too. It was delicious, the lemon was beautiful with the ginger.

I opted for the Chocolate Brownie (£5.00) topped with fresh strawberry and icing sugar. Usually ordering chocolate feels extra naughty but it was so perfectly sized I felt like I'd had a real treat without the guilt. I can't believe more places aren't serving mini desserts.

The very best thing about dining at Pizza Express when you're eating sensibly is that the nutritional information is available on the website which makes planning ahead super easy. Simon is currently doing Weight Watchers so was able to track all of his points and I like to keep an eye on my calorie intake which was so easy at Pizza Express.

Let me know if you've ever ordered from the Leggera menu and what your favourite treats are.

We were invited to enjoy a complimentary meal for two at Pizza Express in exchange for this honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are our own. 

For more great foodie photos from around the North East be sure to check out New Girl in Toon on Instagram.