Health Advocate Blog

Celebrate National Pi Day with a slice of healthy pie

Today, 3/14, is National Pi Day!  According to Wikipedia, Pi is “a mathematical constant that is the ratio of any Euclidean circle’s circumference to its diameter. Pi is approximately equal to 3.14. Many formulae in mathematics, science, and engineering involve Pi, which makes it one of the most important mathematical constants.”

While it may seem tricky to figure out how to get excited about a mathematical constant, we think a fun way to celebrate is by having a piece of pie (while Pi and pie are obviously not the same thing, they sound alike, so it works, right?).  We recommend having just one piece, not 3.14 pieces of pie, though!  To help you enjoy a delicious treat without adding tons of extra calories to your day, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite healthy pie recipes for you…

  • For a light but caffeinated kick, try this Cafe au Lait Chiffon Pie.  One serving is just 262 calories.
  • This Classic Pecan Pie (288 calories per serving) contains 5.1 grams of monounsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol.  Plus, it’s chock full of nuts, so it’ll help keep you full for longer.
  • This scrumptious Peach-Blueberry Pie has only 332 calories per piece–a significant improvement over other fruit pies, many of which have about 500 calories per serving.
  • For something a little different, consider this Spring Greens Pie that incorporates spinach, arugula, beet greens, and other green goodness.  Not only is it low in calories (250 per serving), but it’s also high in protein, containing 13.4 grams per serving.
  • Have a slice of classic Americana with this delicious, lightened-up apple pie.  Its crust is low-fat, and one serving clocks in at under 300 calories.
  • If you have food allergies or intolerances, fear not–there are great pie options for you, too!  If you’re following a gluten-free diet, try this delicious gluten-free apple pie with a crumb topping.  Or check out these gluten- and dairy-free pie recipes compiled by Living Without magazine–the Ginger Peach Pie, Cherry Galette, and Blueberry Pie look totally delicious!  The article also features a recipe for an easy-to-make allergen-free pie crust.

We hope you have a healthy and delicious Pi Day!