It's summer, which usually means keeping a close eye on that figure. Unfortunately, summertime also spells indulgence for those of us in the southern hemisphere - making avoiding those tasty calorific treats rather difficult!

That is, unless you count Col'Cacchio's latest novel idea for the health and weight-conscious diners wanting to enjoy a  tasty, guilt-free meal out. 

Meet the phenomenal  Pizza Foro (Italian for hole) – a pizza with a hole in the middle filled with crisp fresh salad.  

While pizza might not go down as the best choice for diet and health food, Col'Cacchio's innovative little addition offers up a compromise that'll put a smile on even the strictest dieter.  

If counting calories is your thing, then the Pizza Foro range is for you as it provides less than 2200kJ (515 calories), with controlled portion size and a  lower fat and saturated fat content.  The pizzas are slightly smaller than the regular pizza size (28 cm not 31 cm) and are made with less mozzarella.  Salad ingredients provide protective nutrients and fibre to lower the energy density in each meal.  

The full Pizza Foro range has been analysed by scientists at the Nutrition Information Centre of the University of Stellenbosch (NICUS). 

"The Centre supports the Pizza Foro range as an example of how the restaurant industry can contribute to reducing the health risks that stem from unhealthy diets and excessive portion sizes," says NICUS dietician and manager, Dr Martani Lombard.  

The range comprises three delicious vegetarian options (Griglia, Strega and Origiano), plus one tuna (Bulba) and one chicken (Armando) option and will be available in stores from November.