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As a practicing vegan whether for health or ethical reasons, enjoying a meal at a pizza restaurant with friends or loved ones can seem almost impossible. But, with a few fun pizza variations in mind as you walk through the restaurant's door, you can create a tasty vegan pizza pie that everyone at the table is sure to envy. Try one of these ideas:

The Sweet and Spicy

This sweet and spicy pizza variation will perk up your taste buds and keep your appetite satisfied for hours after your meal. Start with a base of pizza crust and marinara sauce, and then add the following:

• Pineapple Chunks
• Green Olives
• Jalapenos
• Basil

The pineapple provides the sweetness, the jalapenos provide the spice, and the olives offer a hearty texture that will help fill you up.

The Loaded Mediterranean

If you love Mediterranean food, you are sure to fall head-over-heals for this enticing pizza variation. It's loaded with fresh ingredients that will fill your belly but won't leave you feeling lethargic or bloated afterward. Here are the ingredients to order for your Mediterranean pizza pie:

• Black Olives
• Mushrooms
• Bell Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Garlic

Bring along a few crushed Brazil nuts to top your pizza with. They have a salty flavor that is reminiscent of Parmesan cheese.

The Green Garlic Bomb

This is a basic pizza variation that's bursting with flavor, although you'll probably want to brush your teeth after eating and before getting too close to other people. Get your garlic fix by ordering a double serving of the following toppings for your pizza:

• Garlic Chunks
• Spinach
• Green Bell Peppers

If you like a little spice, try adding pepper flakes to each piece of your garlic-infused pizza before enjoying it.

Tips for Even More Enjoyment

Most pizza restaurants are happy to add toppings to your pizza that you bring in if they don't already have it, but it's a good idea to call your chosen restaurant ahead of time and verify whether this is acceptable. If you can bring your own ingredients along to be added to your pizza, consider one or more of the following:

• Vegan Shredded Cheese
• Vegetarian Pepperoni or Sausage
• Dairy-Free Pesto
• Marinated Tofu Chunks

Any of these toppings would make an excellent addition to the three pizza variations outlined here. Try adding some cheese to your Mediterranean pie, or using pesto instead of marinara sauce on the sweet and spicy variation.

These pizza ideas are sure to satisfy your appetite as well as any meat and cheese laden variety that is found on the menu.