Pizza is one of the most beloved meals in the world. This delicious dish is a favorite among children and adults alike, and it has become a tradition in many households.
But is pizza really healthy for you? The answer to that question is no, pizza is not that good for you.
The problem lies within the end user. If you only ever eat pizza rarely, as a treat or maybe one takeaway a month then it’s not really a problem.
However, for many people, pizza is an easy and very available, regular food that they can end up eating two, three, or four more times a week!
The fact that it is relatively low cost certainly does not help either.
The fact of the matter is that pizza is high in calories and fat. A regular pizza can contain anywhere from 700 to 1,000 calories.
Even a “healthy” pizza with vegetables contains over 500 calories, and a supreme pizza can have up to 1,200 calories.
Not only that, but most pizzas also contain saturated fats and trans fats, which are bad for your heart health.
Additionally, pizza is high in sodium. One regular pizza can contain more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium, which is more than the recommended daily amount for adults.
Eating too much sodium can cause a variety of issues, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney disease.
Another factor to consider when it comes to pizza is the toppings. While it is true that some toppings, such as vegetables and lean meats, are healthy, many other toppings are quite unhealthy.
Processed meat toppings, such as pepperoni or sausage, are very high in fat, salt, and calories.
The same is true for cheese. Cheeses such as mozzarella and ricotta are high in fat and calories.
Because of all these reasons, pizza should be consumed in moderation. Eating too much pizza can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
It is important to remember that pizza is not a substitute for a healthy meal. Instead, pizza should be enjoyed as an occasional treat or snack.
In conclusion, it is clear that pizza is not healthy for you. It is high in fat, calories, sodium, and unhealthy toppings.
While it can be enjoyed in moderation, it is not a substitute for a nutritious diet.
Eating too much pizza can lead to weight gain and various health issues, so it is important to keep the amount of pizza you eat to a minimum.
How can you make pizza healthier?
Making pizza healthier is an admirable goal.
After all, pizza is an iconic dish that has widespread appeal. That said, it’s also known for being high in fat and calories, and it’s usually loaded with sodium.
Fortunately, there are several simple adjustments and ingredient swaps that can significantly improve the nutritional profile of pizza.
Below are eight tips for making pizza healthier.
First, use the whole-grain crust.
Whole wheat, spelt, or another whole grain crust is typically higher in fiber, B vitamins, and other dietary minerals.
Plus, it’s usually more satisfying and has a richer flavor than a standard white flour crust. Alternatively, you can also use whole-grain flatbread or a cauliflower-based crust, or pizza dough.
Second, good-quality tomato sauce is essential.
Try to find a marinara sauce made with olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fat and associated with good cardiovascular health.
Avoid jarred sauces containing added sugars, colors, and preservatives.
Third, favor vegetables over high-fat toppings like pepperoni or sausage.
Zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggplant, and spinach are all excellent choices that can help add color, crunch, and nutrition to your pizza.
Garlic, onions, artichoke hearts, and olives are other healthy options too.
Fourth, when using cheese, go for lower-fat options.
Part-skim mozzarella or fresh sheep’s milk feta are excellent choices as they’ll still give the pizza flavor while being lower in fat and calories.
Fifth, opt for lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, and lean beef.
Avoid breaded and fried proteins.
Sixth, be mindful of portion size.
Thin or regular crust pizzas tend to have more servings, so when necessary consider cutting the pizza into smaller slices.
Seventh, top your pizza with freshly-minced herbs such as basil and oregano.
Not only will they give the pizza great flavor but they’ll also provide some micronutrients and health-promoting antioxidants.
Finally, don’t forget about dessert.
Make healthier versions of pizza desserts such as fruit pizzas. Start with a whole wheat crust, and use unsweetened applesauce as the base.
Top it with fresh or frozen fruit like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and bananas.
Making pizza healthier doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.
With careful ingredient selection and smart portion control, you can enjoy a delicious pizza that’s also good for you.
A very healthy way to make pizza
The art of making pizza may be misunderstood and underrated, but as everyone knows, it can really hit the spot if executed correctly.
Everyone loves a good slice of pizza, but it’s hard to find a version that is both tasty and healthy. Fortunately, it is possible to make a savory pizza that is chock-full of nutritious ingredients, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
The first step in making the perfect healthy pizza is the crust.
Traditional pizzas are made with a white flour crust, but to really get an added health kick, why not try using a whole wheat option?
Whole wheat crusts tend to have a distinctive nutty flavor, and since it is made with a combination of flours, it also offers a heartier texture.
If this type of crust is not available, traditional white flour crusts are just as delicious, just a touch less nutritious.
The next step is picking the right toppings. If you want to create a veggie-packed pizza, there’s no shortage of choices.
Try adding bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and olives.
For an extra health boost, if your grocery store offers it, try using cauliflower crust to really get a serious dose of vegetables and protein.
To add some flavor and protein, why not include the classic pepperoni or sausage topping? For those looking to reduce meat consumption, there are vegetarian options like Beyond Meat’s Italian sausage or Field Roast’s smoked apple sage sausage.
Those looking for something more traditional can go for the classic pepperoni or sausage topping.
Finally, don’t forget the sauce!
If you’re trying to keep the pizza healthy, aim for a tomato-based sauce as opposed to a cheese-based one.
Not only is it better for you, but it’s also easier to slather on, and it will help keep the crust from getting soggy.
Once all the ingredients are ready, preheat the oven to 450°F and bake for 10-12 minutes.
While baking, be sure to keep an eye on the pizza to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Once it’s golden brown and beginning to crisp, take out the pie and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Making a pizza that is both delicious and nutritious can be a satisfying accomplishment.
Not only will your pizza be flavorful, but you can feel good about its healthy ingredients.
Using a combination of whole wheat crust, veggies, protein-rich toppings, tomato sauce, and the right baking technique, you can create a pizza that is sure to satisfy your appetite.
A very healthy pizza dough recipe
When it comes to making a delicious and healthy pizza, it all starts with the dough.
Sure, you can use pre-made dough from the store, but nothing beats the flavor of hand-made pizza dough.
Not only does it taste better, it is also healthier since you can make it with a variety of nutritious ingredients. Here, we are going to go over a very healthy pizza dough recipe that can be used to make a tasty, and also nutritious, homemade pizza.
Before you start, it’s important to gather all of the ingredients that you’ll need.
To begin with, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
You’ll also need ½ cup of warm water, and if you want to make whole wheat pizza dough, you’ll need to make a few substitutions.
To make this recipe 100% whole wheat, you’ll need to replace the all-purpose flour with two cups of whole wheat flour, the extra virgin olive oil with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil, and substitute the ½ cup of warm water with ½ cup of whole wheat pastry flour.
Once you’ve gathered everything, start by adding the yeast and warm water to a large bowl.
Then mix the yeast and water with a spoon until it is completely dissolved.
After this, add the extra virgin olive oil and the salt and mix them in as well.
Then slowly begin to add the flour, one cup at a time.
When both of the cups of flour have been added, use your hands to form a dough.
Knead the dough with your hands until it forms a ball shape.
At this point, put the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Then leave the dough to rise for at least one hour.
Once the hour has passed, take the dough out of the bowl and knead it for five minutes.
Then, you are ready to roll the dough out onto a floured surface and begin the pizza-making process.
If you chose to make whole wheat pizza dough, you would need to roll it out a bit more carefully since it can sometimes crack.
This is a delicious, yet healthy pizza dough recipe that will yield great results every time.
Not only does it taste great, but it is also made with all-natural, wholesome ingredients.
So if you’re looking to make a healthier version of your favorite pizza, give this dough recipe a try and you won’t be disappointed.
