Many people think of pizza as a junk food but it really doesn’t have to be. Pizza can be a complete meal (containing all of the macronutrients: carbs, protein and fat) prepared as healthy or unhealthy as one chooses. You control the ingredients!⠀
First, think crust (this provides your carbs)….thin crust will be more health conscious than thick or deep dish crusts. You could even make homemadecrust incorporating whole grains…..or maybe even try a cauliflower crust….my favorite recipe is Chef John’s cauliflower pizza crust on Allrecipes.
Second, think sauce….red sauce is like the fruit of your pizza, high in several vitamins and lycopene….or pesto is another good option, which is high in healthy fats, antioxidants and has anti inflammatory properties. If you’re limiting sodium, try making your own sauce instead of buying store bought. ⠀
Next is the cheese (provides protein and fat)….going light on the cheese will save you from too much sodium and saturated fat. Also, try fresh mozzarella instead of the regular mozzarella to cut the sodium. ⠀
Last, the toppings….to optimize nutritional value, load your pizza with lots of veggies and avoid all of the salty, processed meats. Great additions are spinach, broccoli, roasted tomatoes, onions, peppers, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms.
And of course, eat mindfully: sit down, slow down, chew thoroughly, minimize distractions and enjoy! ⠀
(For my GF peeps, when ordering out, ask that your pizza be cooked on its own tray and tell them not to cut it….these measures will help to prevent cross contamination!)