Pizza can
go either way: quintessential greasy junk food or healthy combo of fresh
ingredients. Which one sounds better to you (and for you)? Here’s how to build
a pie with a healthier profile.
1) Give it a Whole-Grain Crust
You can make your own with this quick and easy
recipe. Each satisfying slice will have extra fiber and protein.
2) Use Lighter Cheeses
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Go for big flavor and fewer calories by using a
combination of part-skim mozzarella, sharp provolone and naturally lower-fat
Parmesan.
3) Load Up On Veggies
Pizza night is a great way to use up what’s in the
fridge. There are no rules–whatever you’ve got, toss it on.
4) Mind Your Portions
Pizza is one of those foods that folks mindlessly
shovel, so it’s worth paying attention to portions (do you really need that
third or fourth slice?!).
5) Go for Healthier Topppers
Instead of gobs of cheese, opt for hearty, healthy
pizza toppers like roasted squash and meaty mushrooms.
6) Choose Leaner Meats
Meat lovers don’t have to lose out. Swap out fatty
meats like pepperoni and pork sausage for thinly sliced (leaner) cuts of
salami, turkey bacon and chicken sausage.
7) Serve with Salad
Instead of simply eating less pizza, serve it up
with a large salad. That will make it a lot easier to stick to tip No. 4 (see
above).
8) Spoon on Homemade Sauce
Jarred pizza sauces are usually drowning in sodium
and other preservatives. Making your own will instantly improve the quality of
any pizza recipe. Think beyond red sauce and try pesto or some good olive oil
and fresh garlic.
9) Add Spice
Get spicy instead of greasy. Fresh chiles and red
pepper flakes are a good match for more subtle flavors like fresh tomatoes and
herbs.
10) Go for Protein
Lean steak, grilled chicken, shrimp and other lean
proteins make pizza a super satisfying meal.
Fresh and Flavorful Combinations
Looking for a new favorite pizza recipe? Try any
of these combos and fall in love with healthy pizza.
1) Spinach, fresh tomato sauce
and ricotta (above)
2) Taco style: refried beans,
salsa and cheddar
3) Broccoli, fresh tomato and a
smidge of crumbled bacon
4) Roasted Butternut Squash and
fresh kale
5) Grilled chicken, roasted red
pepper, fresh mozzarella, basil
6) Zucchini, fresh fennel and
chicken sausage
7) White pie (aka no sauce) with
fresh figs, caramelized onions and ricotta
8) Arugula pesto, red onion,
thinly sliced Italian salami and red pepper flakes
9) Portabello mushroom, roasted
cauliflower and provolone cheese
10) Thinly sliced potato and chives.
