Pizza has not such a good reputation when it comes to healthy meals. It is synonymous with junk food and thus it’s normal to feel the pangs of guilt after eating too much of it. You have got a lot of company!
Most of us get carried away with the cheesy slices and yummy toppings so that we forget about the calorie count. The good news is that you don’t have to feel that way anymore. You can eat pizza and still feel great about yourself!
So depending on some of your choices, it can go from quintessential greasy junk food to a healthy combo of fresh ingredients. You can make it at home or get some discounted pizza deals online.
Here Are Some Useful Tips to Make A Healthy Version of Pizza
1. Use Whole Grain Flour for Dough
Dough makes a huge part of your pizza. If you opt for the whole-grain crust, you are going to get a good amount of fiber. According to USDA, a small whole-wheat thin-crust pizza with cheese has over 3 g of fiber.
Meanwhile, a small regular thin-crust pizza with extra cheese has 1.5 g of fiber. So swapping the regular flour with full-grain flour will double up the fiber amount. And that’s how you win your first battle against carbs.
2. opt For Thin Crust
Whether you are making a pizza at home or ordering pizza delivery online, go for thin crust whenever you can. There are so many simple reasons to opt for thin crust.
The most important way it helps you is that you reduce the amount of flour used in the dough. When you are choosing thin crust, your main focus is on the toppings.
3. Use Low Fat Cheese
Choosing the right kind of crust is half of the game because pizza toppings can be super un-healthy if not chosen carefully. The main ingredient in pizza toppings is cheese and it is a fat-rich ingredient.
Although cheese is essential for making a mouth-watering pizza, you can choose healthy versions. Try variations like a 2 percent or part-skim mozzarella or skim ricotta. You can search for low-fat alternatives easily available in your area.
4. Load Up On Healthy Veggies
Think of pizza as a healthy way to top up veggies in your serving. Add as many veggies as you can. They are loaded with minerals and vitamins.
The most basic combinations include tomatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, artichokes, olives, and basil. You can add more or leave out any of them. Take this as an experiment.
5. Choose Lean Protein Over High-Fat Meats
Either you are make it for yourself or order it online, cheese is going to be a good source of protein. But if you want your slice to be a meaty one, opt for lean proteins such as chicken. Avoid fatty meats to keep down the fat content.
Limit the intake of processed meats such as bacon, sausages, and pepperoni. Pepperoni being the most favorite pizza topping in the UK, you have to be careful with what you order. It is not only high in calories but the sodium content is also very high.
6. Spoon On Homemade Sauces
I believe sauces are silent enemies. They add a lot to your calorie count especially if you are using commercially made sauces. The best approach is to invest your time in homemade sauces.
Tomatoes are enriched with healthy nutrients along with lycopene. It is an antioxidant that is considered a very important nutrient to prevent your body cells from damage.
It has also been linked to reducing the chances of strokes and cancers. Keep in mind that red sauces are always a better option than creamier ones.
7. Add More Spices
Keep your pantry filled up with spices and herbs. They not only improve digestion but increase metabolism. Fresh chilies and red peppers better complement the subtle flavors like a tomato.
These are some of the tips to make a yummy yet healthy pizza meal. Keep the above-mentioned tips in your mind whether you make it in your home or are ordering from a commercial pizza place.
8. Cut Out the Guilt and Do This!
And we are not done yet. There are some simple and easy ways to make your slice of pizza even healthier.
9. Pair Your Slice with Healthy Salads
The best way is to pair it up with salads. If you have a bowl full of salad in front of you, you are more likely to reduce your serving size.
10. Eat Slowly and Savor Every Bite of It
Mindful eating is something you should make a part of your life. Eat every bite of your meal slowly and savor the flavors.
11. Mind Your Portions!
Even the healthiest foods can affect your diet regime if they are taken in large quantities. Pay attention to the portion size.
Also Read: Best Quick Dinner Meal Recipes: Use Faasos Coupons For Discount and Offers
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