Did you know that one slice of pizza contains an average of 285 calories in the United States?
Depending on the toppings, dough, and amount you eat, these calories can dramatically rise.
If you are wanting to improve your health and make wiser decisions about what goes in your body, there are substitutions that you can make.
Continue reading to discover the easiest ways for eating healthier pizza so that you can enjoy more than just a slice!
Load up on Veggies
If you are considering eating healthier pizza, the easiest way to do so is by loading up on veggies.
Getting a variety of vegetables on pizza can increase the number of nutrients and vitamins that your body receives. Many people add peppers, mushrooms, and onions to improve the flavor. Other great veggie toppings are broccoli, eggplant, and fresh tomatoes.
When you add a lot of veggies to the pizza, it becomes more filling and you are less likely to get full on bread and sides. Check your local pizza place to see if they have a veggie lover’s pizza so that you don’t have to pay for each topping individually.
Not only will the veggies provide you with more nutrients, but they will also increase your fiber intake. The fiber helps contribute to the feeling of being full and prevents you from overeating.
Stick With Whole Grain Dough
Whether you are ordering in or making your pizza at home, consider getting whole grain dough.
Whole grain dough is much healthier than all-purpose flour dough. All-purpose flour can have negative effects on the digestive system and lead to gastric problems. It is also higher in sugar and fat, which can impact your liver.
Whole grain doughs provide a lot of fiber, which can improve your digestive functioning. Another reason to stick with whole grain dough is that it has more protein and flavor. Whole grain flour consists of endosperm, germ, and bran, which are all beneficial to the body.
Many people don’t realize the difference when they get whole grain dough versus all-purpose. This makes it easy to substitute and your kids won’t even notice!
Try Cauliflower Crust
Many people are getting cauliflower crust because it is safe for people with gluten allergies and it tastes great!
Cauliflower crust is an easy way to increase your vegetable intake for the day. It is filled with healthy carbs and vitamins that your body can function off of. The best part about this crust is that it is much fewer calories than all-purpose flour crust.
However, don’t let this crust fool you. It is still abundant in flavor and can be seasoned any way that you like.
If you are looking for the best pizza Boise id has to offer check out their Fun Guy pizza made with cauliflower crust. Pizza restaurants are using cauliflower crust because it is a popular option amongst consumers.
Limit Meat & Get Lean Choices
Choosing between different pizza toppings can be difficult if you are given a lot of options.
When it comes to selecting your choice of protein, try to get lean meats. Pepperoni, beef, and pork can have negative effects on your health. It is best to put chicken, turkey, or seafood on your pizza to get the most benefits.
Lean meats have less sodium, fat, and calories. When compared to other types of meat, these are much healthier and won’t affect your weight and heart health as much. If you can’t get away from putting beef or pepperoni on your pizza, just ask for half the amount to save on calories.
Get Light Cheese
A major contributor to unhealthy pizzas is the amount of cheese and the types of cheese used on pizza.
If you are wanting to make healthier decisions, ask for light cheese on your next order. You can also limit the amount of cheese when you make a homemade pizza in the kitchen. Cutting back on cheese will help limit your caloric intake and reduce saturated fats.
Look for cheeses that are packed with protein and calcium so that you can get the most benefits from eating them. Mozzarella that is 2% and skim ricotta are excellent choices if you have the option. Whole milk cheeses tend to have more fat and calories, with less calcium.
- Order Fresh Options
Go With Thin Crust
The thin pizza crust is a great way to reduce caloric intake and improve your health.
Most pizza places have thin crust options because they have become so popular over the past few years. The thin crust has fewer calories because there is less dough that you are consuming. If you typically order deep dish pizzas or stuffed crust, you should consider making this change.
The best part about thin crust pizza is that you can fill up on the tasty toppings, cheese, and sauce. Standard dough converts to sugars once you consume it, which can contribute to clogged arteries and weight gain.
Many people like the thin crust option because it helps balance out the flavors and proportion of sauce and cheese to crust ratio.
Eating Healthier Pizza Is Worth It
Pizza is one of the most consumed foods around the world because it is so delicious and versatile.
If you are considering eating healthier pizza, there are many ways to do so. By changing out the crust for thin, cauliflower, or whole-grain options, you can cut a lot of calories. Loading up your pie with veggies is another great way to increase the nutrition of pizza.
Switching out some of the standard ingredients can make you feel less guilty when you go to grab that third or fourth slice. Don’t be afraid to talk to your local pizza shops to see if they can accommodate your needs.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about the best way to eat pizza and how to make meals healthier!
