Pizza, a staple in the United States, is celebrated all year long. Statistics say Americans consume about 350 slices of pizza every second, which makes pizza one of America’s most-loved foods. Special attention is given to the dish on Pizza Pie Day which takes place on February 9th each year. It is not a coincidence that one of the busiest delivery and pizza eating days in the the year falls on Super Bowl Sunday.
Pizza, enjoyed by all generations, is associated with parties and celebrations. Unfortunately, pizza can be a trigger for consuming excessive calories. It is no secret that there is a huge difference between eating a single slice of pie with a salad to consuming several pieces of pizza, topped with meats, washed down with soda or wine. The good news is that pizza can be part of a healthy diet.
Pizza’s nutritional value can vary widely, depending on a variety of factors – from the thickness of the crust to the type and number of toppings. A dietitian’s rule of thumb is that pizza has about 80 calories an ounce. With that said, a slice of veggie pizza weighs less than a slice of meat lovers pie with stuffed crust. One 14-inch pizza can have over 2,000 calories which is more than some people should be consuming in a day. As always, moderation plays a huge role when enjoying this beloved dish.
If you are a pizza lover and you want to make sure you are eating pizza in the most nutritious way, here are some ideas to consider:
- Opt for a thin-crust pizza instead of a deep-dish pie.
- Have your pizza sliced in 10 or 12 pieces instead of the traditional 8. This way, 2- 3 pieces of pizza won’t be a guilt trip.
- Skip the stuffed pizza crusts and dipping sauces.
- Avoid the “extra cheese” trap. Try a tomato pie that is light on the cheese.
- Enjoy your slice of pizza with a side salad or cooked vegetables.
- Top your pizza with lean protein, like chicken strips, instead of processed meat, like pepperoni.
- Choose vegetables or fruit (like pineapple) as flavorful toppings.
- Try cauliflower, zucchini or chickpea-crust pizza for more fiber.
- If you like classic crust, opt for whole-grain dough instead of white.
Or try any one of these great recipes:
For a thin-crust pizza that can be ready in minutes, make this Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Whole grain flat breads make an easy crust. For a less spicy Buffalo chicken, hold off or cut down on the hot sauce.
This Arugula Ricotta Pizza features whole grain flatbreads topped with ricotta cheese, cherry tomatoes and fresh arugula. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a healthy, high protein, high fiber pizza in just minutes.
Whether looking to lower carbs, need a gluten free option or just want more veggies in your diet, this Fresh Tomato Spinach Cauliflower Pizza is the answer. Making a cauliflower crust is not difficult, but you can always purchase a pre-made cauliflower crust in the frozen food section at McCaffrey’s.
While cauliflower crust has taken off, keep in mind zucchini can be used as a crust as well. This Veggie Zucchini Crust Pizza topped with cheese, fresh tomatoes, peppers and onions is also worth taking a bite out of. The key to working with zucchini is to make sure it is drained and wrung dry. Taking this extra step will make the difference between a soggy crust and crisp and tasty one.
When the kids come home “starving,” make these easy Pita Pizzas in less than 15 minutes. These quick pita pizzas are a healthy snack that will keep them satisfied till dinner. Or, pair these pita pizzas with a healthy side of salad or veggies and call it a meal!
For a quick meal, pick up a store-bought pizza crust. The best part of bake-at-home pizza is that you can dress it up with all your favorite toppings. This healthy cheese-less Veggie Pizza is stopped with hummus, squash and zucchini. But ultimately, the topping are your choice!
