Turning Pizza Into a Healthy Meal
Whether you go for a thin New York slice of cheese or a Chicago deep dish piled high with ingredients, pizza is a food that appeals to people of all ages. But the pizza you choose can make or break your health goals because standard take out pizza can be loaded with salt, fat and calories. However, even when you order from the “greasy spoon” or have a pizza party in your own home, you can turn it into a healthy meal by choosing healthier crusts and toppings.
The reason that pizza is so popular is because it’s a delicious and satisfying snack, lunch or dinner. But it is often associated with greasy fast foods and is a big no-no for health-conscious eaters. But what gives pizza its flavor is actually a complex interaction of chemical reactions.
Pizza was born from utility – it’s a way to take flatbreads that were made in outdoor ovens and top them with readily available ingredients for a portable, quick meal that can be eaten without utensils. It was a popular meal for poorer families in Naples because it provided them with protein and carbohydrates to sustain them throughout the day.
Today, we eat about 3 billion pizzas a year in the United States alone. That’s a lot of dough! Pizza has become a global food that is enjoyed by everyone from royalty to squabbling siblings. Pizza is the perfect meal for people of all ages because it can satisfy kids and adults alike and bring everyone together to laugh, talk and enjoy each other’s company.
If you choose a healthier option of pizza, whether it’s a whole wheat crust or a veggie crust, then you can increase the nutritional value and decrease the fat by adding lots of vegetables to your pie. The body uses fiber to help you feel full, so eating a pizza with vegetables on top of the bread will make you feel satisfied and can lower your cholesterol levels.
Another great way to increase the nutritional value of your pizza is by choosing lean meats for your toppings. When you add meat to your pizza, it adds protein which is essential for building muscles. Protein is also important for energy, and it can help you stay fuller longer.
Finally, the tomato sauce that is found on most pizzas is a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant compound that can help to reduce heart disease risk. It is absorbed more easily by the body when it is cooked, so opting for a tomato-based sauce instead of a creamy or buttery version can help you get more lycopene out of your pizza.
While it’s true that most pizza is not the most healthy choice of meals, it can be enjoyed in moderation and you can make it a much more nutritious meal by choosing a wide variety of vegetable toppings, adding lean meats and opting for whole grains and vegan dairy-free options when possible. You can also try using different types of flour and yeast, as well as making your own homemade sauce.
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