Americans eat an average of 46 slices of pizza and year, and it can be healthy, or not so healthy. Avoiding greasy junk food pizza and opting for healthy, fresh ingredients is a wonderful way to celebrate National Pizza Day!
One healthy option for pizza is to choose a whole grain crust. It is still delicious and adds some extra fiber and protein to your meal.
Another way to make your pizza healthier is to avoid the extra cheese option when ordering. If making your pizza at home, you can even use lighter cheeses by using a less fat variety of mozzarella.
Throw on the veggies – when out, order up your pizza with your favorite veggies to bulk up on flavor and on nutrition. When making pizza at home, we always love throwing on whatever veggies we have in the fridge. Use them raw or cook them up. Somehow, it always tastes delicious! Caramelized onions are my favorite but sometimes apple slices are a yummy change! And then of course, there is always the debate about pizza with pineapples…
Pizza is so easy to eat… or overeat! Pay attention to portions and while the “big slice” pizza joints are always popular in the shore towns we often visit, huge slices are definitely overkill for a normal meal.
If you are a meat eater, chose leaner meats when making your own pizza at home. It’s harder to control this aspect at a pizza joint though so maybe stay away from fatty meats all together when out. When home, lean meat, grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey sausage, or turkey bacon are great options!
A great thing to pare with your pizza is a salad! It’ll help fill you up while adding the nutritional benefits you might not be getting otherwise. Even with veggies on your pizza, this is a great way to make it a healthy meal!
When making your pizza at home, sauce from a jar is filled with sodium and other preservative. Try making your own sauce or checking out a healthier sauce like pesto, (my favorite!) or olive oil and garlic!
Spice it up! Flavor up your favorite pizza with red pepper flakes, tomatoes, fresh garlic, herbs and more!
So, there are thousands of ways to celebrate your National Pizza Day and all can be delicous! Enjoy!!!