When it comes to pizza, it’s hard to turn down a slice of cheesy goodness.
But is pizza really a healthy choice? Many people are wondering how they can enjoy pizza without compromising on their health.
In this article, we’ll examine five healthy options to choose from and offer up some tips on how to make pizza a more nutritious meal.
From thin crust pizzas to plant-based alternatives, you’ll find something that fits your dietary needs.
Read on to discover which pizza is the healthiest!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
There is no one pizza that is universally considered healthy.
Choosing a pizza with a thin crust and topping it with vegetables and lean meats can make it a healthier option than a pizza with a thick crust and processed meats.
Additionally, opting for whole wheat crust and light cheese can also help make a pizza healthier.
Ultimately, it is important to consider the ingredients used to make the pizza when determining how healthy it is.
Thin Crust Pizzas
When it comes to eating pizza in a healthy way, thin crust pizzas are often the best option.
Thin crust pizzas provide the same delicious flavor as their thicker counterparts, but with fewer calories and fat.
Thin crust pizzas are made with a dough that is rolled out thinly and baked quickly, resulting in a light, crispy crust that’s still full of flavor.
Topping a thin crust pizza with fresh vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat cheeses can make it even healthier.
Additionally, opting for a whole wheat or whole grain crust will also provide added nutrition and fiber.
When ordering a thin crust pizza, consider asking for a light layer of sauce and cheese, as this will help keep the calories and fat content low.
Additionally, avoid greasy, processed meats and cheeses, such as pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese, as these can quickly add up in terms of calories and fat.
Instead, opt for lean meats such as chicken and turkey, and fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions to top your pizza.
Making a thin crust pizza at home can also help you ensure it’s a healthy option.
Start with a whole wheat or whole grain crust and top it with fresh vegetables and lean meats.
You can also experiment with different types of cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, to add extra flavor without adding too many calories.
Homemade thin crust pizzas are a great way to get creative with your toppings and create a delicious, nutritious meal.
Whole Grain Crusts
When it comes to choosing a healthy pizza, one of the most important factors is the type of crust used.
Many pizza makers now offer a range of crusts to choose from, including thin, deep-dish, and whole grain varieties.
Of these, whole grain crusts are the best choice for those looking for a nutritious meal.
Whole grain crusts are made from grains such as wheat, oats, barley, or rye, which are all rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
In addition, whole grain crusts contain complex carbohydrates, which are digested slower than simple carbohydrates, meaning they can provide sustained energy for a longer period of time.
This makes whole grain crusts an excellent choice for a healthy pizza, as they are filling and provide sustained energy for a longer period of time.
Greasy Toppings to Avoid
When it comes to choosing a healthy pizza, it’s important to avoid greasy, unhealthy toppings.
Greasy toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, and bacon contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium that can contribute to poor health.
These toppings can also increase the calorie count of your pizza, meaning it is not as healthy as it could be.
If you are trying to make a healthier pizza, opt for leaner meats such as chicken or turkey, or go for a vegetarian option.
Additionally, you should avoid processed meats such as deli meats, as these can also be high in sodium and fat.
Finally, opt for low-fat cheeses to further reduce the fat and calorie content of your pizza.
Vegetables as a Healthy Topping Choice
When choosing a healthy pizza, vegetables should always be top of mind as an excellent topping choice.
Not only do vegetables provide a range of important vitamins and minerals, but they also offer a low-calorie way to add flavor and texture to your pizza.
From zucchini and bell peppers to spinach and mushrooms, vegetables can be sliced and diced to create a delicious topping that helps to make your pizza healthier.
When selecting veggies to top your pizza, try to opt for fresh ingredients, as they are more nutrient-dense and often have more flavor than canned or frozen options.
Additionally, when possible, try to add veggies that are in season, as they are likely to be at their peak flavor and freshness.
Finally, to make sure your pizza is as healthy as possible, be sure to opt for lean meats and low-fat cheese as well.
Lean Meats for Added Protein
When it comes to making a healthier pizza, choosing lean meats can be a great option.
Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and lean beef are all high in protein and low in fat, making them a great choice for a nutritious pizza topping.
These lean meats are also versatile and can be seasoned or marinated in a variety of ways.
This means you can enjoy a variety of flavors with your pizza while still keeping it healthy.
For vegetarians, there are also plenty of lean meat alternatives such as tofu or seitan that can provide the same protein benefits.
Additionally, you can also add other nutrient-rich toppings such as mushrooms, peppers, and onions to your pizza for added nutrition.
Low-Fat Cheese Options
When it comes to choosing a healthy pizza, opting for a low-fat cheese is a great way to go.
Low-fat cheeses have a lower fat content than regular cheese, so they are a much healthier option.
For example, mozzarella is one of the most popular cheese choices for pizza, but you can also opt for other low-fat cheese options such as feta, ricotta, or goat cheese.
These cheese varieties are all lower in fat than mozzarella, and they also provide a unique flavor to your pizza.
Additionally, these cheeses are often less processed than regular cheese, which can help you make a healthier choice.
For an extra boost of health benefits, you can even opt for a vegan cheese option, such as Daiya, which is made from vegan ingredients.
Plant-Based Alternatives
If youre looking for a healthy pizza option, plant-based alternatives are a great choice.
Not only are they delicious, but theyre packed with nutrients and fiber.
Plus, they dont contain any animal products, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
When selecting a plant-based pizza, look for one made with a whole-wheat crust, as this will provide extra vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, top your pizza with all sorts of veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, and onions.
These will provide extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost your health.
To make it even healthier, you can opt for vegan cheese instead of regular cheese.
This will reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories in the pizza and will also add a unique flavor.
Finally, you can also add some legumes like black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans to your pizza.
These are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber, and theyll give your pizza an extra boost of nutrition.
With all these delicious and nutritious toppings, youll be sure to make a delicious and healthy pizza!
Final Thoughts
Eating pizza can be a healthy option if you choose wisely.
Thin crust pizzas with fresh vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat cheese are great choices.
Whole grain crusts are an added bonus for extra health benefits.
Greasy toppings and processed meats should be avoided, and plant-based alternatives are a great option for those looking for a vegetarian option.
With so many healthy pizza choices to choose from, there’s no reason to let your pizza cravings go unsatisfied!
