Pizza is sometimes associated with being a greasy, overly cheese-filled comfort food, but culinary experts assure us that it’s not always that way.
Pizza may be a quick and easy dinner option that satisfies cravings and is good for the whole family.
Two trained dietitians provided Fox News Digital with advice on how to choose a healthier pizza as well as which typical toppings to steer clear of.
Learn how to elevate your next dish to a “slice above” the competition.
1. Pick a better crust
Think about using a whole wheat or vegetable-based crust for your next pizza.
“Moving from a traditional white flour crust to a whole wheat or veggie-based crust is a game-changer,” stated Raleigh, North Carolina registered dietician Hallee Acquanita, MS.
She pointed out that whole wheat crusts are high in fibre, which promotes better digestion and prolongs feelings of fullness.
“Fibre also stabilises blood sugar levels, making it a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake,” Acquanita concluded.
Similarly, vegetable-based crusts, like those made with cauliflower and zucchini, usually have less calories and carbs.
A thinner crust can also be a successful tactic for making a healthy pizza pie.
“Although ‘deep dish pizza’ is a delicious American favourite, it is also much more calorie dense than a regular crust, and thin crust is even less,” Acquanita said.
This easy substitution can also lower your carbohydrate intake.
2. Load up on veggies
Frequently used veggies like spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes provide your pizza taste and nutrition without adding unnecessary calories.
“Topping a pizza with veggies provides not only a variety of flavours, but also vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to the meal,” Acquanita stated.
For some added zing, you can even get fruit on your pizza.
For instance, pineapple might give your food a little sweetness.
3. Choose lean proteins
Acquanita advised avoiding highly processed foods like pepperoni and sausage in favour of leaner proteins like turkey, ground beef, or chicken.
“Lean proteins are lower in saturated fats — fats that can lead to high cholesterol levels and increase overall risk for heart disease,” she stated.
Plant-based options like tofu can help vegetarians get more protein in their diet.
4. Lower the cheese content
Cheese is one of the finest portions of a pizza for a lot of people.
But even while cheese tastes great, Acquanita warned that it’s heavy in calories and saturated fat.
“Consider asking for ‘light cheese’ or opting for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella or feta,” said Acquanita.
With only one substitution, you can dramatically lower your intake of saturated fat and total calories, which is very beneficial for heart health.
5. Add fresh herbs
Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano to your pizza to enhance its flavour profile.
These strengthen the nutritional value and improve the flavour.
“Herbs are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health,” Acquanita stated.
6. Consider the size of your slices
Reducing the size of your pizza can be a better option.
“Going from a large to a medium pizza can save close to 100 calories per slice right from the start,” said Kelly Homesley, a registered dietitian with Novant Health Bariatric Solutions in Charlotte, North Carolina. “The slices in a medium pizza are smaller than the slices in a large pizza.”
Homesley said most people pay more attention to the quantity of slices selected and less attention to the size of each slice.
7. Pass on creamy dipping sauces
Pizza is sometimes served with ranch or blue cheese sauces for dipping.
“This can add up to 250 calories to your meal (or more depending on how much you use) and a lot of extra fat,” Homesley stated.
She advised going with marinara sauce as a much lower calorie option if you do want to have a dip with your pizza.
Other ways to enhance a pizza dinner
Adding the perfect side dish or compliment to your pizza feast can make it even better.
Here are some suggestions for improving your go-to pizza dinner.
Add a salad to complete your meal. Reduce how many slices you would normally have. Rather, incorporate a high-fiber salad with an abundance of vegetables and a reduced-calorie vinaigrette dressing, said Homesley.
Give it some crunch. A high-protein dip like hummus is a great addition to a plate of raw vegetables.
Add some fruit to finish. She added that if you’re still hungry, have some fresh fruit—which is high in fibre and nutrients—after your dinner rather than a typical dessert.
