Crust Options To Make Your Pizza Healthier

Let’s face it: everyone loves pizza. The average America eats 46 slices of pizza per year. As a country, we scarf down 3 billion pizzas per year (which makes up a third of the global pizza consumption). It’s no wonder 17% of all the restaurants in America are pizzerias. There are literally thousands of pizzerias just in NYC alone. And if you’re a boomer, you’re likely contributing to these stunning statistics. Boomers were surveyed which foods they would be most happy to eat at least once every 90 days. Chinese came in 3rd at 60%, seafood came in 2nd at 63%, and of course, pizza came in 1st. More than 69% boomers said that they would be happy to eat burgers and pizza once every 90 days.

One slice of pizza won't hurt, but if you're a pizza lover, it can be hard to stop at once slice. Indulging in your love for pizza can leave you feeling guilty, as you know it's full of saturated fats and carbs. Finding an alternative that makes pizza a little healthier may be the answer. Cheatsheet.com put together a list of options to use the next time you make pizza, so you can reach for your next slice without the guilt. 

1. Whole wheat flour: Swap out white flour for whole wheat flour. It has more fiber and protein and tastes yummy, too.

2. Tortilla: Try using a plain flour tortilla for your base if you don't want to make your crust.

3. Cauliflower: For a gluten-free option, try cauliflower. This veggie is packed with nutrients and vitamins, too.

4. Zucchini: This green crust can give you higher energy levels and improved circulation, and also lead to better digestion.

5. English muffin: Use an English muffin as a simple crust. They come in whole wheat too. Toast it, top it, and bake it. It keeps your portion small, too.

6. Sandwich bread: Try using whole wheat or whole grain bread. Toast it first, then top and bake.

7. Pita bread: Another simple option is to use whole wheat pita bread. It's a good source of fiber and protein and typically is lower in calories that regular bread.

8. Matzo: Matzo is a cracker-like bread with a crunchy texture.

9. Portobello: You can use a portobello mushroom as a crust. Bake the mushroom top for about five minutes, then add your toppings and bake.

More than one third of all pizza orders get pepperoni on their order and the average adult pizza meal amounts to 744 calories. So, do yourself a favor; try some of the tips above, ditch the pepperoni, and load your pizza up with healthy vegetable toppings for an extra punch of healthy.

Hopefully this list intrigues and inspires you. Maybe try them all! Pizza Fridays, anyone?




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