Is there anyone who does not like eating pizza? Hardly, no! This Italian food is enjoyed by people across the globe. Whether gathering for a family get-together or enjoying with a group of friends, pizza always remains to be the centre of attraction.
Pizza is loved by people for a multitude of reasons that extend beyond its mere taste. Pizza is synonymous with flavour and texture, from the crispness of the crust to the gooeyness of the cheese and the tanginess of the tomato sauce. Besides, pizza is known for its versatility, whether it is classic pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and gourmet combinations. Excessive love for this food makes people buy homemade pizza and binge eat it, which results in several health complications like weight gain and is foremost associated with guilt. However, there’s no need to worry. This classic indulgence can be made into a healthy delight with some tweaks.
Here are some tips that can be incorporated into making pizza healthier at home. Take a look at some of them:
- Whole Wheat Crust
Planning a nutritious and healthy homemade pizza doesn’t hurt much. This is the exact reason for you to opt for whole wheat crust for pizza. The whole wheat crust is rich in dietary fibre and provides essential nutrients. Unlike the refined flour crust, which is stripped of its bran and germ layers during processing, whole wheat flour doesn’t undergo processing and offers an array of vitamins and minerals. It also helps to keep the stomach full for longer periods of time and has a hearty texture and nutty flavour.
- Extra Veggie Toppings
Vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, which enhance the health profile of the dish. Load the pizza with bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and olives to increase the fibre content, which promotes fullness and reduces calorie intake. Incorporating a colourful array of veggies not only adds vibrant flavour but also texture to the pizza.
- Lean Protein
To enhance the overall healthiness of homemade pizza, add lean protein, which is loaded with essential nutrients, besides reducing saturated fat and calorie content. Lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, or tofu can be incorporated into the pizza. Unlike high-fat meats like pepperoni or sausage, lean protein toppings help to lower the overall fat content, promoting heart health and weight management.
- Lighter Cheese Options
Lighter cheeses like reduced-fat or part-skim mozzarella contain less saturated fat and calories than their full-fat counterparts. If you reduce the fat content in the cheese, you will not only lower the calorie density of the pizza but also decrease the intake of unhealthy fats, which can lead to various health issues. Besides, lighter cheese options will still provide the creamy texture that cheese lovers crave.
- Homemade Sauce
Homemade sauce significantly contributes to making homemade pizza healthy. Individuals prepare the sauce from scratch, which enables them to have control over the ingredients and allows them to avoid added sugars, excessive salt, and artificial preservatives. Moreover, homemade sauces also allow customisation to adjust flavours to their preference and dietary needs.