We are – rightly so – a nation of pizza lovers.
in fact, YouGov Data show that 1 in 8 Britons choose pizza when choosing takeout, and young adults choose pizza over Indian, Chinese or fish and chips.
The only problem is that pizza tends not to be very light in calories.
In fact, thanks to the doughy base and cheesy top, it can be a high-carb, fat-laden meal.
An American Pizza from a popular British pizza chain has about 1,000 calories, while a Hawaiian Pizza from another British pizza chain has 1,344 calories.
So, looking at your waistline, pizza may not seem like a natural dining option.
Read more about healthy eating
However, nutritionist Harriet Lidgard If you love pizza, you shouldn’t feel like you have to give it up.
If you want to be health conscious when choosing which pizza to order, there are a few things to consider.
The best pizza choices when eating out…
crust
Harriet said:
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“This keeps you feeling full longer and provides more sustained energy throughout the day.”
If you’re calorie-conscious, a thin-crust pizza is the way to go, as it usually has significantly fewer calories than a thicker crust.
Harriet said:
“If you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, a gluten-free crust is a must.
“These crusts are usually made with a combination of gluten-free flours such as rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour.”
As for the stuffed crusts, these are packed with more cheese, so bend them.
Cheese is delicious, but it’s easy to overeat.
If cauliflower crust is an option, this offers a gluten-free, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust.
Harriet said:
cheese
“If you’re looking for a low-fat cheese, choose cottage cheese, feta, goat cheese, or light mozzarella.
“These add flavor and nutritional value to the meal,” says Harriet.
Want more protein? Look for cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Don’t add extra cheese to your pizza. Cheese is delicious, but adding cheese to your pizza can actually increase the calorie and fat content.
topping
Harriet said:
Saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.
She adds: “Saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and cause inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of health problems.”
Many of these processed meats are high in sodium, which can cause bloating and lethargy.
Harriet said:
“Baked and roasted vegetables are low in saturated fat and provide heart-healthy nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals.
“Also, grilling or roasting vegetables can help preserve their nutritional value, but frying can cause some of the nutrients to be lost,” she adds.
Calorie count? Try splitting a pizza with a friend instead, and also order a large side salad for extra nutrients.
Make your own pizza…
Crust…
If you choose to become a pizza maker in your own kitchen, Harriet shares some tips to keep your DIY pizza from feeling overly bloated and heavy.
There are some “healthier” choices when it comes to flour to use for the crust.
Harriet said:
“It also has a lower glycemic index, so it doesn’t spike blood sugar as much as white flour.”
A blood sugar spike can lead to a sudden drop in energy, which can quickly lead to eating more carbs and sugar.
Harriet said:
“It has a slightly sweet flavor and can add a nutty flavor to pizza dough.”
Chickpea flour is high in protein and fiber, making it a good choice for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Harriet said:
The topping is…
Harriet said:
“Provides important nutrients such as lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.
“Making your own is also a great option using onions, garlic, herbs and canned tomatoes.”
Easy cheese…
Harriet said: Cheese is also delicious, but you can get the same taste and satisfaction without overdoing it. ”
100g of mozzarella cheese has about 300 calories and the same weight of cheddar cheese has about 400 calories.
For toppings…
Indulge in vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and tomatoes.
Harriet said:
“Try using a variety of colorful vegetables to make sure you’re getting a variety of nutrients.
“Use lean protein sources like grilled chicken, fish, and tofu instead of high-fat meats like sausage or pepperoni, and use herbs and spices instead of lots of sauces and dressings for flavor. .”
Harriet recommends basil, oregano, garlic, and chili flakes.
You may want to add healthy fats to your homemade pizza for added nutritional benefits.
Pay attention to portion control and use these fats sparingly.
Harriet said:
“Sprinkle a little drizzle over the pizza before baking, or use it to brush the crust.”
Avocados, like nuts, are great pizza toppings and have a crunchy texture.
Harriet said:
“Salmon is also a good source of protein and a great addition to homemade pizza.
“Overall, including pizza in a healthy, balanced diet is all about balance and moderation.
“We don’t want to take away from what we enjoy, but we want to make mindful choices that support our health and wellbeing.”
