So many of us love pizza, that 94% of Americans eat it on a regular basis. With the new year in full swing, health is a priority and it’s on everybody’s mind. But don’t despair, friends. You can eat healthy without having to remove the occasional slice or two from your diet. Here are some tips that help you do just that.
Watch Your Crust Intake
Lots of places have trendy crusts that can load on lots of extra salt, oil and calories. Avoid things like stuffed crust, garlic-seasoned crust, deep dish, cheesy crust and others. Stick with a regular pizza crust to keep the carbs and other enemies of fitness down.
On the same note, you might want to skip the side of breadsticks or garlic bread. Pizza gets a lot of negative attention, but the appetizers you have beforehand also add to your calorie and fat intake.
Cheese is Your Friend
Contrary to what you may think, some cheeses are pretty healthy. Mozzarella cheese is naturally lower in fat, including saturated fat, than other popular cheeses, so this is a big help. Just make sure not to add extra cheese (and if you don’t mind it you can even request light cheese). You don’t want too much of a good thing.
Many places, including Pizza Parma, offer feta cheese for pizza too, another healthier cheese. Or you can opt out of the stringy cheese and go for parmesan—It’s got a great flavor with a lot less bad stuff.
Don’t Be Afraid of Toppings
The default pizza topping of choice is, of course, pepperoni. But don’t forget the rest. Toppings like pepperoni and sausage can add oil and fat to your meal, but there are plenty of other health-conscious options that taste delicious. If you really want a meaty protein, ham and diced chicken are better choices. Mushrooms also add protein and flavor without all the bad stuff.
Most veggies contain far fewer calories and often no fat. Sliced tomatoes, onions, broccoli and peppers are some of the healthiest, and they all have fiber and both vitamins A and C. Spinach is a powerhouse of health and really packs a flavor punch on pizza, pairing well with feta. And don’t forget the garlic! So much flavor with such little fat.
Create Your Healthy Pizza at Pizza Parma
At Pizza Parma, we have all the ingredients you need to make a healthy and delicious pizza. Check out our full menu to see all your options. We’ve also got a variety of salads to get your greens in and help you eat healthy. Don’t worry about missing out on your favorite dish in the new year. We’ve got you covered.