It is so unfortunate to really have to whole heartedly come to terms with the fact that pizza, one of the most commonly consumed food items in America, and definitely the most adored, is not at all healthy for you. Pizza from the ever popular parlors such as Pizza Hut and Dominoes, that is. We’ve all curtailed around the fact that our most favored food has healthy ingredients and seems to be so well rounded; offering vegetables (tomato sauce), protein (cheese and possibly meat toppings), and a source of energy-fueling carbohydrates plus possibly a beneficial grain (crust). And of course, we take pleasure in justifying that if vegetable toppings are selected when ordering; it is simply all the better. Uplifting pizza as a prime dietary choice is simply a fairytale that exists in an attempt to diminish the guilt of consumption.
First, here is a breakdown of some important aspects to consider that clearly weigh against indulging in the delish dish. Studies acknowledge that an average slice of pizza packs approximately 300 calories (give or take) and adds an unfortunately large amount of fat. The kicker here is the heightened levels of saturated fats-the bad fats (though not as bad as trans fats). It has been established that eating three slices of the most popular pizza from the infamous Pizza Hut (pan pizza with pepperoni topping) infuses about 690 calories, 1,620 mg of sodium, and 33 grams of fat, including a whopping 13 grams of saturated fat. Indulging in just two slices of the hard-to-deny stuffed crust pizza increases your intake of saturated fats to 25 grams! No matter how much you exercise, developing a dietary habit of this type of high caloric and fatty intake will only lead to an unhealthy, expanding body.
The reality is most people simply are unwilling to give pizza up entirely. Even the healthiest individuals feel the urge to splurge every so often. Well, thankfully there is some good news to top off your pizza cravings. The truth is: you can come to a compromise with pizza. There are a handful of ways to alter your pizza intake while still finding a balance in nutrients and less calories/fat.
One of the most important ingredients to modify is the cheese. The reason pizza is so high in calories and so saturated in fat is directly due to the amount of cheese. Swapping regular cheese for low fat cheese will dramatically reduce the intake of such unwelcome waist expanders. Reducing the amount of cheese you top your pizza with will also directly correlate with the reduction of fat and calories, and of course; blotting your pizza can aid in slimming your slice by about 15%. Swapping the refined white flour to whole wheat flour will up the ante in antioxidants and increase the overall nutritional value of the pizza. It will also aid regularity and keep you feeling fuller longer. Adding vegetables will add nutrients, antioxidants, and a healthier diet. That is a no brainer. And if you simply cannot part ways with that greasy full-of-flavor pepperoni, add just one or two pieces per slice.
There are, however, better alternatives such as turkey pepperoni that still taste great. There is no doubt that a homemade pizza allows you to control the quality as well as the quantity of the ingredients you are going to consume. It is the only way to truly be able to comfortably indulge in a “healthy” pizza.
Still, when you are out and pizza is heavily calling your name, try to refrain from eating the whole pie. Eat a salad first and drink plenty of water in order to fill you up a bit, blot each slice with napkins to soak up the grease, and try to order your toppings consciously. There will always be a time and place for pizza. If you are concerned with your health, and want to make the right decision, let that time and place be at home when you can make it yourself.
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