Pizza is one of the most popular foods in America and across much of the world. It’s no surprise given its delicious combination of dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings.

But with all that deliciousness comes a lot of calories, fat, and carbs, which can make it a less-than-ideal choice for anyone trying to watch their diet. Luckily, there are ways to make pizza healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Choose a Thin Crust

The first step to making a healthier pizza is to choose a thin crust. Many restaurants and fast-food chains offer a thick or deep-dish crust, but these types of crusts can be high in calories and carbs.

A thin crust, on the other hand, is lower in calories and carbs, which makes it a better choice for anyone trying to be health-conscious.

Use Whole Wheat Flour

Another way to make pizza healthier is to use whole wheat flour when making the dough. Whole wheat flour is higher in fiber and nutrients than white flour, which means it’s better for your body.

Plus, it adds a nutty and hearty flavor to the crust, which can make your pizza taste even better.

Limit the Cheese

Cheese is one of the main ingredients in pizza, but it’s also one of the highest in calories and fat. To make your pizza healthier, limit the amount of cheese you use.

Instead of drowning your pizza in cheese, try using a smaller amount of a strong cheese like feta or Parmesan. Or, skip the cheese altogether and load up on vegetables instead.

Add More Vegetables

Speaking of vegetables, adding more of them to your pizza is another great way to make it healthier. Vegetables are low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also add a lot of flavor and texture to your pizza.

Some great vegetables to add to your pizza include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

Watch the Toppings

Toppings can make or break your pizza’s health factor. Some toppings, like pepperoni and sausage, can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. To keep your pizza healthy, choose lean protein sources like grilled chicken or shrimp.

You can also add healthy fats like avocado or olives, and flavorful herbs like basil or oregano, which can enhance the flavor of your pizza without adding a lot of calories.

Make Your Own Sauce

Many store-bought pizza sauces can be high in added sugars and sodium, which can make your pizza less healthy. To avoid these added ingredients, consider making your own pizza sauce from scratch.

You can use canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano to create a flavorful and healthy sauce.

Consider Alternative Crusts

If you’re really serious about making your pizza healthier, consider alternative crusts. There are many options to choose from, including cauliflower crust, chickpea crust, and even zucchini crust.

These options are often lower in carbs and calories than traditional wheat crust and can be a great way to get more vegetables into your diet.

Practice Portion Control

Even if you make your pizza as healthy as possible, it’s important to practice portion control. Pizza can be high in calories and carbs, so it’s easy to overdo it.

To keep your pizza healthy, try to stick to one or two slices and fill up on a side salad or vegetable dish instead.

Conclusion

Pizza doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure if you make it healthier.

By choosing a thin crust, using whole wheat flour, limiting the cheese, adding more vegetables, watching the toppings, making your own sauce, considering alternative crusts, and practicing portion control, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy pizza that won’t derail your diet.