Do you find yourself dreaming about a slice of pizza loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and four kinds of cheese? While that sounds incredible, it might not sit well with your heart or your bathroom scale. So, can you give in to your pizza craving without wrecking your diet? Believe it or not, healthy pizza is a real thing!
Most people think of pizza as the ultimate cheat meal, something to avoid when trying to lose weight or eat healthily. But pizza lovers, rejoice! You don’t have to miss out. By choosing the right toppings, you can enjoy a delicious, balanced pizza that fits into your weight loss or muscle-building plan. Here’s how you can have your pizza and eat it too.
### High-Quality Pizza Toppings
#### Ham
Ham is a fantastic pizza topping because it’s high in protein and low in fat compared to sausage, bacon, or ground beef. With only about seven grams of fat per three-ounce serving, it easily fits into your daily fat budget.
#### Parmesan Cheese
No pizza is complete without cheese. If you want to keep it healthy, consider using parmesan cheese. Often overlooked, parmesan is a great alternative to regular cheese, offering higher protein and lower fat content. It’s also rich in calcium, although it doesn’t have the same texture as mozzarella.
#### Low-Fat Cheese
If parmesan isn’t your thing, and you prefer the stringy texture of traditional mozzarella, low-fat cheese is your friend. It’s lower in fat and calories but higher in protein compared to regular parmesan and mozzarella—ideal if you’re cutting down on meat.
#### Tomato Sauce
Most pizzas already come with tomato sauce, but adding a little extra can be beneficial. Rich in lycopene, tomato sauce may help prevent cancers of the lungs, stomach, and prostate. Plus, it’s low in calories, with only 79 calories per cup.
#### Pineapple
For a sweet twist, add pineapple. One cup gives you more than 100% of your daily recommended intake of manganese, which boosts energy. Pineapple is also rich in Vitamins C and E, which support good eyesight and a strong immune system.
### Guilt-Free Pizza Topping Combinations
1. **Gruyere Cheese, Bacon, Buffalo Mince, and BBQ Sauce**
These toppings not only taste amazing but are also guilt-free. The cheese and buffalo mince are high in leucine, which helps build muscle. BBQ sauce made from tomatoes is rich in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals produced during workouts. This combo beats a protein shake any day!
2. **Light Mozzarella, Beef, and Black Pepper**
Light mozzarella saves you calories while offering casein, a protein that aids in fat loss. Small amounts of saturated fat from beef help maintain muscle mass. Black pepper can help control your appetite, so you’re less likely to overeat.
3. **Bacon, Pineapple, and Sweetcorn**
We’ve already mentioned the benefits of pineapple. Add bacon (preferably nitrate-free to avoid harmful chemicals) and sweetcorn, which contains anti-aging ferulic acid, to make your pizza even more delicious and nutritious.
With these topping ideas, you can enjoy pizza night without the guilt. Happy eating!