A Better Slice Starts With Smarter Choices
Pizza might not be the healthiest food in the world, but that doesn't mean you can't make smart adjustments so it better fits your goals. With the right crust, toppings, portions, and sides, you can turn it into something balanced, filling, and still very satisfying. Here are just 20 ways you can make pizza a healthier meal you don't have to say no to.
1. Choose A Whole-Wheat Crust
Compared to your standard white-flour crust, a whole-wheat version can give your pizza more fiber, which helps make the meal more filling. The best part is, after all the sauce and toppings go on, you won't even notice this small healthy swap.
2. Go Thin Instead Of Thick
If you're a fan of a thick, doughy base, unfortunately, you won't like hearing this point. A thin crust is a healthier way to go because it keeps the meal lighter, lowers the overall calorie count, and reduces the amount of extra refined carbs. But don't worry, you still get the full pizza experience.
3. Use A Lighter Hand With Cheese
Cheese is one of the best parts of pizza, but it's also one of the unhealthiest, highest-calorie parts. When you use a lighter amount, you get to keep that creamy, savory taste without turning the whole dish into something overly rich.
4. Add Plenty Of Vegetables
Vegetables are one of the easiest ways to make pizza more balanced without making it feel strict. Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, and broccoli all add texture, color, and nutrients, and when you pile them on, the pizza feels heartier while still staying fresh and enjoyable.
5. Pick Lean Protein Toppings
Reduce the amount of saturated fats in your pizza by choosing leaner protein options like grilled chicken, turkey, and shrimp over pepperoni and sausage. Yes, we know those are classic ingredients, but this is the best way to better balance health with a dish as indulgent as pizza.
6. Swap Pepperoni For Turkey Pepperoni
Speaking of pepperoni, we know this beloved ingredient has a big flavor, but they're also incredibly high in sodium and saturated fat. A good swap is to use turkey pepperoni instead, which gives you a similar taste while often being a lighter option.
7. Try A Cauliflower Crust
If you really want something lower in carbs and healthier as a whole, cauliflower crust can be a helpful option. No, it's not going taste like dough, but it is a great way to add in more vegetables to the meal! You'd be surprised by how great it tastes with bright sauces, herbs, and grilled veggies too.
8. Use Tomato Sauce Instead Of Cream Sauce
The beautiful thing about pizza is it can come in a variety of different sauces, but if you're watching your health, definitely opt for tomato bases instead of creamy sauces. It's the far lighter option that still gives you the taste you know and love.
9. Watch The Sodium In Store-Bought Ingredients
Pizza can become salty very quickly because the sauce, cheese, meats, olives, and packaged crusts all typically contain high amounts of sodium. To counter this, choosing lower-sodium sauce or rinsing salty toppings like olives can make a real difference.
10. Make Your Own Dough
Pizza dough actually contributes to a lot of the unhealthiness in store-bought, fast-food pizza, which is why if you really want to make it healthier, make your own! By using whole wheat flour, reducing added sugar, and keeping the crust thinner, you get more control over the nutritional value.
Nadya Spetnitskaya on Unsplash
11. Add Fresh Herbs For Flavor
Fresh basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme are a great way to make pizza taste more exciting without adding extra fat or salt. Herbs help brighten heavier toppings and can make simple ingredients feel more finished for a satisfying bite.
12. Use Part-Skim Mozzarella
Part-skim mozzarella gives you the best of both worlds by still providing that classic melted cheese texture while reducing some of the richness found in full-fat versions. It still stretches, browns, and tastes familiar, so the pizza doesn’t feel like a compromise!
13. Add A Side Salad
Sometimes, it can help not just to make the pizza healthier itself, but to also pair it with other healthy foods that reduce how much of it you eat. A side salad for instance can turn pizza into a fuller, fresher meal without needing extra slices to feel satisfied.
14. Keep Processed Meats To A Minimum
At the end of the day, if you really can't resist using sausage, bacon, ham, and pepperoni, at the very least, monitor how much you use. Small amounts can help keep all that extra saturated fat and sodium at bay!
15. Add Beans Or Lentils
This might sound a bit strange, and it's definitely not traditional, but adding beans and lentils to your pizza can add fiber, protein, and a hearty texture. White beans work well with spinach, garlic, tomatoes, and a small amount of cheese, while lentils can also be seasoned and spread lightly over the crust for a filling, plant-based option.
16. Try A Pita Or Flatbread Base
A whole grain pita or flatbread can make a quick, portion-friendly pizza that’s easy to build at home. The macros and nutrients tend to be better than pizza dough, and since it's already sized for you, it can help you avoid accidentally making a much larger portion than you intended.
Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash
17. Load Up On Mushrooms
Mushrooms are an underrated pizza ingredient that bring a savory flavor and meaty texture with added health bonuses. They work well with onions, spinach, roasted peppers, and lean meats, making it both good for your diet and health.
18. Use Avocado After Baking
Avocado can add creaminess and healthy fats when used in a sensible amount. It’s best added after the pizza comes out of the oven so it stays fresh and smooth, and is a much better alternative than adding on more cheese.
19. Be Smart With Portion Sizes
Even a healthier pizza can become too much if the portions keep growing. Serving yourself a couple of slices with vegetables, salad, or soup on the side can make the meal feel more complete. Just remember to pace yourself and monitor just how many slices you're eating.
20. Make It At Home More Often
At the end of the day, even if you choose healthier toppings, homemade pizza will always be healthier than any store-bought ones. After all, it gives you the most control over crust, sauce, cheese, toppings, and serving size! Just choose better ingredients and you can still make something that tastes fun enough for a weekend dinner.
KEEP ON READING
20 Natural Ways You Can Boost Your Immune System
20 Ways To De-stress & Relax After Work
The 10 Most Common Diseases & The 10 Most Rare
