Pizza often gets a bad rap as an overly greasy, cheesy comfort food, but it’s not all bad, food experts insist.
Pizza can be a convenient, healthy meal choice for the whole family while satisfying cravings at the same time.
Fox News Digital spoke with two registered dietitians about several ways to choose a healthier pizza, as well as some common toppings to avoid.
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Here’s how to make your next slice a “slice above” the rest.
1. Choose a better crust
For your next pizza, consider choosing a whole wheat or vegetable crust.
“Switching from a traditional white flour crust to a whole wheat or vegetable crust is a game changer,” says Hallee Acquanita, MS, a registered dietitian with Anne Till Nutrition Group in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For your family’s next pizza, choose a crust made with whole wheat or vegetables. Crusts like those made with zucchini and cauliflower tend to be low in carbs and calories. (iStock)
She noted that whole-wheat crusts are high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you fuller longer.
“Fiber also stabilizes blood sugar levels, making it a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake,” Acquanita continues.
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Likewise, vegetable-based crusts such as zucchini and cauliflower crusts tend to be low in carbs and calories.
A simple swap can lower your carb count.
Additionally, choosing a thinner crust can be a winning strategy for a healthier pizza.
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“While thick-crust pizza is a delicious American favorite, it is also much higher in calories than regular crust, and thin crust is even lower,” Acquanita added.
This simple swap can also lower your carb count.
2. Stock up on vegetables
Must-have vegetables like spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes add flavor and nutritional value to your pizza without the extra calories.
“Topping a pizza with vegetables not only brings a variety of flavors, but also vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to the meal,” Acquanita said.
A homemade vegetarian pizza is presented with mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes and spinach. The vegetables not only add a variety of flavors, “but also vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to the meal,” said a nutritionist. (iStock)
You can also order fruit on your pizza for a little extra spice.
Pineapple, for example, can add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
3. Choose lean proteins
Avoid highly processed meats like sausage and pepperoni, Acquanita said, and replace them with leaner proteins like chicken, ground beef or turkey.
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“Lean proteins are lower in saturated fat, fats that can lead to high cholesterol levels and increase the overall risk of heart disease,” she said.
For people who don’t eat meat, plant-based choices like tofu can be a way to increase protein content.
For people who don’t eat meat, plant-based choices like tofu can be a way to increase protein content.
4. Reduce the cheese content
For many people, cheese is one of the best parts of a pizza.
But while cheese is delicious, it’s also high in saturated fat and calories, Acquanita warns.
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“Consider asking for ‘light cheese’ or opting for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella or feta,” Acquanita suggested.
This one swap can significantly reduce overall calorie content and saturated fat intake, which can greatly benefit heart health.
Boost the flavor of your pizza by ordering it with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. These herbs enhance the flavor while increasing the nutritional value. (iStock)
5. Add fresh herbs
Enhance the flavor profile of your pizza by ordering it with fresh herbs like basil, oregano and parsley.
They improve flavor while increasing nutritional value.
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“Herbs are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health,” Acquanita said.
6. Consider the size of your slices
Reducing the size of your pizza might be a healthier option.
“A medium pizza has smaller slices than a large pizza, so going from a large to a medium pizza can save you about 100 calories per slice right off the bat,” notes Kelly Homesley, a registered dietitian with Novant Health Bariatric Solutions in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Switching from a large pizza to a medium pizza can save nearly 100 calories per slice right off the bat.” (iStock)
Most people focus on the number of slices chosen and don’t really consider the size of each slice, Homesley said.
7. Avoid creamy sauces
Some pizzerias serve ranch or blue cheese sauces with the pizza for dipping.
“This can add up to 250 calories to your meal (or more depending on how much you use) and a lot of extra fat,” Homesley said.
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If you want to top your pizza with a sauce, choose a much lower-calorie alternative like marinara sauce, she suggested.
Other Ways to Spice Up a Pizza Dinner
The right side dish can take your pizza meal to the next level.
One idea is to cut back on the number of slices you usually eat. Instead, add a high-fiber salad filled with vegetables and a lower-calorie dressing like balsamic vinaigrette, as one dietitian recommends. (iStock)
Here are some ideas to elevate your favorite pizza dinner.
Complete your meal with a salad. Cut back on the number of slices you usually eat. Instead, add a high-fiber salad filled with vegetables and a lower-calorie dressing like balsamic vinaigrette, Homesley said.
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Add some crunchRaw vegetables accompanied by a protein-rich dip like hummus are a good choice to add to the meal.
Finish with fruitIf you’re still hungry, finish your meal with fresh fruit, which is high in fiber and nutrients, instead of a traditional dessert, she also said.
