Why Pizza Doesn't Have To Be Fattening

Pizza does not have to be fattening or full of empty calories and making your own at home is the best way to ensure you are getting the healthiest type of this popular dish.

Starting out with a whole wheat crust is one simple way of making a healthier pizza. Make your own with whole wheat flour and yeast or purchase pre-made crusts using the same ingredients.

Cheese is an integral part of pizza and the dish just would not be the same without some form of this dairy food. Start with skim mozzarella along with other low fat versions of your favorite cheeses such as parmesan and provolone and be mindful of the amount you use to top your pizza.

Although premade sauces are easier to use, they are also laden with unhealthy additives and sugars making homemade pizza sauce the healthier choice. Use fresh tomatoes and a selection of herbs and seasonings including fresh basil, black pepper, garlic, and oregano.

Steer clear of processed meats like pepperoni and sausage and instead opt for leaner choices including chicken, turkey, lean beef, and fish. Alternatively, you may want to make a vegetarian pizza using plenty of fresh vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, olives, onions, and peppers.

Portion control is yet another factor to consider when it comes to making pizza a whole lot healthier. Because it is so easy to indulge on pizza, you would benefit greatly from using fresh, healthy ingredients that are low in fat and calories but high in fiber and protein and still be able to enjoy a tasty and filling meal.

Healthy Homemade Pizza Recipe

What You Need

1-1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 pound fresh tomatoes, diced
1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, shredded

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt and stir together. Add in the milk and olive oil and stir until a soft dough starts to form. If the dough seems too dry, add another tablespoon or two of milk.

Lightly flour the counter or tabletop and knead the dough a total of 10 times. Shape the dough into a ball and put it back in the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel and allow to sit for 10 minutes.

Put the ball of dough on a large, ungreased baking sheet and flatten down slightly. Gently roll the dough out into a 12 inch circle. Bake the dough for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on the partially baked dough and then add the diced tomatoes, baby spinach leaves, bell pepper, seasonings, and the shredded parmesan cheese.

Bake the pizza for 15 minutes or until the cheese and crust have both started to turn golden brown.

Cut your healthy homemade pizza into slices and serve while hot.

Serves 4 to 6.

You can easily modify all of your pizza recipes by adding or removing ingredients as well as varying the amounts used. Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices until you find an unforgettable blend. Alternatively, you may want to try a fruit pizza recipe which can be a refreshing alternative especially on warm, summer days.

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