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How to Build a Healthier Pizza

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I don't know about you, but pizza is the one food I could never give up. I have made a lot of changes in my diet for the sake of good health, but pizza will just always be a part of my life. Here are a few ways I've discovered to still feed my addiction, but do it in a healthier way. I have included a healthier pizza recipe that I know your family will love.

How to Build a Healthier Pizza

How to Build a Healthier Pizza

  1. Make it at home - What ingredients are those big delivery companies adding? Take the guesswork out and make it yourself at home. Yes, it's more work, but it's also more fun!
  2. Go for a whole grain crust, recipe below - I would suggest using white whole wheat flour, it is still whole wheat, but is a lighter flour.
  3. Upgrade your sauce - Store bought sauce is usually really high in sugar and has other unnecessary and unhealthy ingredients. Making your own is super easy, and you probably have the ingredients right in your cupboard! Here is the recipe I use, I just leave out the sausage when making it for pizza.
  4. Think about your cheese - Did you know that wood pulp is used to keep pre-shredded cheese from sticking together? Sawdust, yum! All kidding aside, I shred my own cheese using cheese from grass fed cows. If you are really feeling ambitious, you could even make your own mozzarella from the instructions right here. Delicious!
  5. How many veggies can you pack in? The best way to make something more nutritious is to add as many veggies as possible! On pizza nights we roll the crust individual size and let the kids top their own pizzas. I provide them each with their own plate of veggies to choose from and just let them go! I've been surprised how many more veggies they will eat this way!
  6. Simplify the meats - Eat healthier and clean out your fridge by using leftover meats you may already have. We love shredded chicken on our pizza or nitrate/nitrite free bacon.

Pizza Collage

Perfect Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon raw honey
  • 1-1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing crust
  • 3 cups white whole wheat flour
  • Your favorite sauces, cheese, and toppings

Instructions

  1. Combine water and honey in a large bowl, stir until honey has dissolved.
  2. Add yeast and stir, then allow to sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Add in salt, oil, and 1 cup of flour, stir to combine.
  4. Add in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time. I like to transfer to a floured surface and knead in the last of the flour. You can also use a stand mixer.
  5. Allow to rise until double, about 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  7. Divide into 8 pieces for making personal size pizza. Roll each one into a circle, dot crust with a fork, and place on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
  8. Brush the edges with olive oil to keep crust from drying out.
  9. Add your favorite sauce, toppings, and cheese.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is melted.

Feature image by Wikipedia

What is your family's favorite type of pizza?

Emily Allen Emily Allen is a mom of three beautiful girls. She discovered her passion for health and nutrition as she went through her own transformation, losing 70 pounds through the power of diet and exercise. She is now dedicated to sharing that passion with others, beginning with her blog at www.thatswhatieat.com and now through her new life as a Health Coach at www.healthbyemily.com. She studies at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, studying over 100 different dietary theories from the top names in health and nutrition. You can find Emily on Facebook at That's What I Eat, or follow her on Instagram or Pinterest.

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