Bite into a Hot Slice of Pizza This Labor Day for National Cheese Pizza Day

School is officially back in session which means jampacked days and long nights. Cooking a hearty dinner for your family may not be feasible every night, luckily there is always pizza! This Labor Day, September 5th, celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day and all the hard work you do over the year with a large pie.

When you think about pizza, the first thought that comes to mind might be that it isn’t part of a well-balanced meal, however, pizza can be part of a rounded diet. Each ingredient is full of different macro and micronutrients. From the sauce you use to the toppings, there are numerous ways that can enhance the flavor and the nutritional content of your pizza. You can enjoy a traditional cheese pizza or you can spice things up with a variety of toppings.

From Dough to Toppings

You can make your pizza as healthy and nutritious as you like just by changing some of the ingredients. From using a different dough base to adding protein to your sauce, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ways to increase the nutritional value of your pizza:

Dough: Starting with the base of the pizza, the dough, there are a few swaps you can make. You can use a whole-wheat dough to increase the fiber of your pizza which can help enhance your gastrointestinal health. You can also swap out for cauliflower crust which will also increase the pizza’s fiber content as well as add protein.

Sauce: When it comes to pizza, it’s all about the sauce. Traditional pizza sauce can be high in sugar, which is why you can swap out for a homemade sauce or a different tomato-based sauce. Another great alternative, depending on the type of pizza you are making, is using pesto instead. Pesto is made using olive oil which is full of heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

Cheese: Using less cheese on your pizza will reduce its saturated fat and sodium content. You can also use a skim-mozzarella to cut back on the saturated fat, which can raise the bad LDL cholesterol.

Toppings: When it comes to pizza, it’s all about the toppings. Increase your intake of micronutrients by choosing vegetable toppings from an array of colors. You can also add some protein to your pizza with grilled chicken slices or tofu.

Choosing a Topping

Picking out the perfect topping combination can be hard when you consider all the flavors pizza already has. Luckily there are some tried and true topping combinations that you can give a try. Here are a few:

Supreme: A popular pizza for those that don’t shy away from toppings. This yummy pizza has pepperoni, sausage, peppers, olives, and onions.
Spinach and Artichoke: Skip the dip and go straight to the good stuff with this hearty pizza topped with cheese, garlic, sautéed spinach, and artichoke hearts.
Greek: If you are a vegetable lover, this pizza is for you. Top a traditional cheese pizza with all the fixings of a Greek salad including feta cheese, spinach, black olives, tomatoes, and red onion.
Fresh Basil: Perhaps you want a pizza that feels a little lighter in your stomach. Try pizza with a pesto sauce and topped with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh basil leaves.

No matter what toppings you choose, remember there is no wrong way to eat a pizza!

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite pizza topping? Let me know in the comments below.