It’s the Perfect Time for A Pizza (Plus Pizza Nutrition!)

Did you know that the average American eats at least one pizza a month? Make sure to grab a slice on September 5th for National Cheese Pizza Day.

Pizza is a beloved dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. While the traditional pizza consists of dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese, you can customize the recipe to fit your taste buds. From adding numerous toppings to changing the type of cheese or sauce, it’s all about what you enjoy eating!

While you’re biting into that slice of pizza, enjoy it knowing that you’re also nourishing your body. Even though pizza is typically not thought of as a “healthy food”, it is full of nutrients that your body uses.

Don’t let diet culture spoil your pizza!

Pizza 101

Cheese pizza usually has 3 basic ingredients, bread, sauce, and cheese. However, these 3 basic ingredients can be customized when creating your pizza at home. Here are some ways you can create your pizza with some added nutritional benefits:

Bread: When choosing a base for your pizza, try using whole-grain dough. You can build a flatbread pizza with fresh pizza dough or put a fun spin on things with whole-grain Naan. Today, alternative options like Cauliflower crust have become very popular, this is a great way to enjoy pizza while also getting the recommended daily vegetable intake.

Sauce: Creating a sauce from scratch can be overwhelming and time-consuming. There is nothing wrong with buying canned and/or jarred pizza sauce! Be sure to check the label for added sugars as many processed sauces tend to add sugar for sweetness.

Cheese: Mozzarella cheese on pizza is a classic, however there are a ton of cheeses to choose from. Try goat cheese for a bold taste or add some ricotta and have yourself a white pizza.

Cheese Pizza Nutrition

Now that you have your pizza made, enjoy it knowing that it has vitamins and other nutrients that your body uses throughout the day/night. Here are just some of the nutrient benefits of pizza:

Pizza dough– Whole-grain dough is packed with extra fiber. Your body uses fiber not only for digestive health, but it can also stabilize blood glucose levels.

Sauce– Pizza sauce contains the antioxidant lycopene- which gives ripe tomatoes their bright red color. This powerful antioxidant may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and protect against UV damage.

Toppings– Adding toppings to your cheese pizza is a great way to add even more nutrients. Additional veggies, like broccoli, peppers, or arugula, give your pie added fiber and various other vitamins and minerals depending on your veggie of choice.

Pizza is a cheesy and delicious fun meal, that tastes best hot out of the oven. It can be enjoyed with family, at a party with friends, or just home on the couch. Just make sure to grab a slice on September 5th.

Your Turn to Take Action: Have you ever tried making pizza at home? Let us know in the comments below.