While i'm not crushing up vitamins and putting them on my pizza, I am putting nutrient rich foods on it. I make a few small changes to make my pizza "healthy". I say "healthy" because well theres still cheese and carbs this equation but better decisions, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Swapping fatty processed meats and extreme amounts of cheese for nutrient rich fruits and vegetables is a healthier choice that makes a big differences. Moral of the story, if your craving something "bad" opt for a healthier version by making a few small changes.
Here my recipe for Whole Wheat Balsamic Tomato Spinach Pizza and why its better !
-Whole Wheat Pizza Dough/Crust
- Sometimes ill buy fresh pizza dough, but this time I used Wegmans Food You Feel Good About Whole Wheat Pizza Crust and it was still amazing and REALLY quick! Popped it in the oven for 13 minutes and voila
(tip: blot tomato slices with paper towel to absorb excess water, other wise it will make pizza watery)
- I thinly sliced on large tomatto and covered the pizza crust with them. Then seasoned them with a little salt pepper and oregano
- Tomatoes are a great source of so many vitamins, especially Vitamin C and E, and are especially rich in antioxidant properties.
- "Intake of tomatoes has long been linked to heart health. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides." Read all about the great health benefits of tomatoes here
- Just a handfull of baby spinach sprinkled on top boosts the nutritional value of this pizza up to awesome.
- A great source of Vitamin A, which helps support your immune system. (One serving of spinach contains 60% of your daily recommended Vitamin A intake.) Spinach also a rich source of Vitamin K
- Spinach is among the worlds healthiest vegtables. It can help reduce inflammatory problems, oxidative stress-related problems, cardiovascular problems, bone problems, and fight cancers all at the same time. Read all about the health benifits of spinach here
- Chop up a few fresh basil leaved and sprinkle around
- Basil is considered one of the healthiest herbs. Its a great source of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting as well as helps maintain bone health.
- Other vitamins and minerals in basil include iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. (more details here)
- Just a hand full of shreaded motz on top
- To help cut down on the fat content of my pizza, I opted for a part skim cheese. If you want to go with a fat-free cheese for your pizza you have to be careful with the sodium content. Fat-free versions usually have about 3x the amount of sodium!! So while your cutting out the fat, your taking very high amounts of sodium, which in my opinion is worse.
- After the pizza came out of the oven, I sprinkled a little feta cheese on top. The strong flavor of this cheese allows you to add less but still have BIG taste
- Last but not least, drizzle Balsamic vinegar on top after cooking
Overall all, I hope you can see how these vitamin rich foods are a better choice. Everything you eat should be evaluated in this way. You should ask yourself, What am I gaining by eating this? What are the vitamins in my food? If you don't know what the nutrient value of something is, look it up! With all of the resources available at your fingertips, theres no reason to remain in the dark.
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