A proclaimed pizza lover, I jump at the chance to hit up the local pizza joint. However, this comment struck a chord, and had me craving a pizza pie. So, instead of dining out on Friday night, I decided to experiment and create my own pizza masterpiece.
Turns out, she was right! Not only was I more satisfied after just two slices of my homemade veggie pizza, I had fun in the process. Turning the time in the kitchen into a get together with friends kept me from snacking, but also gave me a chance to catch up on the week’s events.
Here are a few reasons why you should opt out of delivery:
- Making your own pizza is fun! Perfect for a weekend activity, and if you have kids, they will love getting to help personalize their own pizza. Cooking the pizza yourself makes you appreciate it more when it’s done. I think that’s why we feel satisfied after just a bit.
- Eating healthy can still taste good. Our homemade pizza included a crispy whole wheat crust and three servings of veggies!
- When cooking at home, not only can you limit fat and calories, but more importantly hidden sodium! Here at H3, we recommend limiting sodium to 2300 mg for a typical adult eating 2000 calories daily. If you are on a lower calorie diet, limit accordingly. For example, someone on a 1600 calorie diet, limit to 2000 mg and 1200 calories limiting to 1800 mg sodium.
Look at these nutrition facts from America’s most popular pizza delivery:
One slice of Supreme Pizza from Pizza Hut = 1000 mg of sodium (380 calories, 18 g of Fat)
One slice of Meat Lovers from Pizza Hut = 1270 mg of sodium (440 calories, 23 g of Fat)
Each of the two slices above hold half the sodium content for your daily intake – eat two of each and you have put yourself over that limit!
- You can personalize your own pizza and add your favorite toppings! When building my pizza Friday, I re-created my usual veggie pizza from my favorite local pizza joint. It turned out perfect – adding the same toppings made it feel as though I had ordered out!
Ready to make your own? Read more for tips to building your ‘best’ pizza pie.
- When deciding on a crust, look for whole wheat dough or pre-made whole wheat crust like Boboli’s 100% Whole Wheat Crusts. You can also choose to build your pizza on an H3 favorite, whole wheat pitas or a lavosh cracker.
- The next step is the sauce! Luckily, H3 makes a mean marinara and I have the recipe to share with you! If you don’t have time to make your own, look for a pre-made marina sauce low in sodium and sugar.
- Next load up the veggies! Choose from pineapple, green, yellow and red peppers, spinach, onion, mushrooms, artichokes, broccoli, sundried tomatoes, eggplant, or anything else your heart desires. If you are a meat lover, add protein in the forms of grilled shrimp or chicken.
- Saved the best for last, le fromage! Sprinkle your pizza with a mix of low-fat mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Or if you are daring and want a stronger flavor, try feta or goat cheese crumbles.
Pop in the oven and enjoy!
Doesn't this look yummy!
[...] A Healthier Pizza Night [...]
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