Pizza Can Be Healthy

Pizza is a food that is much loved. If you are wanting to keep within a healthy calorie range whether you are eating out at a pizza establishment or making a pizza at home, there are a few important tips to follow.

The difference between thick crust pizza and thin crust can be huge. On average a thin slice of pizza can save you 50 calories per serving over the thick crust. If you usually have a few slices, this can add up quickly.

Meat, similar to a thicker crust, can add significant amounts of fat and calories. Rather than choosing toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and beef, choose leaner meats like chicken, ham, shrimp, or Canadian bacon. These leaner meats also serve as a great source of protein that will help keep you satisfied longer.

Vegetable toppings are an easy way to add nutrients to your pizza without adding several calories. Onions, black olives, red peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli are excellent choices. Vegetables also provide fiber, which along with protein can leave you tied over until your next meal.

Piling on the healthful toppings and limiting cheese is another trick to cut a lot of fat and calories from your pizza.

Finally, salads are a great side dish to be eaten with pizza. Salads are relatively low in calories and can help balance your meal to keep your calorie intake in check.

Next time you are planning a trip to a pizza establishment, check out their website first. Often, nutritional value and content of foods are listed on their sites. This, along with the tips mentioned above, will help keep your trip successfully healthy and not leave you feeling guilty.

Healthy Tailgating Snacks

Tailgating is one of the great parts of college football games. While it is associated with unhealthful snacks, there are ways to make those high calorie and high fat foods we love so much lighter and healthier.

Traditional snack: Nachos & Cheese

Swap the fried tortilla chips for baked lentil chips to save you total fat, trans fat, and calories. Replace the processed cheese for a tomato-based salsa. You will be surprised at how satisfied this snack will leave you feeling, with fewer calories and grams of fat.

Traditional snack: Pizza

Swap the deep dish takeout pizza for a homemade pizza. Use a whole wheat tortilla or pita bread to save calories. Replacing a thick crust with a thin one goes a long way. Use part-skim mozzarella cheese to cut down on fat, and load up on veggie toppings.

Traditional snack: Buffalo Wings

Instead of frying chicken wings, try baking or broiling. You use less butter and add less fat when you bake rather than fry. Add cayenne or crushed red pepper and any other spices for taste.

Next time you tailgate, bring a more health conscious snack. Small changes in your diet can make a big impact on weight and health in the long-run.