Pizza should be declared the favorite fast food of all time, right? You aren’t alone; we, too, can’t explain our love for pizzas. Cheese burst, pepperoni, olives, thin crust… these terms are enough to make us drool totally. Well, as much as we love pizzas, we are also aware of the fact that pizzas shouldn’t be eaten daily due to heavy bases, overflowing cheese, and canned toppings. So, the question that has been doing rounds for quite some time is,’ How often should you eat pizza’?
How often should you eat pizza?
Health experts and dieticians advise limiting pizza consumption to once or twice in 15 days. Since pizza bases comprise refined flour and are topped with processed cheese, canned vegetables, and calorie-rich sauces, regular consumption of such foods can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, obesity, high cholesterol, indigestion, and much more. Moreover, eating pizzas now and then keeps our bodies away from essential vitamins and nutrients from consuming freshly prepared homemade food.
Factors to Consider when Ordering Pizzas
However, you can make these healthy choices when ordering pizza next time. To minimize the harmful consequences of eating pizzas:
1. Choice of base
Choose whole-wheat bases over regular bases; regular pizza bases are high in carbohydrates and unhealthy. Always choose a thin-crust base for your pan pizzas or deep dish ones. For example, Papa John’s has 100% whole wheat bases.
2. Fresh cheese
Opt for fresh cheese instead of processed cheese or even no cheese if you want to make your pizza a little good to the gut. Mozzarella, sharp provolone, and naturally lower-fat parmesan are great options.
3. Toppings
Choose your toppings wisely; you go for zucchini, capsicum, tomatoes, and mushrooms, which contain less sodium and are rich in nutrients, instead of processed meat toppings like salami, ham, or pepperoni.
4. Portion size
Keep a look at portion size and avoid having a whole pizza to yourself. It is always better to have junk food as a snack instead of making it a meal. This way, your body will not lack any essential vitamins and nutrients.
The Psychological Aspect of Eating Pizza
Beyond nutrition, there’s a psychological component to eating. Pizza is often seen as a ‘comfort food.’ It’s something people turn to for solace, during celebrations, or social gatherings. Denying yourself pizza entirely might lead to intense cravings and eventual overindulgence. So, it’s okay to treat yourself once in a while. The key is balance.
The Verdict
Given all the factors, a good general rule of thumb for most people would be to enjoy pizza once a week or once every two weeks. This frequency allows you to savor your favorite dish without overloading on unhealthy ingredients. Remember, when you do indulge, try to balance out your meal with a side salad or some veggies.
Choosing Healthier Pizzas
If you’re a pizza aficionado, there are ways to make your pizza healthier:
- Opt for Whole Grain: Choose a whole grain or thin crust over a thick, refined flour one. Whole grains are richer in fiber and nutrients.
- Load Up on Veggies: Toppings like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spinach can make your pizza more nutritious.
- Go Easy on the Cheese: Cheese is delicious, but it’s also calorie-dense. Ask for half the cheese or opt for lighter varieties.
- Pick Lean Proteins: Instead of pepperoni or sausage, consider chicken, turkey, or even tofu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it OK to eat pizza once a week?
Although eating pizza once a week is okay, if you are healthy, you should not get the hang of it and avoid having pizzas every week. You should ideally have pizzas as an occasional treat rather than a part of your routine.
How many slices of pizza is too much?
Having 3 slices at a particular time is enough for an average adult. One must avoid having a whole pizza to themselves as a meal; instead, consume it as a snack.
Is pizza OK every once in a while?
While eating pizza once in a while is okay, people should avoid having it regularly. Dieticians and experts advise consuming pizza only twice or thrice a month to avoid health complications.
Which pizza is the healthiest?
Thin crust and whole-wheat base pizzas are great options for the lot. Thin crust bases have thinner bread, which implies lesser carbs, making it a healthier option.
Conclusion
Now that we know all the tips and tricks to make our next pizza order healthy, it is time to make wise choices regarding fast food. We hope that this article made it easy for all the foodies out there to understand the moderation of eating pizzas.
Stay tuned for more such content!
Also Read: How to reheat brown rice?
