Pizza, the number one choice on a busy weeknight and often considered “fast food“by far. Considering it’s created with a basic dough, simple tomato sauce, and calcium-packed cheese, it doesn’t necessarily have to be off limits, especially if you make it yourself. But where do all those boxes fit?” pizza flats that fill almost an entire grocery store aisle, nutrition-wise?
Usually the biggest concern with prepackaged or very processed foods is the sodium content. Considering you’re eating pizza as the main part of your meal, you may be paying a little higher sodium content than you might look for in a side dish or snack.
The high sodium content is largely a product of processing because sodium-containing ingredients are often added as flavor enhancers. However, it is also due, in part, to fatty and salty meats and cheeses. So forgoing extra meat and cheese toppings can help keep this a bit lower. Fortunately, this adjustment can also help cut calories and saturated fat. As an alternative, look for lean meats like chicken if you can’t skip them entirely.
Helpful Hints: Keep these tips in mind when grabbing your next frozen pizza or putting it in the oven.
— Let’s talk about dressings. Stick to vegetarian dressings to provide a small nutrient boost without increasing calories or saturated fat content.
— Do some calculations. To cut calories, fat, and sodium, try to eat less than one serving. But add a salad or some fruit to round out the meal and help fill you up.
— Masses. Stick to the thinner, unfilled crusts to help keep calories, saturated fat, and sodium in check.
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