Lowering the Fat in Your Pizza

Let’s face it–pizza is not health food. Although a great pizza can do wonders for your state of mind and your emotional well-being, it sure can do a number on your waistline. The classic combo of greasy cheese, oily meats, and rich sauces makes this a challenge.

A lot of the problem comes from the high fat content of most pizzas. But don’t worry! You don’t have to say goodbye to pizza to stick to your plan. You can make some simple changes that lower the fat content of your pizza and lighten up this classic food.

So, if you want to have your pizza and eat it too, here are some ways to lower the fat in your favorite food. From smart ingredient swaps to pro tips for maximizing flavor, make these changes to get a low-fat pizza that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.

Go easy with the cheese. Most of the fat in pizza comes from the mounds of cheese that tops it. If you are making your own pizzas, you will have an advantage. Not only can you easily control the amount of cheese that goes on your pie, but you also will have a more flavorful pizza to begin with.
Start with a leaner crust. Skip the buttery, oil-laden dough and go for a thin whole-wheat or cauliflower crust. If making your own dough, skip the olive oil and use just flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt.
Making your own dough will give your pizza body, flavor, and depth that helps reduce the need for an excessive amount of toppings. In fact, I’d recommend to anyone that you cut down the number of toppings you are used to when you begin to make your pizzas at home.
Less cheese allows the other flavors shine through. So not only will you cut the fat, but you’ll also have a better tasting pizza.
While your sauce may seem safe, check the fat content. You may be surprised at how much added oil is in your favorite pizza sauce. Go easy on these types of sauces. Alternatives that can cut the fat include pureed roasted vegetables or even a layer of fresh salsa.
If you don’t necessarily want to cut down on the amount of cheese, then at least choose a cheese that is lower in fat. There are some fat-free cheese products, but also cheeses made from 2% milk, which have less fat. You’ll still get that melty goodness with fewer grams of fat. You can also add some stronger flavored cheese in limited quantities. Parmesan is a great choice.
Watch those meats. Another source of high fat is the meat toppings–Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ham are all rather high in fat. Try reducing the amount you place on your pizza. You can also choose less fatty alternatives, like Canadian bacon, which has a lower fat content than those other meats. Turkey is a great substitute for higher fat meats. Try some turkey sausage or turkey bacon to cut the fat. Other lean meats include grilled chicken and shrimp.
Load up on the veggies. Topping your pizza with more vegetables will give you a substantial pizza that fills you up, while cutting down on the meats and cheeses that are full of fat. Great choices include tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Skip the deep dish. Pizzas baked in pans concentrate the fat and allow it to soak into the crust. Instead, use a perforated pan or a pizza stone.
Watch the extras if you’re watching your fat intake. Crust dipping sauces like garlic butter sauce or ranch dressing add extra fat. If you want a dip for your crust, season some balsamic vinegar with herbs like basil, oregano, and add in some garlic.

Lowering the Fat in Your Pizza

Healthy Pizza Cookbooks