Pizza has always had a bad rap for being an unhealthy, fatty junk food because of the high amount of refined carbs, fat and sodium it usually contains. But if done correctly, it can also be a healthy alternative to breakfast cereals. Hard to believe? So says New York based nutritionist and blogger Chelsey Amer, MS, RDD, CDN.
For example, a cup of Raisin Bran contains 18 grams of sugar (25 grams is the daily limit recommended for women) and does not have any healthy fats in it. According to Chelsey, compared to most cold cereals, one slice of pizza contains more fat and less sugar, hence you can avoid experiencing a quick sugar crash in the morning. Cereals are packed with sugar and may not be the best way to start your day.
On the one hand, because many consider pizza as fast food, it is commonly thought of as unhealthy. However when cooked with the right ingredients it can actually be a good source of essential nutrients, especially if packed with multiple vegetables. Here are some reasons why pizza could be a good breakfast alternative.
- Whole grains
Opt for a thin, whole grain crust to maximize health benefits. Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, protein, B vitamins, and trace minerals such as iron, copper, zinc and magnesium plus fiber. The fiber in whole grains reduces your risk for high cholesterol, prevents constipation and fills you up so you don’t eat too much. Whole grain-rich diets help prevent obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.
- Calcium
Putting cheese and tomatoes on pizza is a good way to improve your calcium intake. If you add other vegetables like broccoli, spinach, artichoke or seafood then you will increase the amount of calcium in your food. The Institute of Medicine recommends that an adult 19 years and older needs about 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Insufficient calcium in your diet pushes your body to steal calcium from your bones, which may lead to compromised bone strength and higher risk of osteoporosis.
- Protein
Meat is not the only source of protein. There is also cheese, chicken and seafood as other high-protein options to choose from. Anchovies are a good source of protein and other vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet is important to help build muscles and to keep other functions and systems in your body in good working condition.
- Vegetables
A thin crust pizza loaded with vegetables and cheese is a quick and interesting way to get the required daily amount of vegetable you need. There are so many variations and combinations to try. If you are busy and don’t have the time to cook, you can always order using the Foodora pizza delivery app. Ordering online is a quick, fuss-free option to get your healthy pizza fix.
Reheat your leftover pizza for breakfast
There is no need for a microwave or an oven to reheat pizza for breakfast. The fast and simple way to do it is to heat up pizza on the stovetop, in a skillet with the lid on. It wouldn’t take longer than 6-8 minutes. The result is a slice of crispy crust, moist and cheesy pizza perfection!
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