For many people, giving up some of their favorite foods is the hardest part of losing weight. However, it is entirely possible to continue enjoying these foods even on a weight loss diet. The trick is to simply create healthier versions of them.
Pizza is one of the greatest adversaries of weight loss; a mass of bread and cheese is not exactly a balanced meal. But a few small changes can transform pizza into something that is actually healthy. The first step is to use a wholegrain crust. Whole grains are known for providing much more nutrition than refined grains. They also digest slowly, making you feel full for a longer period of time.
The mountains of cheese on most pizzas are also problematic for those trying to lose weight. When making your healthy pizza, use a modest amount of cheese. Remember that cheese spreads out as it melts, so even if the pizza appears to not have enough cheese before baking, it will most likely spread out enough to cover the entire surface. You might also consider replacing some of the mozzarella with low-fat cheeses such as parmesan, romano, or asiago. In fact, many traditional Italian pizzas use this combination.
Finally, choose healthy toppings for your pizza. Skip the pepperoni, ham, bacon, and sausage. Instead, top your pizza with chicken, shrimp, spinach, sliced Roma tomatoes, and any other fresh vegetables and lean meats you can think of. Read up on California-style pizza; its distinguishing feature is the use of fresh garden vegetables as toppings.