Typically, pizza is loaded with foods that are high in saturated fats, such as cheese and meats, making it an unhealthy selection on most occasions. While you can make a healthy pizza, several healthy alternatives can replace it altogether.
Pita With Hummus
Whole-grain pita bread is loaded with fiber and makes a healthy substitute for pizza crust which, in most situations, lacks the important nutrient. Served with hummus -- a Middle Eastern dipping sauce made from chickpeas, lemon juice and garlic -- pita bread provides you with a large amount of complex carbohydrates, which give you a satisfied feeling and will make it less likely that you will overeat and gain weight. Complex carbohydrates take longer to convert into energy than simple carbs, which means they keep you feeling full longer. Fiber promotes digestive health and is linked to the prevention of colon cancer.
Meatball Sliders
When made using lean ground beef or turkey, meatball sliders can satisfy the meat-and-tomato sauce cravings that pizza typically fills, but in a healthier form. Lean ground beef or turkey contains less fat than pepperoni or sausage, but provides the same amount of protein, which is important in developing and maintaining muscular health. Mix chopped celery into the meat before forming the meatballs and baking them, to make the dish even healthier. You can either cook the meatballs covered in marinara sauce, which is naturally low in calories and fat, or add the sauce after cooking. Serve the meatball on whole-wheat bread and sprinkle a small amount of Parmesan cheese on top. This dish is low in calories and fat, and can satisfy the pizza craving without the guilt of indulgence.
Roasted Salsa With Crackers
Homemade salsa made from tomatoes, onions, peppers and herbs is naturally low in fat and calories, and is packed with nutrients. Roasted salsa is a tasty tomato-based dip that is made by baking tomatoes for about 15 minutes before chopping them up into the salsa mix. This healthy pizza alternative is best served with whole wheat crackers or baked tortilla chips. If you choose to use the crackers, lightly coat them in olive oil and roast in the oven alongside the tomatoes for about 15 minutes.
Considerations
If you can't bring yourself to part with pizza, give it a healthy makeover. For example, for homemade pizza, substitute the traditional pizza crust with a whole-grain crust instead. Instead of pizza sauce, use marinara sauce, which is naturally lower in fat and calories. When it’s time to add the meat, opt for low-fat meat choices, such as chicken or turkey. Load the pizza up with vegetable toppings, such as green peppers, onions and mushrooms. Substitute fat-free cheese for normal cheese, which is high in fat, to keep the dairy product as the crowning jewel of your healthier pizza creation.
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