Pizza is one of the foods most frequently craved by people on low-carbohydrate diets. Pizza is commonly craved by people on low-carbohydrate diets because it is usually not allowed on the diet. The American Heart Association classifies pizza as a high-carbohydrate food. There are several ways to make a low-carbohydrate version of pizza so that you can enjoy your favorite dish while staying on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Regular Pizzas
Regular pizzas, whether purchased from a restaurant, frozen from a grocery store or made from scratch at home, are almost always high in carbohydrates. This is mainly because pizza dough is made from wheat, which is high in carbohydrates. According to the American Heart Association, an average-sized pizza meal may have as many as 144 grams of carbohydrates. Toppings such as pizza sauce and vegetables also contribute carbohydrates to pizza.
Low-Carbohydrate Diets
Low-carbohydrate diets restrict carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice and fruits, in an attempt to help the dieter lose weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels which activate insulin, and may reduce your body's ability to burn fat. Low-carbohydrate diet plans encourage eating low-carbohydrate foods like meats, cheese, fish, dairy, nuts, healthy oils and some vegetables.
Low Carbohydrate Pizza Dough
Low-carbohydrate pizza dough is available for purchase at many online stores and health food stores. Dixie Diners is one company which sells low-carbohydrate pizza dough made mainly from soy flour, egg white powder and other high-protein ingredients. Low-carbohydrate dieters can also make their own versions of low-carbohydrate pizza dough at home by using ingredients like polenta and soy flour as staples. You can even blend together cauliflower and a few egg whites and then bake them to create a low-carbohydrate pizza dough.
Low-Carbohydrate Pizza Topping Options
Besides the low-carbohydrate pizza crust, pizzas may still be high in carbohydrates, depending on the types of toppings added. For instance, pineapples are a common pizza topping which is high in carbohydrates. Bacon, fish and other meats like ham or sausage are high protein, low carbohydrate topping options, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cheese and green vegetables are also low in carbohydrates.
Unique Low Carbohydrate Pizza Options
According to CBS News, low carbohydrate dieters have been making a dent on the pizza industry as of late, which has caused many owners of pizza restaurant chains to add low carbohydrate menu options. One unique yet thus far marketable low carbohydrate pizza option is a crustless pizza, offered by Bearno's Pizza. Pit Stop Pasta even has a menu item called "pizza in a bucket" where the pizza sauce, cheese and toppings are all served in a bowl without crust.
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