Almost everyone loves pizza, but with the rising obesity epidemic and the high amounts of fat and calories found in pizza, many people are looking for a healthy alternative to this tasty treat. This article discusses 3 great items that can be used in place of pizza. Not only do they taste great, but they will improve your health and decrease your waistline.
1. Pita Bread with Hummus
One of the best and healthiest alternatives to pizza is whole grain pita bread with hummus. Unlike pizza, which traditionally is loaded with cheese and meat and therefore contains high amounts of saturated fats, pitas and hummus are surprisingly healthy. Pita bread that is made from whole grain contains high amounts of fiber, which has been found to be not only important for weight loss, but also has been linked to the prevention of a number of different types of cancer.
Hummus makes a great dipping sauce for pita bread due to its high content of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates not only provide the energy you need to make it through the day, but also help to keep you feeling full for a long period of time--and therefore prevent overeating and subsequent weight gain.
2. Toast with Olive Oil
Another great healthy alternative to pizza is toast drizzled with olive oil. Toast typically contains fewer calories than pizza, and olive oil is a great topping due to its high amount of unsaturated fats. Unlike saturated fats, which as discussed above can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, unsaturated fats may actually help prevent these conditions from developing. For an extra added zing, you may want to consider adding a small amount of chopped basil, rosemary or thyme. These herbs are relatively free from calories, and can contain many vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health and optimal growth. Be sure to choose fresh herbs for the best flavor.
3. Roasted Vegetable Salsa on Crackers
Finally, for a great snack that is not only low in calories and fat but also tastes great, consider making roasted vegetable salsa and using it as a dip for crackers. The tomatoes, peppers, onions and herbs found in salsa are all very low in calories and contain numerous important nutrients. To make the salsa, start by washing the tomatoes and placing them on a baking sheet. Pour a small amount of olive oil over the crackers, and roast in the over for around fifteen minutes. After the vegetables have finished cooking, take them out of the oven, and remove the skin. Chop the tomatoes and add other vegetables of your choice. Pair this great salsa with a whole wheat cracker for optimal results. Your guests won't believe that you made this salsa yourself!
