One of the most popular and number one food alternatives for lazy people and kids of course; pizza is relished by almost all laid-back eaters on the planet. Have you wondered what makes this Italian delicacy so sought after, or why it has a reputation for not being the most nutritious food? Yes, we all know it is counted as junk. But just because pizza is a guilty pleasure does not mean it has to be unhealthy. If made with super nutritious ingredients and topped with greens, proteins, and essential add-ons, it can go either way. You can make it a quintessential calorie-filled snack or a perfect healthy combo of fresh ingredients. The article delves into some amazing ways how you can do it in a jiffy.

Also Read: Craving For Junk Food? Try These Healthy Swaps Loaded With Nutrition – Infographic

 Indeed, for every foodie's dream, this yummy Italian delicacy can be a good source of vitamins and nutrients if you prepare it with wholesome nutritious ingredients. And believe us, it is no rocket science to add good stuff to a pizza. Here are some easy tips to make your pizza nutrient-dense without sacrificing its deliciousness.

Switch To Whole-Wheat Dough

 One of the unhealthiest parts of a pizza lies in its crust which is nothing but refined white flour. The best way to convert the unhealthy potion of this dish into a better version is to ditch the refined wheat crust and go for the whole-wheat dough option. Whole grains supersede processed grains for being rich in nutrients like B Vitamins, zinc, iron, magnesium, and fiber as well. Make your own dough with whole-wheat flour instead of white flour.

Keep The Crust Thin 

Pizza crust offers little nutrition but loads of carbohydrates. So, the thicker the crust, the more calories, and carbohydrates that you may be consuming. A thin crust will have less than half the calories as compared to its thick crust counterpart. Go for a thinner base to cut on extra carbs.

 Try Cauliflower Crust

 Cauliflower crust is another alternative to traditional pizza crusts and if you make it yourself, nothing like it! It is not so difficult and all you need to do is shred the cauliflower, dry it completely and make a dough.

 Load Up On Assorted Veggies

 The more you think of adding veggies, the better for your overall health. In season or leftover veggies, anything is cool. It doesn’t matter how you add them if they are chopped or shredded, just toss them for that abundant nutrition they provide. Olives, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or even spinach, if you want to reduce your meat consumption and want to stay fit, a veggie pizza is a tasty way to do that. You can even roast some veggies before putting them as a topping on your pizza.

Add Herbs And Spices

 Herbs and spices are good sources of antioxidants. Healthy toppings, such as basil leaves, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes all of them go well together.

 Limit Cheese And Meat Usage

 Cheese is a major contributor to calories on pizza so use cheese in lesser amounts or substitute low-fat option instead. If you use meat, use leaner cuts, like lean chicken. You can also use and try mushrooms instead of pepperoni.

 Try Your Tomato Or Garlic sauce

 To reduce your pizza’s sodium carb, and sugar content, making your own sauce is a fabulous way. Tomato sauce is loaded with lycopene, which is an antioxidant known to upkeep heart health. And it can be made easily. Blanch the tomatoes and add some spices and your sauce is good to go. Garlic is another fabulous ingredient and can be used by crushing or in powder form for great flavour and taste.

 Isn’t it amazing that there is no dearth of options if you want to eat a healthier version of this otherwise so-called junk food? It is not hard to reduce the calories and carbohydrates while increasing its nutritional benefits and enjoy pizza without any guilt!  For now, here's a healthy pizza recipe that you can make on a stovetop with easy and wholesome ingredients.

  Healthy Veggie Whole Wheat Pizza

 Ingredients

 For Pizza Base

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup water (adjust if needed)

 For Pizza Sauce

1/2 cup tomato sauce or passata

2 tsp olive oil

3 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

 For Toppings

1 cup sliced yellow or green bell peppers

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1/2cup sliced red onions

1 cup shredded mozzarella or any cheese of your choice

A handful of basil leaves

 Method

 To Make The Pizza Base

 In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder

Knead the dough by slowly adding water until it forms a smooth and elastic ball

Divide the dough into two equal portions

Roll out each portion into a round or oval shape to make two pizza bases.

 To Prepare the Pizza Sauce

On medium flame, heat olive oil in a pan

Add minced garlic cloves and sauté them until they become fragrant

Add the tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper

Let it simmer for a few minutes and stir well

Remove from heat and let it cool completely

 How To Assemble the Pizza

Place a non-stick pan on the stove over medium-low heat

Place one pizza base on the pan and cook for a few minutes until it starts to puff up slightly and the bottom gets slightly browned

Flip the base and cook on the other side properly

Once the base is cooked, spread a layer of pizza sauce on top.

Add your preferred toppings such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and red onions

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the toppings

Cover the pan with a lid or use a large plate

Cook the pizza on low heat until the cheese melts, and the base gets crisp and golden

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the pizza from the pan

Optionally you can garnish with fresh basil or some other herbs or leaves

Cut pizza into small slices and serve hot

Enjoy your healthy, yummy stovetop pizza in whole wheat dough!

Nutrition

This delectable whole wheat pizza variety is not only good to eat but also high in fiber than regular dough. The veggies provide ample doses of A, B, and C Vitamins and essential minerals to bolster immunity. Fiber helps keep the digestive system smooth. You can experiment with different toppings and add more vegetables to make it even more nutritious.