Pizza is on the menu of many American families each week. You can buy it frozen, you can make your own or you can head out to the restaurant and let them serve you. Which option is the most health conscious?
Frozen pizzas are commonly frozen without the traditionalSUPPORTING BREAD crust. With no real tomato sauce, cheeses, or meat toppings, these pies are leaner and meaner than their counterparts. They’re still tasty but not as good. Is it healthy?
These are not typically low-calorie, low-fat kinds of pizzas. In fact, many are hefty enough to make you wonder why you’d want to add them to your diet. But if you’d choose to make your own, it would be so much better for you.
You’d be surprised at how fast and easy it is to make your own frozen Italian pie!
Frozen pies are just like their restaurant cousins, only in a sense. The only difference is that you don’t have to worry about the clean up or you can take a few hours to prepare an entire batch ahead of time and freeze them.
Just remember that if the crust is too tough to crack open, you can always put a cookie or biscuit in it to make it easier to eat.
You can make your own thin crusts with interesting toppings. Eggs, butter, cheese, and sundried tomatoes are all popular options. You can also add your favorite meals and seasonings. The only limit is your imagination.
Make Your Own Homemade Pizza
If you don’t want to make your own pizza, there are plenty of recipes on the Internet that come out really well. You can print the ingredients list and do it yourself, but as long as you follow the recipe directions and note seasonings and you end up with a tasty Italian pie, it will be almost impossible for you to turn it down. As a crust, it can be a little tricky, but try experimenting with different seasonings and see if you like it.
Store Fresh Vegetables to Get a Rich Protein Boost
Most grocery stores don’t carry enough fresh vegetables for homemade pizza, but you can find a great many options that are either already frozen or available to you canning your own. Along with your favorite toppings and cheese, include the following ingredients to get a rich protein boost for only minimal effort:
• 2 ½ pounds medium pasta shells• 3 ¾ cups frozen broccoli (frozen) or steamed• 1 cup frozen bell peppers (frozen)• 1 ½ pounds yellow, cut bell peppers (frozen)• 2 small eggs• 1/3 cup fresh parsley (preferably whole)• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil• 2 tablespoons capers (chopped)
Even though the above ingredients may seem like a lot of work, they are most certainly worth it for the nutrition they provide. Pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein and iron. The above ingredients provide both carbohydrates and protein, and also can be used in a regular Italian salad.
Use the above ingredients in 2 to 4 servings per week, and you will see positive results. Start by freezing the broccoli and peppers, then sautéing the broccoli and peppers in the olive oil and butter.
With the above ingredients, you can make a meal in less than 30 minutes, delicious and nutritious.
Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 2 tablespoons tomato puree• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon• 1 tablespoon dried oregano• 3 tablespoons sugar• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper• 1 tablespoon sugar substitute• 1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Directions
Mix all of the ingredients together in a saucepan. Heat on medium-low heat. When the ingredients are mixed well, add your preferred amount of Italian seasoning, pepper, and sugar. Heat and serve.
Salads and Salad Dressings
For a light dressing, you can prepare an orange vinaigrette. This can be made with fresh wedges of citrus zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. Or, you can use a puree or puree of frozen orange juice.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Combinations
For a colorful and energizing salad, try combining fruits and vegetables. Naturally, popcorn and candy are wonderful additions. But you can also combine fruits and veggies in a salad that will be more nutritious and satisfying.
Melon and orange
Sweet corn and pineapple
Banana and orange
Mushroom and orange
avoidance of milk and chocolate
Fruit and berry salad
Tips
When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, look for tight, bright signs of ripeness.
