We’ve all marveled at the symphony of flavors and aromas captured in a pizza. We've all enjoyed slice after slice, be it at a celebratory pizza party in your sixth grade math class or, nowadays, as a late night treat after an evening out. The reason pizza is so ubiquitous is no mystery. It’s quick, it's delicious, and it’s easy.
The busy, constantly on-the-go lifestyle that demands pizza is all too familiar to college students.
In college, more than ever, we enjoy the cheesy bliss that accompanies every bite into a slice of pizza. And, a mouth-watering slice (or whole pizza) can be sitting right in front of you ready to be devoured as soon as you walk into a dining hall, or at the dial of a phone number or a click of a mouse.
When you want something quick and easy to fuel your late study session, or nothing else in the dining hall is floating your boat, pizza is the most satisfying way to go. Your mother might argue that this is not how you should be eating regularly, and sure, constantly eating that grease-drenched pizza is definitely not the best choice. But with the right ingredients, and when eaten in moderation, it can become a healthier choice.
Let’s delve deeper into the often unrealized nutritional value of beloved pizza. Here’s what you need to know when making decisions about that slice.
According to The Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Source, the average person should be consuming one to two servings of dairy products per day to maintain a healthy diet. These are our primary source of calcium and Vitamin D. Secondly, because humans need carbohydrates for energy, 6-11 servings of whole grains are recommended along with two to three servings of protein. Chicken is a good source of protein and is low in saturated fats. Red meats should be consumed sparingly, along with other processed meats, refined grains, and sodium.
Too often, the cheese most commonly found topping your favorite pizza slice is processed cheese, which contains a lot of sodium and saturated fats. In moderation, this is okay. But when given the opportunity (like when building your own pizza) choose natural cheeses in smaller quantities.
Now let’s talk topping. Skip the pepperoni and top your pizza with vegetables and chicken. Try out some bell peppers, onions, or spinach. Fresh veggies contain important vitamins, as well as fiber.
Finally, opt for a whole wheat crust: it provides more fiber and will allow you to better control blood sugar and insulin preventing hunger spikes.
Using these alternative ingredients might be easier said than done. Often we have little choice and just have to eat the pizza placed in front of us, but retailers such as Blaze Pizza and California Pizza Kitchen offer pizza dishes that meet these recommended nutritional goals. Even Domino's offers healthier options.
The pricing at these off-campus vendors means these are not always viable options for college students. But when you have the choice about what to put on your pizza, keep these facts in mind.
