The Secret to Enjoying Pizza Weekly While Staying Healthy

The Secret to Enjoying Pizza Weekly While Staying Healthy

Sometimes my clients are shocked when I tell them I eat pizza once a week! I know what you’re thinking: “David, don’t you preach supportive eating and no fast food?” Well, yes, I do. But you must also realize I advocate for balance. Having a day once a week where there are no rules (optional) can make your nutrition plan sustainable for life.

If you follow a sound nutrition plan 85-90% of the time, you can indulge 10-15% of the time without guilt. This approach allows you to enjoy life’s treats, especially if you’ve been consistent and working hard.

So does that mean I endorse a Hot-N-Ready $5 pizza every week? Sure—if it’s part of a consistent and supportive eating plan the rest of the time. However, I personally enjoy takeout pizza only every 5-6 months. Instead, I make homemade pizza weekly, and it’s both delicious and healthy! Here’s how I do it.

DMODD’S WHOLE WHEAT PIZZA CRUST

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups 100% organic whole wheat flour
• 1 package active dry yeast/instant yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup hot tap water (120–125°F)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon organic honey

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Measure whole wheat flour by lightly spooning into a measuring cup and leveling it.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine hot water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Add flour, olive oil, salt, and honey. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes.
5. Lightly spray hands with olive oil cooking spray and knead the dough for 1-2 minutes. Adjust water or flour as needed for the right consistency.
6. Place dough in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise.
7. Press dough into a greased pan (15x10x1-inch or 12-14-inch pizza pan). For a crispier crust, pre-bake for 1-2 minutes.
8. Add pizza sauce (I use Meijer Organic True Goodness Chunky Garden pasta sauce), cheese (Bunker Hill Raw Milk Cheddar), and toppings of your choice.
9. Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and toppings are cooked.

Servings: 8 slices Calories/Serving (Crust Only): 146 calories Nutrition (Crust Only): 146 calories, 5 g protein, 27 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 2 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 2 mg iron, and 219 mg sodium.

For toppings, use all-natural sauce, fresh vegetables, lean meats, or reduced-fat cheese. Some favorites include turkey pepperoni, lean ground beef, diced chicken breast, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives. I also make a cheeseburger pizza with reduced-fat mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and extra-lean ground beef.

Gluten-Free and Wheat-Free Thin Crust

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot filtered water
• 1.5 cups ground gluten-free oat flour
• 1.5 cups organic white rice flour
• 1 packet yeast (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 dash sea salt
• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix all ingredients with hot water in a bowl, then knead into a firm dough.
3. Roll out dough onto a pizza pan or stone.
4. Pre-bake crust for 5-8 minutes until firm.
5. Add sauce (Meijer True Goodness Organic Tomato and Basil), cheese (Heini’s raw Amish cheddar), and toppings.
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes.

David's Grain-Free Crust

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup tapioca flour
• 6 tablespoons coconut flour (divided)
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 large egg
• Dash of garlic, sea salt, and onion powder

Directions:

1. Mix seasonings and flours.
2. Combine water, oil, and vinegar; add to dry ingredients.
3. Stir in the egg.
4. Gradually add the remaining coconut flour until dough consistency is achieved.
5. Roll out dough and pre-bake for 5-6 minutes before adding toppings.

Final Thoughts

Pizza can be part of a healthy lifestyle when made with the right ingredients. By making it at home, you control what goes into your meal and enjoy delicious pizza guilt-free. So next time you crave pizza, why not try one of these wholesome recipes?

Your Fitness and Nutrition Coach,
~David Modderman

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