Many people, like me, consider pizza to be a staple food that is eaten regularly.
Everyone from athletes to dieters enjoy having pizza for a meal.
If you’re trying to bulk up and eat a high protein diet, then you may be curious about pizza’s protein content.
You may even wonder : is pizza healthy? And does it even contain protein?
On average, you can get around 11 grams of protein in a pizza slice.
As for how healthy pizza is for, that all depends on the ingredients.
Find out if pizza actually is healthy and how many grams of protein are in your go-to meal by reading on!
Pizza Toppings High in Protein
Many popular pizza toppings are high in protein, making pizza a good source of this essential nutrient.
Some of the most protein-rich toppings include:
- Meat toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon which provide an excellent source of animal-based protein.
- Dairy toppings such as mozzarella, cheddar, and feta cheese, which are also high in protein, are great options for those who are lactose intolerant.
- Plant-based toppings such as tofu, tempeh, and legumes, offer a good source of protein for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
It’s important to note that the amount of protein in a pizza will depend on the type and amount of toppings used, as well as the type of crust.
For example, a pizza with meat and cheese toppings will generally have more protein than a vegetarian pizza with just cheese and vegetables.
However, a vegetarian pizza can still provide a good amount of protein if the right toppings are selected.
In addition to the toppings, the crust of a pizza can also affect the overall protein content, especially if it is an enriched crust.
Whole grain crusts are typically higher in protein compared to traditional white flour crusts, making them a better option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
So, whether you prefer meaty or veggie toppings, there’s a pizza for everyone that can provide a good source of protein.
Generally speaking, pizza is not a particularly high-protein item, but with careful topping selection, it can be part of a high-protein diet.
However, the majority of your protein needs can still be met by eating foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts.
Is Pizza Healthy?
The answer to this question may not be as simple as you’d like for it to be.
In spite of the fact that it’s packed with tasty and satisfying fixings, the pizza’s high-fat dough and sauce are not good for you.
In fact, a whopping 75 percent of your daily fat limit can be met by eating just one slice of pizza!
Pizza can only be part of a healthy diet when you limit your cheese intake, pick a low-sodium sauce, and make wise topping selections.
No matter how much you love eating pizza, you should really think twice before chowing down if you’re trying to make healthy choices.
If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, pizza isn’t the best choice because it’s so calorie dense.
One easy way to make it healthier is making a smarter pizza crust choice.
Whole grain crust is a great method to increase the nutritional value of your pizza.
And make sure it’s a thin crust instead of a thicker one.
You can better manage your calorie and fat intake if you seek for a sauce that does not have any added sugar.
Tips To Make Pizza Healthier
Choose a whole-grain crust and go easy on the high-fat cheese to increase the pizza’s nutritional value.
If you’re worried about the protein content, you can always throw in some grilled tofu, beans, or bits of skinless chicken breast.
You can also complement your pizza with a quinoa salad or greens dressed with chickpeas, oil, and vinegar.
In fact, make the salad the main part of your meal and the pizza slice more of a side dish to the salad.
Color your pizza with vegetables for a boost in antioxidants.
Peppers, mushrooms, onions, crushed fresh pineapple, black olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes are all good choices.
Make your own sauce or check for low-sodium options at the store if you’d like to cut down on the sodium content of your pizza.
Final Word
Depending on the toppings and crust used, pizza can be a healthy source of protein.
Choose toppings like meat, dairy, and plant-based protein sources, and a crust produced from whole wheat flour or a high-protein specialty crust, to maximize the amount of protein you get from pizza.
With these few modifications, pizza can become a healthy meal that helps you meet your daily protein and other nutrient needs without sacrificing flavor.
