Pizza: Is it Just as Bad as Soda?

"Blotting" your pizza can help remove extra oil and salt 

Don't we all love pizzas? It has pretty much become an American staple food. Which party or picnic is complete without the famous pie!

If you recall in a previous post, I had talked about  how Congress had declared that Pizza and French Fries are vegetables. But before we load up on those yummy, cheesy, delights, consider what the researchers at the Illinois Prevention Research recently had  to say about the pizza.

According to them Pizza is a "major contributor" to the increase in calorie consumption among young age group (children and teens).

• They say pizza is the second largest source of calories, saturated fat and salt. In fact, they believe that pizza should be in the same "rank" or category of junk foods like soda and fast foods. 

• Kids should limit to eating just 1 or 2 slices compared to the normal amount of 3 or 4; and balance their meals out with a low-caloric food like salad. But think about it, we eat pizza with a big soda and maybe even a cookie or two. Talk about calories adding up!

A pizza with lots of protein & veggies & almost no cheese

Have you noticed how kids seems to like pizza more than adults? It seems to be part of pretty much every standard "kids" menu at any party or restaurant.

But that does not mean you dont eat pizzas at all. Here are some creative ways to make a pizza meal wholesome.

• You can monitor the amount of calories, fat and salt in pizza if you make it yourself. 

• Add colorful veggies for variety and lean meats for protein, or try reducing the amount of cheese on it

• Use whole grains to make your pizza base

• Make your own sauce. Not only will it tasty, you can customize it to your taste with less sugar, salt and fat.