Pizza can be a Healthy Diet Option

Many diets leave you forced to eat frozen meals and tasteless confections that are merely the ghosts of their full-flavored counterparts. Why does the American public believe that when you are on a diet you must sacrifice taste in order to get fit and healthy? You might be surprised to find out that much of what you are eating is not on the "naughty list" and that you need to cut portions and add exercise instead.

Pizza is one of the foods that are often "given up" when someone is dieting. Sure, it is loaded with cheese and sauce, and the entire base is bread. However, every part of a pizza is comprised of much needed components of a balanced diet. The crust is not entirely bad, especially if you choose whole wheat or thin style crust. Even if you cannot alter the crust upon ordering, you do not have to eat all of it. Toppings do not have to sabotage your healthy eating goals either, in fact, they can support those goals! Choose leaner meats (chicken, ham) and lots of vegetables and you will have a very filling and satisfying meal at your favorite pizzeria.

Leftovers make great lunches the next day (or breakfast for some) and can help to remove the cravings for "one more slice" while you are at the restaurant. Box up a slice or two to take home and your craving will likely disappear. Often, cravings hit when you think you are being deprived. Planning ahead and knowing that you are going to get to have a favorite the next day can go a long way to staving off that next "raid the fridge" binge.

You will be amazed at how many of your favorite foods do not have to be abandoned in the name of "eating healthy". If you are eating wholesome foods that are rich in nutrients and flavor, it may be that you simply need to watch your portion sizes and stop snacking in between meals. Additionally, avoid foods that have little or no nutritional value, as these are empty calories that will do nothing to satiate your hunger.

Take a look at your pantry and cupboards and make an inventory of the meal possibilities that you have. Create a menu, making sure that you include some of your favorites. If you need to modify the meal a bit to meet your new routine, do so, but remember that dieting is a process, not an overnight achievement. You may want to switch out your regular soda for diet or switch to bread that is higher in fiber. Torturing yourself with "forbidden foods" only sets you up for disappointment and failure.

Instead of barring certain foods from your diet (provided they are whole foods and not junk foods) try eating only until you are full and then wait twenty minutes. If you still feel hungry, drink some water and then see how you feel. You may find that dieting is easier than you thought, and yet you can still eat pizza with your friends this weekend!