Pizza: Make It a Family Night!

We all know that even for picky eaters, a piping hot pizza will bring everyone happily to the table, but some seem to worry about the healthfulness of this option. To begin with, even one pizza night each week is not likely to blow your diet or your child's attitude towards healthy eating. However, for those who are still concerned, there are several ways to make this night successful and healthy.

Treat it as any other night of eating. Serve dinner with a side salad and milk, juice, or water, and order only enough to feed the crew in order to stop indulgence. Sitting at the table as a family is also recommended for healthy portion eating. Sitting together, having a conversation, and being in the company of those you love are all conducive to better formed eating habits no matter what is being served. 

If you're still concerned about the healthiness, you can always place a healthier order at most pizza places. Thin crust pies will cut many calories from a meal, and some establishments may even offer a lighter version on the menu. When building the yummy circle of supper heaven, ask that the chef pile on the tomato sauce. It is full of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that more and more health professionals are recommending for a well-rounded diet. A chunky sauce will add vegetable servings to the meal, though the sauce itself counts as a veggie.

Cheese is the most caloric part of a pizza. More than half of a slice's calories come from the gooey topping, but it's not usually seen as a pizza without cheese. For a less caloric option of this calcium and vitamin D providing food, ask for less cheese on top, or opt for a lighter version. If this family night is a tradition, however, you can build the rest of the day's menu around the nutritional values of the meal and dive in no-holds-barred.

Steer clear of processed meats as toppings and choose chicken or vegetables. Mushrooms, peppers, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, onions, any vegetable can top a pie. If your little guys are picky about toppings, and usually go for plain cheese, try sneaking a vegetable puree into the already healthy sauce.

Do not forget that the point of gathering around the table is to spend time together. Play some game like I-Spy, tell knock-knock jokes, and ask about everyone's day. Let the piping pie draw the crowd while you take advantage of the possibilities.