| p>We all know the importance of having a healthy diet. | | | | Vegetables can be cut and placed on the pizza raw, |
| But having such a diet means that you have to | | | | then baked along with the pizza dough. Another option |
| sacrifice some of the good food, right? Wrong! In fact, | | | | is to Sauté the vegetables in olive oil quickly |
| it is possible to create a great tasting, healthy pizza to | | | | and then add to the uncooked pizza. This will give the |
| meet your healthy diet needs. | | | | vegetables a great flavor by bringing out the |
| Pizza gets a bad rap among the health conscious | | | | sweetness in most vegetables, caramelizing their |
| crowd. But in its basic form there is nothing inherently | | | | natural sugars. In contrast, putting them on uncooked |
| unhealthy about pizza. Flour, water, salt, and yeast are | | | | will leave more of a raw vegetable taste. Both are |
| the basics to create a great tasting, low fat crust, and | | | | excellent, but provide distinctly different flavors. |
| a simple sauce can be easily made using fresh | | | | Grilling vegetables is another way to "pre-cook" the |
| tomatoes, garlic, spices, and fresh herbs. | | | | vegetables and bring out the natural sugars of the |
| Piling mounds of high fat proteins such as sausage and | | | | vegetables. An added benefit is the "grill taste" that is |
| pepperoni on top of the pizza will not make a healthy | | | | added to the vegetables. Using different combinations |
| meal...but piling them on top of lettuce is not healthy | | | | of vegetables and different cooking techniques you |
| either. | | | | can create your own homemade pizza recipe. Many |
| According to the Department of Health, we should eat | | | | vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals, are |
| at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables each day | | | | trans-fat free and high in fiber...and they are not |
| to receive the health benefits. Studies have shown | | | | processed like so many of our foods are today. |
| that eating the recommended allowance can help to | | | | By making a basic pizza crust made of flour, water, |
| prevent heart disease and some cancers. | | | | salt, and yeast, making a simple, fresh tomato sauce, |
| Unfortunately, only 15% of Americans actually achieve | | | | and adding fresh vegetables as toppings you can |
| this target. | | | | create a very healthy meal for you and your family. |
| Really any of your favorite vegetables will work great | | | | Avoid piling on high fat proteins, and apply cheese in |
| on pizza, some of our favorites are: Artichoke Hearts, | | | | moderation, and you can create a healthy vegetable |
| Red Onions, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Olives, Leeks, | | | | pizza. |
| Spinach, and Sun Dried Tomatoes. | | | | |