From the brick ovens of New York where the hard water problems give the crust its one-of-a kind-taste, to the deep-dish monsters of Chicago, to the culinary adventurous toppings adorning California pies, pizza is a mainstay in the diets of most Americans. While almost every food group is included in a pizza, it is still loaded with countless calories and has a very high fat content.

While the stuff you get at a restaurant or pizza parlor is delicious, there are usually very few healthy options available to those who are watching what they eat. If you want to get creative and make your own pizza at home, there are several substitutions and alternatives you can use to create a healthier pie:

Crust

Traditional pizza crust is made from enriched flour, plenty of salt, and loads of olive oil. In order to eat more health consciously at home, try making a pizza crust with with whole wheat instead of white flour. If you shop at a store like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or other specialty supermarket, you can find gluten-free crusts that are pre-made with ingredients like rice, tapioca, and agave nectar.

Sauce

The secret ingredient in most pizza sauce is not handpicked tomatoes, garlic, or secret spices. Most sauce recipes call for a considerable amount of sugar to be added before it gets slopped onto the crust. By using a jar or can of pure tomatoes, adding the proper seasoning, and mashing it all together, you will create a unique homemade sauce that avoids simple carbohydrates while

Cheese

Out of all the ingredients in a pizza, this one is the ultimate calorie deal-breaker. Most pizzas come with a heavy coat of extra-rich mozzarella cheese made with whole milk. By using chunks of fancier cheeses like Fontina, Asiago, and Goat, you can add to the richness of your pie while reducing calories and fat.

Meats

Sausage, pepperoni, hamburger, and Canadian bacon are loaded with plenty of fat because they are not lean. By using poultry like turkey or chicken, you can get a decent amount of protein in your meal while cutting out some of the fat. A controversial addition to a pizza would be sardines or anchovies which are high in Omega-3's, but packed with a taste that conjures up strong opinions.

Veggies

There is no way to go wrong with veggies on top of your pizza. You can use traditional fare like onions, peppers, and mushrooms, or you can go more eclectic and add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula. The possibilities vegetation affords your pizza are only limited by your imagination.

Pizza gives you the chance to get creative with your culinary visions. There are no wrong choices when it comes to creating your pie, so don't be afraid to take chances on it in the kitchen. Just be sure to not overdo it when it comes to high fat ingredients and other not-so-good-for-you toppings.

Photo Credits: aJ GAZMEN ? GucciBeaR

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Cooking/Recipes, General Health, Just Plain Fun, Nutrition, Nutrition Fitness Life

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brick ovens, canadian bacon, deep dish, healthy options, make your own pizza, pie crust, pizza crust, pizza parlor, pizza sauce, pizza sauce recipes, sausage pepperoni, secret ingredient, secret spices, traditional pizza, whole milk, whole wheat