World Pizza Day: Low calorie pizza recipe that’s a diabetics delight too

It’s World Pizza Day today! Needless to say, pizza is a dish relished by everyone alike, all over the globe. It is both comfort food and a slice of heaven when it comes to celebrating your favorite occasions. However, pizza for diabetics remains a debated food item because of its high-carb and high-calorie content. Therefore, cutting the trouble, we have a yummy diabetes-friendly pizza recipe for you!

For diabetics, it is advised to eat low-carb foods and avoid food items that have a high glycemic index and a high sugar content. However, it does not mean that they have to bid goodbye to their favourite food items. It only means that they have to prepare their favorite dishes in a healthier way. Pizza can be given a healhy twist too!

Sujata Sharma, a Health Coach at BeatO, spoke to HealthShots on the drool-worthy occasion of World Pizza Day to share with us a diabetes-friendly pizza recipe.

Why is your normal slice of pizza unhealthy?

“People with diabetes are supposed to limit their intake of refined carbs found in white flour which is used to make the pizza crust. Refined carbs can have an adverse effect on your blood sugar level.” says Sharma.

Diabetes is associated with other complications such as Hypertension and Dyslipidemia. Pizza also has high levels of sodium which can lead to a high blood pressure and can prove to be detrimental. We advise you to consult your health coach before including any ingredients.

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What makes this pizza recipe a diabetic’s delight?

With this recipe, you can relish a healthier and diabetes-friendly version of your favorite pizza:

1. For the crust

In order to avoid a high-carb white flour crust, you can substitute it with healthier options such as almond flour or ragi flour. A crust made out of ragi or almond crust will have significantly less amount of carbs.

For this, knead the dough with instant yeast and olive oil and set it aside for 4 hrs to fluff up.

2. For the toppings

Opt for toppings which have a low glycemic index. You can go for sun dried tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, grilled vegetables, etc. Add olives for that extra flavor. All the non-vegetarian lovers can add roasted chicken rather than other food items which have a high glycemic index. To add a better flavor to your pizza, add natural herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, etc.

Roll the pizza dough and spread some homemade garlic and tomato chutney on top. Add zucchini, bell peppers and olives. Sprinkle basil, rock salt, pepper and oregano.

3. Use fresh mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese has a lesser amount of sodium and fat but you should make sure that you consume it in moderation. It has little impact on your sugar levels but you should avoid making generous use of it.

Add 2 spoonful of mozzarella cheese on top of the rolled pizza with toppings. Place the pizza on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Cook it for 10 minutes in a preheated oven.

4. Pair it with healthy side dishes

You can make your meal more filling and healthy by pairing your pizza with some roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. Ditch those sides of french fries and onion rings and opt for healthier substitutes.

Grill some chicken and veggies like beans, mushrooms and bell peppers to go along with your pizza.

5. Portion size

It is important to keep a check on portion sizes while being on a diabetic-diet. You can also make a thin crust pizza as they have a lower carb and calorie content.

This pizza recipe will turn out finger licking good but you must find comfort in just a slice or two.

6. Prepare your pizza at home

While making your own pizza, you can have complete control over the ingredients. It is also a fun experience to prepare it all by yourself.

Making pizza at home can be an enjoyable bonding exercise with your kids or even your partner.

Ingredients to avoid while making a diabetes-friendly pizza

A single slice of pizza can contain a high carb and also a high calorie content if it is not prepared mindfully. You should also ensure that you are eating the right portion size. It is okay to enjoy your favourite diabetes friendly pizza in moderation but you should make sure that you avoid using some ingredients while preparing it.

Here are some ingredients you shouldn’t include in your pizza recipe:

1. High calorie sauces like Mayonnaise or Alfredo sauce.
2. Processed meats like sausage or bacon.
3. Fried vegetables and fried chicken.
4. Cheese-stuffed pizza crusts

In order to enjoy your favourite food items while being on a diabetic diet, you need to have a balanced approach towards nutrition. To be extra careful, you can even do a sugar check after relishing your slice of pizza. If you have any doubts about the food items that you can consume with regard to your sugar levels, you should always reach out to your health coach.

It is advised to consume a nutrient-dense and low-carb diet and have a regular workout regime. Also, do not forget to check your sugar levels on a regular basis. By knowing your level of glucose, you can optimize your diet and lifestyle accordingly.