It’s hard to find a person who doesn’t love pizza. After all, it’s one of the select few foods that you can put a spin on yet still retain its original spirit. We have the Italians to thank for pizza, and it has been done in so many ways that are still enjoyed today.
However, the sad truth is that not everyone can enjoy pizza, especially those with health conditions such as diabetes. While diabetic people are allowed to eat pizza, their condition hinders them from eating pizza to its full extent, meaning their intake should be limited. Pizza is usually high in carbs, sodium, and saturated fat, which can cause spikes in blood glucose. However, there are ways for diabetic people to be able to eat pizza. These include:
#1 – Know What Ingredients to Include
Pizza ingredients matter when you’re trying to eat a low-carb diet. Most pizza recipes involve a lot of white flour and oil, so it’s important to be mindful of this. When you go out to eat, you can choose from various low-carb toppings. For example, you can get a generic cheese pizza with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
Ideally, you should choose fiber-rich ingredients because it will take longer for your body to digest them. Additionally, try to get lean meat toppings and limit the amount of meat you put on. For example, you can get peppers, olives, beef, chicken, or seafood. With this in mind, you should limit processed ingredients such as bacon, ham, sausage, and pepperoni.
#2 – Cut off the Crust
Most people know that eating the crust can give you a higher calorie intake. S medium crust can add up to an extra 200 calories per slice. If you intend to eat pizza, it’s best to cut off the crust. It doesn’t have much nutritional value anyways, and getting rid of it will help you avoid overeating carbohydrates.
Additionally, you can choose to get a thin crust instead of a regular one. This will give you fewer calories.
#3 – Pair Your Pizza with Healthy Sides
It’s always a good idea to pair pizza with healthy side dishes. Some healthy sides can include:
- Baked potato
- Salad
- Cooked or steamed vegetables
If you’re trying to eat a healthier diet, you should never forget to eat your vegetables. This will ensure that you eat nutritious food while enjoying pizza.
#4 – Watch Your Portions
Portion control is a must when trying to eat a healthier diet. If you’re eating pizza, it’s best only to eat one slice. This will ensure that you keep your sodium intake under control and prevent you from overeating. If you’re having trouble sticking to your diet, there are other measures that you can take. You can always ask your pizza parlor to serve half the pizza.
#5 – Make Homemade Pizza
If all else fails, you can always make your pizza. Homemade pizza is always healthier than the one you buy at restaurants, and because you’re in charge of all the ingredients, you’ll be able to determine their carb content. You can decide how much pizza you can eat without going over your carb allowance.
#6 – Don’t Completely Avoid It
With that said, you shouldn’t altogether avoid eating pizza. As with any food, moderation is key. If you have diabetes, it’s essential to remember that overeating pizza can badly affect your blood glucose levels. For example, eating one slice of pizza will not affect your blood sugar levels. However, it can increase your blood sugar levels if you overeat them.
Conclusion
Pizza is one of the most beloved foods. However, with diabetes, you can’t just eat pizza without thinking of the consequences. This is why it’s crucial to keep your intake in check, so if you want to go out and eat pizza, do it in moderation.
If you’re looking for pizza restaurants in Dyer, Doreen’s Pizzeria is for you! We offer a diverse range of flavorful pizzas and other choices such as sandwiches, salads, and beverages to make any occasion more memorable, all for affordable prices. Simply go to our website to place an order!