Who doesn’t crave pizza? The combination of melted cheese, crispy crust, and savory tomato sauce is a universal comfort. Personally, I joke that one of the reasons I had a kid was to have a better excuse to indulge in pizza more often. (Though, truth be told, I really don’t need an excuse!)
As someone who grew up in New York City, pizza has always been a big part of my life. It was my first independent meal out as a kid, walking with my little sister to grab lunch at the local pizza place. We still have fun reminiscing about those times, especially when I had to fold her slice exactly in half or face her not eating it!
One of my most cherished pizza memories involves standing on my tiptoes as a five-year-old, watching the pizza-makers at John’s of Bleeker Street. My mom tells me I’ve been going there since before I was born, so my taste buds were ready for great pizza from the start. It’s still as amazing as ever. Here’s a picture from a recent visit with my husband, Thom:
Is Pizza Good for You?
Clearly, pizza is a favorite food for many. A USDA report even claims it’s one of the top most-craved foods in America, with 11% of the U.S. population enjoying pizza on any given day.
While pizza is undoubtedly delicious, convenient, and affordable, the big question is: Is it healthy? The answer is yes, but it depends on how you prepare it.
Nutritional Benefits of Pizza
A basic cheese pizza can offer surprising nutritional benefits. A small slice of cheese pizza (around 280 calories for a fast-casual option) is a good source of protein and calcium, thanks to the cheese. It’s also rich in vitamin A and lycopene, an antioxidant found in the tomato sauce. The crust contributes B-vitamins and essential minerals like iron.
But What About the Downsides?
A small cheese slice (around 280 calories) can also contain about 25% of your recommended daily intake of saturated fat and sodium. When you add extra toppings like pepperoni or sausage—and especially if you eat multiple slices—it can quickly push your meal into unhealthy territory. For example, three or four slices, as many people tend to eat according to the USDA report, can turn a once-healthy meal into something less balanced.
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