Confessions Of A Frozen Pizza Addict: Part One

Hello, my name is Jenn, and I love making frozen pizza for dinner.

Why? Mostly because it takes less than thirty seconds to turn the oven on and slide the pie in. But also because I hate cooking. And I love the taste of pizza.

I saw a video during my home economics class in middle school that said pizza is a very nutritious meal – protein, carbs, and vegetables. The only other thing I remember from that class is making a giant chocolate chip cookie in a pizza pan.

So if pizza is healthy, then why am I concerned about my addiction?

Unfortunately, premade frozen pizzas aren’t as healthy as my middle-school self was led to believe. Most options are loaded with salt, cheese, processed flour, and preservatives, without the benefit of many vegetables.

Another problem is variety. Eating the same things over and over provides the same nutrients, and same nutrient deficiencies, over and over. To get all the vitamins and minerals the body needs to function, effectively and efficiently, at least some variety is required. 

Yet fear not, pizza lovers! The news is not all bad. Pizza can be a very nutritious and complete meal if you make it right. And health and nutrition magazines are full of suggestions and recipes to do just that.

In the past, I’ve often been frustrated with articles telling me to eat more of this, less of that, and stand on my head while spicing my free-range chicken. (Yes, I made the last one up.) But I find many of the recipes to be too complicated and time-consuming. If I don’t even recognize half of the ingredients, then chances are I’m not going to be making it.

So I have started on a journey. My goal: to find my own way to healthy eating. I’ve noticed how my poor nutritional habits affect my body’s energy and mood, and I am ready for a change. But not the change that someone else is suggesting – I’m ready for MY change. I can’t be someone else, no matter how healthy their intricate, picture-perfect, glossy-magazine-worthy meals are. I have to find my own way to eat better – something that involves easy recipes, convenience, and pizza.

This is the start of a series chronicling that journey. First up – my own recipe for easy, healthy pizza. I hope some of you will join in, give the recipes a try, find your own unique twists, or send your own suggestions! Be yourself, be creative, and have fun finding your way!

Jenn’s Healthy And Easy Pizza

Ingredients:

Boboli pizza crust

Small can of unseasoned, no salt added tomato sauce

Oregano

Basil

Garlic

Spinach

Broccoli

Low-fat mozzarella cheese

Parmesan cheese

1. Turn on the oven – 450 degrees for Boboli pizza crusts.

2. Put the Boboli crust on a piece of aluminum foil.

·      Bonus health tip: use a whole-wheat crust for more fiber.

3. Put unseasoned tomato sauce on top – however much you prefer.

·      Bonus health tip: use whole tomato slices instead of sauce for added nutritional benefit.

4. Add your own seasoning. I usually slice up half a clove of garlic and sprinkle with oregano and  basil. Be creative!

5. Add your vegetables. I enjoy the taste of spinach and broccoli, but some other options include peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, eggplant, zucchini, pineapple, or anything else you enjoy. Try something new, or mix and match, and load it up – more isn’t a bad thing here. Remember to wash and possible cook them first!

6. Optional: add low-fat meat such as chicken or turkey pepperoni for extra protein. Think small portions here – about three ounces, or the amount that fits inside of your palm, per person.

7.  Sprinkle low-fat mozzarella cheese on top. Again, think small portions – about one-third to one-half cup per person.

8. Cook approximately eight minutes – longer if heavy on the toppings.

9. Sprinkle a dusting of parmesan cheese on top and serve!

Prep time is about eight minutes (long enough for the oven to pre-heat), and cook time is about eight minutes. Total, I’m sitting down ready to eat sooner than I was with the pre-made frozen option with limited time spent preparing. Plus, if I make a big size pizza, I have leftovers for the next day!

Remember, that’s just my preferred way – you can experiment to find your own!

Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comment box – what’s your healthy pizza look like?

By Jennifer Stanhagen
In addition to being a frozen pizza addict, Jennifer is a fitness trainer and wellness coach with Total Health Concepts, LLC.  She also works as a freelance writer and group fitness instructor, where she earned the nickname "Bootcamp Jenn."  You can contact her at jennifer@totalhealthconcepts.net.