Fueling Up with Healthy Pizzas!

While they may get a bad rep due to the abundant, unhealthy options out there (i.e. Fast Food and Chain Pizza Restaurants), pizza is one of many foods that allows flexibility and creativity in the kitchen! It’s easy to make a healthy version, packed with protein, carbs, veggies and/or fruit. Here are two very different pizza combinations I’ve come up with as of late; each pie provides lean protein, veggies and an easy flatbread crust (purchased pre-made).

Italian Chicken Sausage & Spinach Pizza
-pizza crust
-2 links, Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
-2 c Raw Spinach Leaves
-3/4 c Marinara Sauce
-Red & Orange Peppers, chopped
-1 c chopped/sliced mushrooms
Parmesan Cheese, to top

New-Mexican Veggie Pizza
-pizza crust
¾ can fat free refried beans
-red, orange and/or green pepper ? chopped
-mushrooms chopped
-yellow onion (optional) chopped
-1/4 c enchilada sauce (or Salsa)
-1 cup Mexican blend cheese

Preheat the oven according to direction on the package (typically ~400-425*).

For the Italian Chicken Sausage & Spinach Pizza: cover the crust with a base layer of Marinara sauce, then top with spinach. Mix all remaining ingredients (already chopped) together and spread evenly. Bake ~6-8 minutes, and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

For the New-Mexican Veggie Pizza: cover the crust with a base layer of fat-free refried beans, and then evenly spread ¼ cup enchilada sauce. Top with veggies (feel free to improvise with your veggies of choice!) and cheese. Bake ~6-8 minutes (until cheese is melted) and enjoy!

Additional topping options: shredded chicken, lean ground beef, chopped green pepper, chopped yellow onion, guacamole, and/or Lite Sour Cream.