Ditch the Greasy Pizza! 5 Delicious & Guilt-Free Ways to Lighten Up Your Next Pizza Night with Whole Foods (They're SO GOOD!)

Let's face it, pizza is a universal comfort food. But that gooey cheese and deep-dish crust can wreak havoc on your weight loss goals. However, with a few simple swaps using whole foods, you can still enjoy pizza night without derailing your healthy eating plan.

Here are 5 creative ways to transform a calorie-laden pizza into a lighter and more nutritious meal:

1. Sprouted Chickpea Flour Crust Veggie Supreme (Serves 2-3)

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sprouted chickpea flour

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • Pizza toppings of your choice (suggested options below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together sprouted chickpea flour, water, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

2. Spread the batter evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch.

4. Remove from the oven and top with your desired pizza toppings. Here are some healthy whole food options:

   • Tomato sauce made with fresh or canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices

   • Shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese from grass-fed cows

   • Roasted vegetables (red peppers, green peppers, mushrooms, onions)

   • Grilled chicken or shrimp

   • Chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme

2. Whole-Wheat Pita Bread Pizzas with Ricotta and Roasted Fig Spread (Serves 2)

• Ingredients:

  • 2 whole-wheat pita breads, halved

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

  • 2 fresh figs, roasted and mashed

  • 1/4 cup crumbled walnuts

  • Arugula, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the cut sides of the pita breads with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

2. While the pita breads bake, roast the figs. Cut the figs in half and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a touch of honey and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until softened. Remove from the oven and mash with a fork.

3. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the toasted pita halves. Top with the roasted fig spread and sprinkle with crumbled walnuts.

4. Garnish with fresh arugula and serve immediately.

3. Grilled Chicken and Pesto on Sprouted Grain Tortillas (Serves 2)

• Ingredients:

  • 2 large sprouted grain tortillas

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled or cooked and sliced

  • 1/4 cup homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion

  • Baby spinach, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill pan or grill to medium heat. Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Grill the tortillas for 1 minute per side, or until slightly warmed and softened.

2. Spread the pesto evenly over the warmed tortillas.

3. Top with sliced cooked chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion slices.

4. Garnish with fresh baby spinach and serve immediately.

4. Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Squash Noodles (Serves 2)

• Ingredients:

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup dry white wine

• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the flesh with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender-crisp when pierced with a fork.

2. While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and parsley. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.

6. Add the cooked spaghetti squash noodles to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat.

7. Serve the shrimp scampi over the spaghetti squash noodles and garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

5. Mediterranean Veggie Bowls with Whole-Wheat Pita Bread (Serves 2)

• Ingredients:

  • 2 whole-wheat pita breads, warmed

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

  • 1/2 cucumber, diced

  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4 cup crumbled red onion

  • 1 tomato, diced

  • 1 handful cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/4 cup crumbled walnuts

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Warm the whole-wheat pita breads according to package directions. Cut into wedges and arrange on a serving plate.

2. In a medium bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, tomato, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, and parsley.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.

4. Spoon the veggie mixture over the warmed pita bread wedges. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your journey to enjoying lighter and healthier versions of your favorite pizza night meals. With a little creativity and these whole food swaps, you can still indulge in delicious comfort food without sacrificing your health goals.