This Is What Happens When You Eat Pizza Every Day
We all know that good-tasting food is not always best for maintaining our health. Ready-made pizza is one example of this sad fact. While it's acceptable to eat pizza in moderation, making it a daily habit will wreak havoc on your health, both in the short and long term.
Pizza tends to be high in calories, carbs, and sodium. It can also be high in unhealthy fats and ultimately lead to craving more of these types of food (per Pediatrics). These fats interfere with dopamine production, which means you may need to consume more unhealthy fats to feel fully satisfied (per Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology).
Unsurprisingly, a 2015 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that people who regularly ate ready-made meals like pizza had more belly fat than people who consumed less. Processed foods can also increase your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes (per American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine).
Making pizza from scratch can be healthier
Many Americans are getting their fast food ready-made or processed, and that plays a big role in how unhealthy it is. After all, we have no control over how much saturated fat is put into a pizza purchased at the store. Just one slice of pizza has 20% of the recommended daily amount of saturated fat (per Mashed).
If you want to enjoy pizza more than a couple of times a month without harming your health, Healthline recommends taking matters into your own hands. In particular, you'll want to look for whole ingredients and may want to make a crust with whole-grain or gluten-free flours. Additionally, try topping it with unsweetened sauce and high-quality cheese. Healthy ideas for toppings include broccoli, peppers, arugula, garlic, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes. Added sugars and processed meats, such as pepperoni and bacon, should generally be avoided. Instead, opt for vegetables and healthier protein sources, such as grilled chicken.