Throw a Spartan-Friendly Pizza Party: 6 Healthy Homemade Recipes
Even if you’re training for a big race or athletic event, pizza is something that’s virtually impossible to give up. It’s one of those comfort foods that’s impossible to say no to, but regular pizza is filled with refined grains and dairy that can drag you down during workouts.“The benefit of ditching the refined carbohydrates and dairy that are typically in traditional pizza is that it doesn’t leave you feeling tired and sluggish a few hours after eating,” says Jessica Bippen, MS, RD. The good news? We've got tons of healthy homemade pizza recipes full of whole grains, veggies, and protein to get your fix in a good way. Try these colorful, healthier pies and chow down during your own Spartan-approved healthy homemade pizza night.
6 Healthy Homemade Pizza Recipes
1. Sweet Potato Pizza
from Alyssa Rimmer, CHN of Simply Quinoa
Especially if you avoid gluten or carbs, give this sweet potato pizza crust a try. Sweet potato is the base, but it’s also made with quinoa flour, packing in 5 grams of protein per slice (or 30 grams of protein in the whole 6-slice pie). You bake it on both sides so it crisps up nicely, and then you can top it with your choice of sauce, cheese, and veggies like portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions.
Related: Are Sweet Potatoes Really Healthy?
2. Garbanzo Flour Pizza
from Kelly Jones MS, RD, CSSD, LDN of EatRealLiveWell
Another alternative flour to use in creating your crust is chickpea flour. “In addition to being rich in protein, chickpea flour is a good source of iron, a nutrient of concern for endurance athletes, especially females. Low iron stores may reduce energy levels, both physically and mentally,” Jones says. This pizza, which you can enjoy without sauce as a flatbread, or add tomato sauce, veggies including asparagus and tomatoes, and tofu ricotta, as in this recipe, is filled with extra fiber from the chickpea flour. “Fiber feeds a healthy gut, which emerging research is showing may contribute to better recovery and hydration,” Jones adds.
3. White Clam and Kale Pizza
from Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT
Clams add a different taste as well as a source of lean protein to this white pizza, which is also sprinkled with Vitamin C-rich kale and parmesan for even more flavor. “This smoky, savory pizza is piled with nutrient-dense kale and protein-rich clams that will leave you full and satisfied. Unlike the usual protein toppings like pepperoni or sausage, clams also provide a healthy dose of essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12,” Lydon says.
Related: 5 Snacking Strategies to Help You Squeez in More Protein
4. Farmer’s Market BLT & Avocado Chopped Salad Pizza
from EA Stewart, RDN of The Spicy RD
An easy way to get more greens and less dairy in your meal is to make it a salad pie. It can be made with a gluten-free or store-bought cauliflower crust. This one has a great source of healthy fats too, with the addition of avocado. You don’t need to add bacon to the salad if you don’t eat meat. Stewart suggests tempeh or coconut bacon, pine nuts, or crispy chickpeas for the same satisfying savory crunch.
5. Kale Pesto Naan Pizza
from Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD
“Packed with a balance of energizing whole grains, greens, and healthy fats, this kale pesto pizza is a flavorful way to fuel up!” Moore says. The crust is a whole grain naan flatbread, which you can purchase already made for a simple dinner. Instead of any kind of meat, it’s sprinkled with parmesan and walnuts, for a heart-healthy hit of omega-3’s.
6. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
from Jessica Bippen, MS, RD of Nourished by Nutrition
One of the trendiest gluten-free crusts out there is a cauliflower pie, and it’s simple to recreate at home for a meal lower in carbs. “I typically recommend a carbohydrate-rich diet for endurance athletes. This cauliflower crust is lower in carbohydrates than an endurance athlete may need but it's a great gluten-free, grain-free option,” Bippen says. “It can also be used as a way to sneak in more vegetables. Its wholesome ingredients like cauliflower, chia seeds, almond meal, and eggs make this crust full of fiber, nutrients, and omega-3s that will keep you feeling full and energized,” Bippen adds.