Whole Wheat Pizza Night: A Tasty and Wholesome Solution for a Healthier You

Hey there, lovely friend!

Who doesn’t love a delicious, cheesy, mouth-watering slice of pizza? But sometimes, we feel guilty after indulging in our favorite pie. Well, guess what? I have a solution for you, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Let’s talk about homemade whole wheat pizza! Yes, that’s right, a healthier alternative to that greasy takeout we sometimes crave.

So why should you ditch the delivery and start making pizza at home? And what makes whole wheat pizza the better choice? I’m here to share my tips and tricks, and trust me, it’s easier than you think! Plus, I’ll reveal my top 5 protein-rich toppings to make your homemade pizza even more nutritious. Let’s dive right in!

Why Make Pizza at Home?

First things first: let’s talk about why homemade pizza is the way to go, especially for us fabulous women over 40!

1. You’re in control: When you make pizza at home, you have total control over the ingredients. That means you can opt for organic, fresh, and wholesome options that not only taste better but are better for you, too!
2. Healthier choices: With homemade pizza, you can experiment with healthier crust options (like whole wheat) and load up on nutritious toppings. And hey, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, right?
3. Save a few bucks: Let’s be honest, eating out or ordering in can get pretty expensive. By making your pizza at home, you’ll save money and feel good about treating yourself to a guilt-free indulgence!

Whole Wheat: The Better Dough

You might be wondering why I’m raving about whole wheat pizza dough. Well, as a health coach, I can’t emphasize enough the benefits of incorporating whole grains into our diets.

Whole wheat flour is made from the entire wheat kernel, meaning it retains all the nutrients that get lost during the refining process of white flour. Some of its amazing benefits include:

1. High in fiber: Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. It’s a win-win!
2. Rich in nutrients: Whole wheat flour is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
3. Better for blood sugar: Whole grains like whole wheat have a lower glycemic index, meaning they have a less significant impact on blood sugar levels compared to refined grains. This is especially beneficial for those who are watching their blood sugar or managing diabetes.

It’s Easier Than You Think!

If you’ve never made pizza at home, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. But trust me, it’s easier than you think! All you need is a good recipe (I’ll share mine in a moment), some basic ingredients, and a bit of patience.

• 2/3 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp of biological yeast
• 1 Tbsp of sugar
• 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of olive oil

Instructions:

Combine water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl; let sit until foamy, about 15 minutes.

Add the flour, salt and oil and stir until a lumpy dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface.

If you want to knead by hand:

Knead with floured hands until the dough is smooth, elastic and sticky, but does not stick to your hands.

If you want to beat it in the mixer:

Add the yeast mixture to the rest of the ingredients and knead the dough (with the heavy-duty shovel) for about 3 minutes.

Transfer to an oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in volume, 30 to 45 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a non-stick surface. Pinch it with a fork to prevent it from inflating in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes at 450ºF.

After that, you can stuff it with whatever toppings you like and bake it for another 5 minutes.

See? Making pizza at home is totally doable! And now, let’s talk toppings…

5 Ideas for Protein-Rich Toppings

To make your homemade pizza even more nutritious, I’ve got 5 delicious and protein-packed topping ideas for you. They’re not only tasty but also great for supporting your health and fitness goals!

1. Grilled chicken: Marinate chicken breast in your favorite seasonings, then grill and slice it for a lean protein source that goes great with a variety of veggie toppings.
2. Turkey sausage: Swap out traditional pork sausage for a healthier turkey alternative. It’s lower in fat and still packed with flavor!
3. Shrimp: Add a taste of the sea to your pizza with some perfectly cooked shrimp! They’re an excellent source of lean protein and pair well with pesto or tomato sauce.
4. Cannellini beans: For a vegetarian option, try topping your pizza with these creamy white beans. They’re high in protein and add a unique, satisfying texture.
5. Tofu: Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! Marinate and pan-fry some tofu, then crumble it over your pizza for a delicious, plant-based protein boost.

And there you have it, my dear friend! Who said pizza night couldn’t be healthy? With these tips and ideas, you can enjoy a tasty homemade whole wheat pizza that’ll make you feel good inside and out.

So go ahead, indulge without the guilt, and have some fun experimenting with different flavors and toppings. After all, a balanced and healthy life is all about enjoying the things we love while making mindful choices.

Wishing you delicious and wholesome pizza nights ahead!

Print

Whole Wheat Pizza Dought

Servings 2 discs

Author Luciana

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp of biological yeast
• 1 Tbsp of sugar
• 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl; let sit until foamy, about 15 minutes.
2. Add the flour, salt and oil and stir until a lumpy dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface.

If you want to knead by hand:

1. Knead with floured hands until the dough is smooth, elastic and sticky, but does not stick to your hands.

If you want to beat it in the mixer:

1. Add the yeast mixture to the rest of the ingredients and knead the dough (with the heavy-duty shovel) for about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer to an oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in volume, 30 to 45 minutes.

3. To use: Roll out the dough on a non-stick surface. Pinch it with a fork to prevent it from inflating in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes at 450ºF / 230ºC.

4. After that, you can stuff it with whatever toppings you like and bake it for 5 minutes.