Pizza Power

While certain versions of the Italian favorite don’t do much for the waistline, you can make your pizza nutritionally sound without sacrificing taste. Indulge with these healthy ideas:

Change the crust. Raise the fiber value 50% by switching from white dough to whole wheat. Just watch for hidden hydrogenated oils or corn syrup in the ingredients. Layer hidden health boosters. Sandwich leafy greens like spinach or arugula between your sauce and cheese to sneak in potent phytonutrients found to combat heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s.

Season your pie with fresh herbs. Rich in vitamin A, oregano and basil contain anti-inflammatory agents and antibacterial properties that some studies say are similar to traditional antibiotics.

Stack on the veggies. Instead of meats, try eggplant and artichokes. Scatter in bell peppers and tomatoes, which are high in vitamin C and heart-healthy lycopene.

Think beyond Mediterranean. Try salsa, fiber-rich black beans, immune-boosting jalapenos, and free-radical-fighting cilantro for a zesty south-of-the-border variation. Or top your pie with Thai-based ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, and scallions for an Asian flair. And don’t forget the tropical tang of pineapples, which are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins to support immune and digestive function as well as eye health.