Today is World Pizza Day!

Who doesn't like pizza? Everyone likes pizza, and surely you too have often eaten it with pleasure. Who play sports to lose weight can eat pizza? How to include pizza in the diet of an athlete?

Let's discover together the secrets of pizza in sport!

In Italy there isn't a person who doesn't eat pizza and given the results in Athletics at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 (Gold medal over 100m with Marcell Jacobs, 4x100m, high jump, etc...) it is clear that pizza and sport can be friends.

Pizza is a popular Italian dish that typically consists of a dough base, tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings.

The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, where a type of flatbread was consumed with various toppings.

However, the modern pizza as we know it today is believed to have originated in Italy in the 18th century. Pizza Margherita, made with tomato, mozzarella cheese, and basil, is considered to be the first pizza and was invented in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito in Naples, Italy.

Pizza has since become a global phenomenon, with many different variations and styles of pizza available in different regions of the world. Some popular pizza toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives.

Pizza can be cooked in a wood-fired oven, a conventional oven, or even on a grill. Pizza can be enjoyed in many ways, either as a whole pizza, by the slice, or as a calzone (folded pizza).

Pizza is considered a comfort food for many people, and it is often associated with casual dining and social gatherings. There are many pizza chains and independent pizzerias around the world, and the pizza industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Pizza is also a common food for delivery and takeout, and it is considered as one of the most popular fast food in the world.

When trying to lose weight, it's important to focus on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods.

One way to make pizza more diet-friendly is to use a whole wheat crust and load it up with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Some dietitians recommend using a thin crust pizza and adding more veggies, lean protein and limiting cheese. Instead of pepperoni or sausage, try grilled chicken, shrimp or lean turkey bacon as toppings.

Anyway, pizza can be included in a weight loss diet by making some adjustments to the traditional recipe. Here are a few tips:

1. Use a whole wheat crust instead of a white crust to increase the fiber content and make you feel full faster.

2. Use a thinner crust or make a personal-sized pizza to reduce the overall calorie content.

3. Use a tomato-based sauce instead of a creamy sauce to reduce the fat content.

4. Add plenty of vegetables as toppings, such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach, to increase the nutrient density of the pizza.

5. Use lean meats such as chicken or turkey, and low-fat cheese to reduce the fat content.

6. Avoid adding too much cheese and meats, as they are high in calories and fat.

7. Keep the portion size small and enjoy it as part of a balanced meal with a salad or a side of vegetables.

8. Remember that pizza should be a occasional treat, not a daily staple if you are watching your weight.

Remember that weight loss is not just about counting calories, but also about making healthy choices and developing sustainable eating habits.

Have a good World Pizza Day!