Pizza is prepared using refined wheat flour, which has little fibre or nutrient content. It can cause blood sugar spikes when eaten on its own. Hence, it is not considered a healthy food option. However, this does not imply that people must completely forego pizza. In fact, by just tweaking the ingredients smartly, pizza can be made into a diabetes-friendly meal.
Ways to make pizza friendly for your glucose
• Try substituting refined flour pizza base with whole wheat or multigrain pizza base. This will increase the fibre content and make it healthier.
• Practise portion control. Eating smaller portions along with foods rich in proteins and fat will flatten the glucose curve.
• Try adding more protein-sourced toppings, vegetables, and cheese. These are nutrient-dense. They are high in fibre and fat content and help in controlling sugar spikes.
• Have some apple cider vinegar before eating pizza. After the meal, take a walk. This will help in preventing post-meal sugar spikes.
The pizza has a high glycemic index. Loading it with proteins like chicken, tofu, paneer, etc. will balance out the meal. It will increase the glycemic load and improve the GI. Pizza has a lot of carbohydrates, so eating it during the day will provide your body with ample time and activity to digest it.
