Normal pizzas are made with refined flour, which contains very little fibre or nutrients. Cheese Pizza with vegetables can be a good choice for those trying to manage their blood glucose levels. The high fibre content of non-starchy vegetables can help slow down the metabolism of carbohydrates. This leads to a more gradual rise in blood glucose levels. Additionally, protein and healthy fats like cheese can further improve glucose control.
Optimising cheese pizza with vegetables for better glucose control
• Try to make your pizza base with whole wheat or almond flour for added fibre and nutrients.
• Choose vegetable toppings like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers, which are rich in fibre and low in carbohydrates. Add in protein-rich foods such as paneer, tofu, or chicken.
• Exercise portion control and try to eat smaller portions of pizza. This will help to reduce the number of carbs and calories ingested.
• Pair pizza with a side salad or non-starchy vegetables to increase the meal’s fibre content and slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Pizza made from refined wheat flour has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. The lack of fibre in refined wheat flour exacerbates this effect. However, adding cheese and vegetables to pizza can help slow down glucose absorption, as the fat and protein in cheese and fibre in vegetables can help regulate blood sugar levels.