Is pizza junk food?

Discussion in 'Let Food Be Your Medicine' started by Bilby, Aug 17, 2023.

  1. Bilby

    Bilby Lifetime Supporter and Freerangertarian Super Moderator

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    There are three main components to pizza: bread dough for the base, tomato puree/pulp and cheese. Then there are the other optional ingredients such as ham, salami, pineapple, anchovies etc. Pizza can be a way of utilizing surplus foodstuff.
    So is pizza a junk food? Unless you have an allergy to gluten, I don't see a problem with the base. I have gout so I have to limit how much tomato I consume. Cheese is not a problem for most people, but I try to avoid dairy.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2023
  2. gradesandattendance321

    gradesandattendance321 Members

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    For me, I definitely consider it junkfood. Even if it has no cheese and gluten free dough. Cheese definitely causes me a problem though. Sometimes I use non-dairy cheese. I would still consider it junk food.
     
  3. Twogigahz

    Twogigahz Senior Member

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    Yeah, probably, but as with Ramen Noodles, I load it up with some vegetables to make myself believe it's ok and not going to kill me soon.
     
  4. Bilby

    Bilby Lifetime Supporter and Freerangertarian Super Moderator

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    What most people drink with commercially made pizza is unhealthy.

    If you made a pasta dish with the topping ingredients of a pizza, would it be unhealthy? Eating an excess amount of pizza or pasta could cause weight gain.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2023
  5. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    My mother always made "white pizza".

    That's thin crust pizza dough with a topping of olive oil, garlic, and anchovies.
    No cheese, no tomato sauce.
    Something like this:

    upload_2023-8-17_21-22-25.jpeg

    Very good.​
     
  6. gradesandattendance321

    gradesandattendance321 Members

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    I've had this without the anchovies, I think it was just herbs and oil. I keep intending to make it myself. I almost always make my own pizza (for the kids) but it's more for the experience than nutrition.
     
    MeAgain and bluewatersurfer like this.
  7. Bazz888

    Bazz888 Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    Nope, pizza is not junk food.
    Some outlets use a less than adequate quality of ingredients which can mean their pizza is junk. Sh!te actually.
    The big 'global' chains are mostly junk, imo, but in the UK, if you check out the smaller ones, the independents and small family chains, they are very good, with top quality bases, tomatoes and cheeses. Even their optional toppings are of good quality. Imv the big chains are about making money and not about good food. Smaller one's are about good food and service because they won't survive without providing it.
     
  8. Bilby

    Bilby Lifetime Supporter and Freerangertarian Super Moderator

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    What you are saying applies to the entire food business. There are many small time food producers who are passionate and proud of their product ; there are "food" factories who only care about making money. Breakfast cereals are malnutrition by stealth. While not as toxic as margarine, nutrition-wise you get very little for your money.
     
    scratcho likes this.
  9. joann.salomon

    joann.salomon Newbie

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    The bread dough used as the base for pizza is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and sometimes oil. While it provides carbohydrates, it may not necessarily be considered junk food if it's made from whole-grain or healthier flours and is prepared in a balanced manner. However, in some commercial pizzas, the dough might be highly refined and contain added sugars and unhealthy fats. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you might consider using whole-grain or gluten-free crust options.

    When it comes to pizza toppings, the additional ingredients you mentioned—such as ham, salami, pineapple, and anchovies—can vary widely in terms of nutritional value. Some toppings, like vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach), can add vitamins and fiber, enhancing the overall nutritional content of your pizza. However, others, like processed meats, might contribute to higher sodium and unhealthy fat intake. If you're aiming for a more nutritious pizza, it's a good idea to choose toppings wisely.

    Additionally, while pizza is often served with items like french fries, air fry tater tots, and sodas, which can have a negative impact on our health, there are healthier alternatives. Air frying is a cooking method that can provide a crispy texture to foods like tater tots without the need for excessive oil. This makes it a more health-conscious way to enjoy a classic favorite.
     
    ~Zen~ likes this.
  10. Bazz888

    Bazz888 Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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  11. wilsjane

    wilsjane Nutty Professor HipForums Supporter

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    You are certainly giving me some ideas for lunches, but I may add a little grated cheese.
    Jane hates anchovies. So all the more for me, assuming that neither of our daughters are around. LOL
     
  12. Bazz888

    Bazz888 Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    Is it the intense saltiness?
    That's what I didn't like and then I was introduced to dried ones in my local Asian supermarket. I've had them about 4 times in the past 2 months in a home-made Malaysian dish.
     
  13. scratcho

    scratcho Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    We have a small pizza oven and when my son makes it--I can eat it. Otherwise I find commercial pizza to be greasy and I don't care for it.
     
  14. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    Growing up in an Italian American family pizza was never served without anchovies.
    And lets remember pizza didn't become popular in the U.S until after WWII, and wasn't really real popular until the end of the 20th century (after the 50s and 60s).
     
  15. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    On a side note we used to go to Harry's Pizza and get a slice for 10 cents, without pepperoni.
    Often times we'd get "Harry" to count out the nickels and pennies for us as we were too high to do the math.
     
  16. Bilby

    Bilby Lifetime Supporter and Freerangertarian Super Moderator

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    Only a small amount of sugar is added to activate the yeast. It has been largely digested by the yeast by the time bread or pizza is eaten. Even if unhealthy seed oil is used in the dough, the amount is small. I know, I trained as a chef.

    Sodium. This a issue I have had to look into. It is true that 9% of the population has to watch their salt consumption, but there is 10% of the population who has Hypo-tension (low blood pressure) that includes me. It can be fatal. Advising people with Hypo-tension to minimize their salt intake is dangerous.
    As a freerangertarian, I hate feedlots. As I factory farmed meat has excess Omega-6. This makes seed oils unhealthy.
     
  17. tucsonalan

    tucsonalan Members

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    We love pizza with pepperoni and extra sauce. Maybe once a month. I know it's considered fast food, but it's oh so delish. We have it delivered, eat it in the nude with white wine. Yum
     
  18. RIJACO

    RIJACO Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    I have yet to see a recipe for pizza dough that does not have yeast.

    I don't think Pizza should be considered "junk food" as it can be a healthy meal if prepared correctly. Sure there are some junk pizza factories out there, but a good quality pie is not junk food.

    We love a quality Pizza Marguerite.
     
    tucsonalan likes this.
  19. iowaguy51

    iowaguy51 Members

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    I
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2023
  20. RIJACO

    RIJACO Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    I know - it would have to be a beer for me!
     

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