Pizza has to be in everyone’s top 5 favorite foods, right? From the crust to the variety of sauces, to the cheese and toppings, pizza is just about the perfect food! But if you’re considering weight loss surgery, you may think you’ll have to say goodbye to pizza forever. Nothing could be further from the truth, however: with bariatric pizza, you can still have your Friday night fave (or any other day of the week).
It’s one of the biggest worries patients can have about undergoing a bariatric procedure: you won’t be able to eat anything “good” again. But with a few alterations, healthier toppings, and smaller slices, pizza is still a viable option.
Bariatric Pizza: Your Options
Just like with any food after weight-loss surgery, choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in the world. From the dough to the cheese to the mouth-watering toppings, you can still make pizza one of your go-to meals. Let’s take a closer look at how you can still have one of your favorite foods.
Bariatric Pizza Crust
Traditional pizza dough, with its high carbohydrate content, might not align with your long-term weight loss goals. Fortunately, bariatric crust pizza dough options are designed to meet the unique dietary needs of those who’ve undergone bariatric surgery. These options are specially crafted to accommodate reduced carbohydrate intake and portion control–or get rid of the crust entirely!
A few options for bariatric-friendly pizza dough include cauliflower, almond flour, chickpea flour crust, and even portobello mushroom caps can act as the tasty foundation of your pizza. Cauliflower crust is a popular choice for bariatric pizza because it’s low in carbohydrates and can be made at home by mixing cauliflower with cheese, eggs, and seasonings.
You can also find pre-made cauliflower crusts in many grocery stores. Almond flour crusts are typically gluten-free and have a nutty flavor that compliments pizza toppings well. Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour, can be used to create a gluten-free and protein-rich pizza crust that holds up well to toppings.
If you like a little pizza with your mushrooms, why not start with the fungi? Portobello mushroom caps can serve as a creative and low-carb pizza base by removing the stems and gills and adding your favorite pizza toppings before baking. Even eggplants can provide a sturdy crust. Experiment with these crust options to find the one that you like best. Happy testing!
Pizza Sauce
For many of us, the sauce is what makes a pizza in the first place! Luckily, you won’t have to make many concessions here, but you still need to be mindful about what kinds of sauces you use. Opt for a tomato-based pizza sauce that is lower in sugar and sodium–no added sugars or artificial additives are best.
Making your own pizza sauce allows you to have full control over the ingredients. You can use fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices like black pepper and garlic powder to create a flavorful, low-sugar sauce. Some creamy or Alfredo-style pizza sauces can be high in fat. It’s best to choose a sauce that is lower in fat and calories, as excessive fat intake may lead to digestive issues post-bariatric surgery.
Always check the nutrition label and ingredients list to ensure the sauce aligns with your dietary needs and restrictions. Pizza sauce can be bariatric-friendly as long as you choose a sauce that is low in added sugars and you pay attention to the ingredient quality. Homemade or carefully selected commercial pizza sauces can be part of a bariatric-friendly pizza meal.
Bariatric Pizza Toppings
Here’s where you have a little more freedom to make the pizza your own. Part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheese are the best choices for bariatric patients, providing classic pizza cheese flavor and meltability with fewer calories and less saturated fat. Just remember not to overdo it with the cheese–you still need to be mindful of portions.
From there, any high-protein low-fat meats are perfect for the finishing touches. Remember that portion control is important when adding meat to your bariatric pizza. You don’t need a large amount to enjoy the flavor and protein benefits. Season it with your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Grilled chicken breast or lean ground chicken or turkey are excellent, lean protein sources for bariatric pizza. Turkey pepperoni is lower in fat than traditional pepperoni while still giving you that familiar pepperoni look and taste. Canadian bacon is typically lower in fat than regular bacon. Lean turkey sausage and even ground beef can also be used, just be sure to drain all the grease.
Don’t forget the veggies! They can add flavor and texture without compromising your dietary restrictions. Sliced bell peppers, sliced or diced mushrooms, fresh spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, sliced black or green olives, and more can add color and even more nutrition to your pie. And you can sprinkle it all with a little parmesan cheese.
Tell us the truth: does the above sound like you’re on some crazy diet? Or does it sound so delicious you’re already making a shopping list for dinner tonight? You don’t have to tell us–we think we know the answer. Bariatric pizza is just one of the ways you don’t have to compromise on taste to meet your dietary guidelines after weight loss surgery.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure for those who are severely obese and have been unable to lose weight through conventional methods such as diet and exercise. The primary goal of bariatric surgery is to help people lose up to 80 percent of their unwanted weight, improve or resolve obesity-related health issues, and enhance their overall quality of life.
It’s important to note that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix but a tool to aid weight loss–you must commit to substantial lifestyle changes. This includes a healthier diet (such as having bariatric pizza instead of the greasy options you may be used to) and engaging in regular physical activity to achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.
For more information on bariatric surgery options, or if you want to know if you’re even a candidate for these procedures, watch our FREE SEMINAR and then take an assessment to see if you qualify. Maybe enjoy a piece of bariatric pizza while you do it!