October 23, 2024

Family Pizza: A Fun and Healthy Recipe to Bring Everyone Together 

 family pizza night

Pizza is one of the ultimate family favorites, but what if you could make it healthy while turning it into a fun family activity? Hosting a family pizza night at home is a great way to introduce healthy eating habits, spend quality time together, and get creative in the kitchen—all while following the MyPlate guidelines for balanced meals.  

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make a nutritious homemade pizza, the perfect way to put a healthy spin on this beloved dish. Plus, it’s a fun activity that brings the whole family together! 

Building a Healthy Family Pizza 

Creating a healthy family pizza starts with making smart choices in every component—from the crust to the toppings. Here’s how to create a balanced pizza using MyPlate as your guide. 

1. Choose a Nutritious Crust

The crust is the foundation of your pizza, and it can be much healthier than the typical store-bought versions. 

  • Whole Wheat: This option provides more fiber than white flour and helps keep you fuller for longer. 
  • Homemade: Involve the whole family in making the dough from scratch! This can be a fun and educational activity for kids to learn about ingredients and cooking. 

Let your children help measure and mix ingredients for the dough. Making pizza together fosters a hands-on learning experience and adds to the fun. The BEST whole wheat pizza dough recipe is from our friends at Create Better Health SNAP-Ed.

2. Add a Flavorful, Healthy Sauce

Traditional pizza sauce is delicious and healthy when made from quality ingredients. 

  • Low-sodium Tomato Sauce: Look for a store-bought version or make your own using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. 
  • Pesto Sauce: If you want a twist, try a homemade pesto made with spinach, basil, and olive oil for added greens and healthy fats. 
  • Greek Yogurt White Sauce: For a creamy alternative, use non-fat plain Greek yogurt as the base, mixed with garlic and herbs for a tangy protein-packed option. 

Kids love to help spread the sauce, and it’s a great way for them to get involved in meal preparation.

3. Pile on the Veggies

Pizza is a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your meal. Following MyPlate guidelines, aim to cover half your pizza with colorful veggies: 

  • Bell peppers 
  • Mushrooms 
  • Onions 
  • Spinach 
  • Tomatoes 
  • Zucchini 
  • Broccoli

Let your kids pick and place their favorite veggies. It’s a fun way for them to learn about healthy choices, and they’re more likely to eat what they helped prepare.

4. Add Lean Proteins

For the protein section of your pizza, there are plenty of nutritious options: 

  • Grilled chicken 
  • Turkey sausage 
  • Lean ground beef 
  • Tofu 
  • Beans (like black beans or chickpeas) 

Adding a source of lean protein ensures that your pizza is satisfying and balances the meal according to MyPlate recommendations. 

5. Use a Healthy Cheese

Cheese adds so much flavor, plus it boosts the calcium in this recipe! 

  • Part-skim Mozzarella: A lower-fat option that melts well and tastes great. 
  • Cheddar: Cheddar is packed with flavor, and a little goes a long way! 

Encourage your kids to sprinkle the cheese! It will make them feel like little chefs.

6. Experiment with Fruit Toppings

Want to add a sweet twist to your pizza? Experiment with some fruit toppings like: 

  • Pineapple: For a classic, tangy-sweet topping. 
  • Apple slices: For a more adventurous option, especially good with cheddar. 
  • Figs: A delicious pairing with goat cheese. 

Incorporating fruits adds a unique flavor profile and extra vitamins, helping your pizza align with MyPlate's recommendation to make half your plate fruits and vegetables. 

Making Family Pizza Night a Fun Family Activity 

Beyond the food, family pizza night is an excellent opportunity to bring everyone together for some fun. Here are a few ways to make it more interactive: 

  • Build Your Own Pizza Stations: Set up a variety of toppings and let each family member create their own pizza masterpiece. This gives everyone the chance to customize their meal, making it more exciting. 
  • Pizza Shape Fun: Let the kids make their pizza dough into fun shapes—hearts, stars, or even animals. This adds an extra layer of creativity. 
  • Talk About Nutrition: Use this time to talk about how each topping fits into the MyPlate food groups. It’s a fun and educational way to teach kids about balanced eating.  

Staying Active After Family Pizza Night 

After enjoying your healthy family pizza, consider some family exercise! Following the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Here are some family-friendly ideas to get everyone moving after dinner: 

  • A post-dinner walk: This is a great way to unwind and get some fresh air. 
  • A backyard game of tag or soccer: Kids will love running around and burning off extra energy. 
  • Dance party: Put on some fun music and have a mini dance-off in the living room! 

Combining healthy food with physical activity reinforces the importance of balancing nutrition and movement for a healthy lifestyle. 

Final Thoughts 

Making pizza together as a family isn’t just about the food—it’s about spending quality time, learning new skills, and creating lasting memories. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce healthy eating habits by following the MyPlate guidelines for a balanced, nutritious meal. 

Next time you're planning a family meal, consider hosting a family pizza night. It's a fun, hands-on way to bond, be creative, and ensure everyone is eating a balanced, healthy meal.  

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