Defying Stereotypes

Recently, in New York City, I enjoyed a meal at Slice, The Perfect Food. The restaurant’s menu reads:
Stop pizza profiling! Millions of Americans assume that because pizza is pizza, it must be bad for them. But nothing could be more unjust. As SLICE proves, pizza can be more than the stereotype suggests. It can be HEALTHY, WHOLESOME, and ORGANIC, yet still utterly delicious.
Amen!

At Slice, I opted for "The Radha," described as honey whole wheat crust, organic hummus, kalamata olives, and fresh bruschetta topping. The rectangular, crunchy crust was the perfect foundation for the flavorful hummus, tomatoes, olives, onions, and spinach. As promised, the pizza was healthy and yummy.

Another pizza restaurant that defies all stereotypes is the Pizza Research Institute in Eugene, Oregon. Several years have passed since my visit to Eugene, but I can still visualize the most unique, delicious, and nutrient-dense pizza I’ve ever tasted. I ordered the "chef’s choice," a concoction of fifteen DIFFERENT vegetables and fruits. The chef’s creativity is astounding. On the crispy crust, among a phenomenal array of produce, sat a juicy slice of peach, a perfectly seasoned cauliflower floret, and a small chunk of corn on the cob!

Pizza CAN be nutritious. A whole grain crust, topped with tomato sauce, an assortment of colorful veggies, and a light sprinkling of cheese (or tofu) can be a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When preparing pizza at home, consider using whole wheat pita or flatout bread for a crunchy, portion-controlled crust. And, be creative. Have you ever tried a Mexican "pizza"(featuring salsa, black beans, and veggies)? ¡QuĂ© rico!