Fitness-boosting pizzas

Fat loss pizza
Turkey, mushrooms, low-fat cheddar, jalapeño peppers, red chillies, olives
 
Turkey is one of the least fatty meats, and spicy foods such as jalapeño peppers and red chilli can increase the rate at which you burn calories. Olives are a good source of ‘healthy’ fats, which help to mobilise your fat stores for energy, while mushrooms are low in calories but rich in filling fibre – five medium-sized ones contain just 20 calories and no fat. Low-fat cheddar adds taste and decent levels of calcium to inhibit fat storage.
 
Muscle pizza
Beef, green peppers, eggs, spinach and mozzarella
 
Beef and eggs are two of the best sources of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle, while mozzarella adds calcium, which is vital for muscle contractions and strong bones. Spinach is high in blood-boosting iron, which is better absorbed by the body when eaten with vitamin C, which is found in peppers.
 
Energy pizza
Chicken, avocado, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, mozzarella
 
The flesh of avocados is packed with good fats, which are filling and act as a digestible slow-burning fuel, while chicken is high in protein. Fresh vegetables contain slow-release carbohydrates, fibre and essential nutrients to keep you firing on all cylinders. They’re also rich in B vitamins, which are vital for releasing energy from food.
 
Make the base
Ingredients
 
170g wholemeal flour
60g strong white flour
170ml warm water
1tsp sugar
1tsp dried yeast
1/2tsp low-sodium salt
1/2tbsp fresh thyme or oregano
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
2tbsp tomato purée
2 tomatoes, chopped
 
To make
Mix the yeast, warm water and sugar in a bowl and leave in a warm place until frothy. Mix the flours, herbs and seasonings in a separate bowl, then mix into the yeast mixture. Knead for a few minutes until you have a soft, non-sticky dough, then roll out to make a 23cm (9in) round base and place on a baking sheet. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave for about half an hour. Spread the tomato purée and chopped tomatoes over the base. Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant compound lycopene, which has strong cardio-protective and anti-cancer properties. When you have added your toppings to the base, place the pizza into a pre-heated oven (200˚C/Gas Mark 6) for about 20-25 minutes until the base is crisp.

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