Advertisement
The Short Answer from a dietitian
Contributor: Anna Taylor, MS, RD, LD, CDE
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
A: If you’re considering cauliflower crust, you’re probably hoping to lose weight by cutting down on carbs and calories. Are you more likely to achieve your goal with cauliflower crust than with whole-grain crust?
That depends. Choosing the best pizza crust requires a bit of detective work. Luckily, all the clues you need are in clear sight — on the product’s label.
Every product is different. Some cauliflower crusts are higher in calories and may have just as many carbs as a thin, 100% whole-wheat pizza crust.
Alternative crusts that are high in calories won’t help you with weight loss, since calories have the most direct impact on weight. If too many of your calories come from fat and protein, you can gain weight — even when you’re on a low-carb diet.
Also, when food companies try to make traditional carbohydrate-based foods out of low-carb vegetables, nutritional chaos can ensue. For example, some manufacturers add extra saturated fat in the form of cheese to make cauliflower crust bind together and taste better.
So be sure to read the ingredients list and nutrition facts to make your judgment call. Factor in the serving size (which varies from product to product), and review the calories, total carbs, saturated fat and fiber.
Remember, food should taste good, and alternative ingredients can make a product’s quality suffer. For example, your cauliflower pizza may have a soggy bottom.
Personally, I like pizza crust that tastes (and feels) like crust, so I choose thin, 100% whole-wheat crust. I put my veggies on top, rather than getting them in the crust. Together, the whole-grain crust and veggies maximize the fiber.
I would ditch the processed meats, and top the crust with tomato sauce, some fresh mozzarella, a medley of vegetables, and fresh basil. Then round out your meal with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh, vibrant salad. This will help to boost nutrients and minimize the saturated fat and calories from the cheese.
Pizza is one of our holiest indulgences. It’s fine to enjoy from time to time in moderation. Rather than eating it mindlessly as you watch TV, take your time, and savor one or two slices.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
A variety of healthy foods can help reduce inflammation and keep other conditions at bay
Information on serving size, calories and nutrients can help you make healthy choices
The general rule is 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight — but that may not be right for you, and it’s important to determine what’s right for you
Adding salt to your water isn’t going to have measurable benefits — but there may be plenty of downsides
Pickles are low in fat and calories and rich in some vitamins and minerals, but they’re usually high in sodium
While it isn’t bad for you, celery juice isn’t the detox phenom it’s claimed to be
Eating this grain could help keep tabs on your appetite and protect against diabetes and cancer
Learning about your relationship with food can help improve your eating behaviors and patterns
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims