If you are like most people, there has been at least one morning that instead of a more traditional breakfast, you have grabbed a slice of pizza. Whether it was cold or reheated, it is a guilty pleasure for some and something of a food staple for those away at college. However, pizza for breakfast would never be described as a healthier alternative to cereal – until now. According to New York-based nutritionist Chelsey Amer, a slice of pizza is better for you than many popular breakfast cereals on the market.
Amer credits the high sugar content in most cereals for its poor nutritional standing, which also lack protein and healthy fats. On average, a slice of pizza and a bowl of cereal (with whole milk) contain nearly the same amount of calories. But pizza has a many more grams of protein, which helps to keep you full throughout the morning. Pizza also contains much less sugar than almost every cold cereals.
That is not to say that all pizza and cereals are created equal. One nutritionist made the point that a cereal made with whole grains, nuts and fruit, served with organic milk is healthier than a slice pepperoni pizza. This should surprise no one, but if start your morning with a bowl of Raisin Bran or another healthy-sounding cereal, the bad news is that these cereals are not the best way to kick start the day. As an example, one cup of Raisin Bran contains 18 grams of sugar, which is awfully close to the 25 gram daily limit recommended for women. It also has zero healthy fats. Pizza will satisfy your appetite and stay with you longer while avoiding the inevitable sugar crash that comes with the highly sweetened cereals.
So the next time someone makes a fuss if you grab a slice of pizza for breakfast, just tell them that you are just trying to eat healthier!
