Many people rush out the door in the morning for school or work without leaving time for breakfast. Some may grab a granola bar or string cheese to eat on their way. However, if you happen to have pizza leftovers, a cold slice can be an especially delicious choice. While it may seem like an unhealthy option, there are surprising nutritional benefits from this delectable combination of dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings. Here are a few reasons why it’s not a bad idea to eat a piece of pizza as part of the day's best meal.

Why Leftover Pizza Is a Good Breakfast Food

1. Protein

A slice of pizza, on average, has about 12 grams of protein, and an adult should consume 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight. So, a breakfast pizza can help you start working toward that goal first thing in the morning. Plus, that protein helps you feel fuller faster and keeps you satiated for longer. 

2. Calcium

Cheese is a great source of calcium, which helps strengthen bones and protect them from osteoporosis. This means that one of pizza’s staple ingredients can benefit your bones. Cheese also has a high fat content, so keep moderation in mind. To reduce your pizza's fat content, you can even opt for a lighter cheese, such as low-fat mozzarella. 

3. Low Sugar 

A bowl of cereal, such as sugared flakes or honey nut oats, contains about 20 grams of sugar. An adult woman's daily recommended amount of sugar is 25 grams, so just one bowl of cereal for breakfast uses the entire day's portion. In comparison, a slice of pizza contains only about three grams of sugar. 

4. Veggies

If you’re going to have pizza for breakfast, plan on including at least one veggie topping to increase the nutritional value. You may not want to eat a veggie omelet in the morning, so veggies covered in cheese and paired with dough are much more appealing. Fresh vegetables are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, too, giving you even more reason to add some spinach or peppers to your next pizza pie.

If you’re craving pizza for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, head to The Pizza Haven in Rhinelander, WI. This Italian restaurant serves pies and other Italian specialties made from scratch with fresh ingredients. With pasta, chicken, and seafood entrees on the menu, there's something for everyone. Visit the website to browse their full menu, or call (715) 362-5942 to order carryout.