If you’re trying to keep healthy this winter you probably think pizza is the wrong way to go. Think again.

With autumn in full swing and the nights getting colder each day, this is the beginning of the season of comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to get overwhelmed with carbs, fatty food and those curing hot chocolates but unfortunately it can take a big toll on our health.

Instead of succumbing to junk food, the best way to warm up this winter is with plenty of exercise, hot teas and eating like you would in summer. But this doesn’t mean staying on the cold salads all winter long, in fact, have some pizza. Go on, you deserve it.

Last year I found an incredible recipe making my dream a reality. This recipe uses quinoa the super grain to make the base, eliminating the empty carbs found in white bread.

Best of all, this recipe is super easy to follow and you can use your favourite toppings! Try it out yourself and you will never have to regret those pizza nights ever again.

Ingredients (for one medium-sized pizza base, serves two)

• 3/4 cup quinoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• water

Method

1. Soak the quinoa in 2 cups of water and leave for about 8 hours. I like to do this first thing in the morning and leave it standing, while I go to work.
2. After 8 hours, drain the water and give the quinoa another good rinse. Drain once again.
3. Add the washed quinoa in a food processor and add the baking powder and salt.
4. Combine in food processor, remembering to stop occasionally and scrape the sides. You should continue until you make a smooth paste mixture.
5. Line a round tray (about 12 inch) with baking paper and spray with oil.
6. Pour the pizza mixture  evenly onto the baking paper.
7. Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
8. Remove and carefully flip it over onto the other side. Bake for a further 5 minutes.

Now add your delicious toppings! The incredible thing about this recipe is that you can experiment and switch it up as much as you want. Have a go and feel comfortable with this winter’s favourite comfort food!

My favourites:

Kickin’ Chicken: organic tomato paste, chicken breast, brocolli, onion, capsicum, tomato and jalapenos for that extra kick. For a cheesy topping use mozzarella, cottage or ricotta cheese for a healthy alternative.

Creamy Salmon: Ricotta or cottage cheese for the base, smoked salmon, spinach, red onion and oven cooked sweet potato chunks.

If you’ve found a delicious combination, I want to see your recipe! Contact me on Facebook or email me on chicontherunblog@gmail.com