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Specialty tool: Gas or charcoal grill, or grill pan

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 to 15 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

2 small zucchini

Seasoning salt to taste

4 ounces parmesan cheese

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1 Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2 Slice the zucchini lengthwise into 2 pieces. Then slice across in half to make four 4-inch pieces.

3 Sprinkle with the seasoning salt to taste.

4 Sprinkle about 1/2 ounce of the parmesan cheese on each 4-inch slice. Top with the olives.

5 Wrap the zucchini pizzas loosely in aluminum foil (so that the cheese doesn't stick when heated) and grill them (with the bottom of the zucchini facing down) over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the zucchini is softened but still slightly firm. Then eat up!

Vary It! Dislike black olives? Go ahead and add your favorite vegetables (such as chopped tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or any other creative concoction you can come up with) to the top of your Grilled Zucchini Mini Pizzas.

Per serving: Calories 170 (From Fat 105); Glycemic Load 0 (Low); Fat 0g (Saturated 12g); Cholesterol 22mg; Sodium 872mg; Carbohydrate 5g (Dietary Fiber 2g); Protein 13g.

Traditional Hummus

Hummus is a staple in my household because it has so many uses. It makes a great low-calorie and low-glycemic snack option, and it keeps you from getting bored with veggies, whole-wheat pita bread, and sliced apples.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

3 garlic cloves, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt

One 16- to 19-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3 tablespoons reserved liquid from the canned chickpeas

1/4 cup well-stirred tahini (sesame seed paste)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves

1 Add all the ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth and well mixed.

2 Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Vary It! Swap the fresh cilantro leaves for fresh parsley if you're not a cilantro fan.

Choosing and Preparing Lower-Glycemic Treats and Desserts

Most people like eating sweets, especially after dinner. This behavior is actually a ritual for some folks, something they've been conditioned to do since a young age. However, most treats and desserts equal high sugar, high fat, a high glycemic load, and high calories, contributing to the consumption of excess calories, erratic food-craving cycles, and emotional eating.

You can enjoy treats and desserts on a low-glycemic diet as long as you balance them appropriately. Moderation is essential. Pay attention to your sweet tooth and make sure you're indulging in the higher-glycemic, higher-calorie treats (think cakes and cookies) only on special occasions such as birthdays, parties, or holidays.

If you have a sweet tooth like me, then you want to find desserts that will work for you on a weekly basis. Following are a few ideas for treats that are low-glycemic and not terribly high in calories and fat:

1/2 cup frozen yogurt

1/2 cup lowfat pudding

1/2 cup lowfat chocolate pudding with fresh strawberries

1 ounce of dark chocolate

8-ounce fruit smoothie

Baked apple slices

Banana split made with vanilla frozen yogurt

Frozen-Fruit Smoothie Pops (see the following recipe)

Frozen-Fruit Smoothie Pops

Frozen-Fruit Smoothie Pops allow you to enjoy a cold treat on a hot day without all the excess sugar. Your kids will love 'em too!

Specialty tools: Four to six 6-ounce paper cups; 4 to 6 Popsicle sticks

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Freezer time: 30 to 45 minutes followed by 12 to 24 hours

Yield: 4 to 6 servings (depending on how much fruit smoothie is prepared)

Fruit smoothie of choice, such as the one in Chapter 16

1 Prepare the