Permanent weight loss and great health can be found in the produce section of any grocery store. Not just a source to spice up salsa, chili peppers can curb the appetite, reduce unhealthy cravings, increase metabolism, reduce hypertension and even enhance sexual performance. In this bold new book, author Heidi Allison shares with readers the diet she developed that helped her effortlessly lose 90 pounds while eating tasty foods in satisfying portions.

Allison provides solutions to the drawbacks of conventional diets by addressing a variety of health benefits related to chilies. She emphasizes the beneficial effects of capsaicin, an active chemical found in chili peppers. This chemical activates the same neuronal pathways as fat, sending the signal to the brain that you are full. Capsaicin also triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, which makes the individual feel better both physically and emotionally.

Spectacular Southwestern-themed color photographs educate readers on the many varieties of chili peppers. Allison provides readers with "hot hints" on how to incorporate chilies into their diets-even if they dislike spicy foods. Also included are: a complete list of chilies and their associated heat levels, flavors and culinary uses; a two-week menu plan; 150 easy-to-follow recipes; and a workbook to track eating patterns, food triggers and responses to stress.

GOAT CHEESE PIZZA WITH OLIVES
Makes: 1 serving

Pizza is one of those foods we love-and crave. Unfortunately, many of the frozen pies on the market don't measure up for a low-fat diet-both in taste and nutrition. This recipe raises the bar for low-fat pizza: it uses fresh (not frozen) Armenian pizza bread as a base and you add the toppings! Just be sure to accurately measure out the cheese to keep the fat grams low. You can find Armenian pizza bread (Spicy Onion and Tomato, Vegetable and Spicy Spinach) in the bread section of Costco, Whole Foods Market or in Middle Eastern markets.

1 Middle Eastern style low-fat thin crust spicy spinach pizza, fresh

3 pitted Kalamata olives, chopped

½ oz. goat cheese (about 1 crumbled tablespoon)

¼ tsp. red pepper flakes

1. Preheat toaster oven to 425 degrees.
2. Slice Canadian bacon into ¼-inch slices
3. Sprinkle sliced Canadian bacon over pizza bread. Top with chopped olives, cheese and red pepper flakes.
4. Place pizza on foil, and wrap foil over edges over dough. Heat for several minutes until cheese melts.

CAL - 193

FAT - 6.6 gm

PROT - 7.7 gm

CARB - 28.3 gm

FIBER - 2.7+gm

SODIUM - 683 mg

HOT HINTS: If you want a cheesier pie, try mixing a ½ serving of Lifetime's non-fat mozzarella cheese together or 1/3 cup Friendship's Whipped 1% Fat-Free Cottage Cheese together with the goat cheese.

©2002. All rights reserved. Reprinted from The Chili Pepper Diet by Heidi Allison. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of the publisher. Publisher: Health Communications, Inc., 3201 SW 15th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442.