Veggies, Dealing with Sress, Low-Fat Lasagna

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I say " tomato, " you say, " boring " . And the same goes for broccoli, carrots, peas, and spinach. If you're tired of the same veggies, pick from the following more exotic produce.

1. Fennel

This broad white bulb with feathery leaves has a flavor reminiscent of licorice; add it to your crudité platter.

2. Bok choy

Toss this mild and crunchy Chinese version of cabbage into stir-fries. (The baby variety makes a delicate side dish.)

3. Jicama

Sometimes called the Mexican potato, slightly sweet-nutty jicama makes a perfect stand-in for tortilla chips served with fresh, spicy salsa.

4. Broccoli rabe

With an appealing bitter flavor, this is a popular side dish in Italy; steam it with garlic for a deliciously different accompaniment.

5. Belgian endive

This member of the lettuce family has small cigar-shaped heads of cream-colored leaves that work beautifully in salads or instead of chips for dipping.

Dealing with Stress

The tragic events of September 11th have been emotionally challenging to everyone. In times like these, we all have different ways of coping or seeking comfort. For some, that can mean turning to food--and often, foods that are high in calories or fat. But the calming effect of food is only temporary--and eating may even make you feel worse in the long run. Instead of turning to the refrigerator, try our tips for coping with your feelings:

* Get it in writing. Record what you're eating and how you're feeling in a journal. You can identify emotions that cause you to overeat, then use other ways to cope.

* Call a friend. When you feel that emotion coming on, talk to someone who can help you vent. By the time you hang up, your urge to eat may be just a memory.

* Take comfort. Make a list of things that ease your stress (a bath, a long walk, yoga). Put it in the pantry and try one of those activities instead of pulling out the pastries.

* When in doubt, keep it out. When all else fails, don't buy large amounts of chocolate, cookies or foods you tend to crave. If it's not there, you can't eat it.

* Lean on someone. Find a weight-loss plan that offers support. Get your diet plan from DietSmart.com and you'll have access to a Personal Success Counselor who can help you navigate life's rough patches while you lose weight.

I-Can't-Believe-It's-Low-Fat Lasagna!

Think a wedge of cheesy lasagna is off limits when you're trying to lose weight? It doesn't have to be. Serve this lightened version with a salad of radicchio, arugula, endive, and shavings of Parmesan drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

1 (16-ounce) container fat-free cottage cheese

2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 (16-ounce) jar low-fat tomato sauce

1 (8-ounce) package pre-cooked lasagna noodles

1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella

1 tomato, sliced

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, basil and garlic. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish; top with four noodles. Continue layering with half the sauce, half the cottage cheese mixture, half the tomato slices and a layer of noodles; repeat, then top with remaining sauce. Cover with foil and bake, 30 minutes or until heated through. Uncover and sprinkle with mozzarella; bake 5 minutes more. Makes 8 servings

Per serving: 2 POINTS (120 calories, 2 grams fat)