As we get older, and finally realize that we no longer have the metabolism of a teenager, we make changes. Some of us start by going to the gym. What others of us neglect in our quest for a slimmer waistline is a healthier diet. I found, in this regard, fast food to be enemy number one. My favorite is pizza. Bad news for me as I can do some serious damage to a pizza buffet.

Deciding not to hasten my end this way, I stopped eating fast food. My biggest challenge? How to give up pizza! Solution? I started making my own on the weekends. Result? While this is going to sound distinctly Un-American, I haven’t eaten fast food in over a year. (Unless of course you count those Veggie Burritos from Chipotle.) Here’s what you need and how (besides a little will power).

1. 1/2 cup whole wheat flower
2. 1/4 cup water
3. 1/8 cup corn meal
4. 1 cup sauce

Mix the flour (one key to this is whole wheat) and water (another key is no oil). For ease, skip the yeast step and go right to rolling the dough. Take a wood chopping board, rolling pin, lay down the corn meal, and get to rolling. This is going to be a thin crust so if you get holes the first time, ball your dough back up and try again.

Next comes the sauce. Like spicy? Add Sriracha (Rooster Sauce). Like savory? Add a dash of soy sauce. I even sometimes mix my pasta sauce with the healthy kind of refried beans.

Next are toppings. I use soy cheese (the third key). My other favorites are black olives, mushrooms, and onions. However, I have been known to top with tuna, avocado, tofu, tomatoes, peppers, jalapenos, wheat germ, shrimp and pineapples.

Last are seasonings. Without all the fat they become very important to taste. Put them right on top. I use sea salt, rosemary, pepper, basil, oregano, cumin seed and garlic powder to name a few.

Cook at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and enjoy!