Grocery costs are a bit crazy right now. I was forgiving of it when fuel costs were also outlandish ... after all, food has to be transported so fuel costs directly effect grocery costs. But now the fuel costs are down and grocery costs are staying high. I don't know about you, but I think it's totally unfair.

In these tight economic times, we all have to be penny-pinchers. Since meat is one of the most expensive grocery items to buy, it only makes sense to cut back. Beans and tofu spring to mind as meat-replacements -- they're inexpensive, filling and high in protein. Another great option -- though not high in protein -- is mushrooms.

Swapping mushrooms for meat isn't only economical, it's healthful, lower in calories, filling and completely tasty. Try them in lasagna or grill up a marinated portobello as a burger. A recent study found that when participants ate meals where mushrooms replaced beef, they consumed an average of 420 fewer calories. Great news if you're trying to lose weight!

Source

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind. Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Everlast and Everlast Woman are giving gorgeous workout T-shirts to each featured member! To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Monique Riveire

Age: 28

Occupation: Paralegal

How often do you exercise? Three times a week.

What type of exercise do you do? Cardio Kickboxing, Zumba, Bootcamp, and Wii Fit

What gets you to workout, even when you're feeling lazy? Group support, and the fun music in the classes.

Source

Vitamin D is hard to come by through food alone. Bethany just briefed us on this issue, telling us how difficult it is for kids to get D in their diets. Adults need it too -- and right now, your best sources are salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, egg yolk, and D-fortified foods, like milk and some cereals. Not a lot of options. Be patient, though, and you'll soon be able to add a new food to this short list: The mushroom.

Mushrooms contain a compound a called ergosterol that gets converted to vitamin D when exposed to UVB light. Problem: Mushrooms typically grow in the dark. Solution: In order to cultivate the D, you've got to force the shrooms into the sun -- think tanning beds for mushrooms -- which is just what some folks are doing. Yep, a new technology is exposing mushrooms to high-intensity artificial UV rays, and it's packing quite a punch -- one three-ounce serving of this D-dosed food contains 100 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin D.

Be on the lookout for products by Sun Bella and Dole. They're the first to harness the power of the mighty mushroom.

Source