Going Nuts Over Allergies

Peanut butter sandwiches used to be a mainstay of many children's lunch boxes. But these days, allergies to peanuts and to tree nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, have prompted some schools, restaurants and airlines to ban these popular foods.

"Are peanut allergies more common?" is what one Lean Plate Club member asked in a recent e-mail following a lively LPC Web discussion about peanut allergies. Learn the answer in today's Lean Plate Club column.

How about you? Have you been affected by changing policies on peanuts and tree nuts? Tell us your experiences and thoughts in today's Lean Plate Club Web chat, from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT. Can't join live? No problem. Leave your comments ahead of time or e-mail me anytime at leanplateclub@washpost.com.

Here's also what a Lean Plate Club member from Tucson uncovered from the Southwest Airline Web site. And American Airlines notes the following: Peanut Allergy American recognizes that some passengers are allergic to peanuts. Therefore, we have replaced peanuts with pretzels for snacks and meals served in the main cabin. Due to last minute equipment changes and the possibility that other passengers may bring peanuts onboard, and because there may be trace elements of unspecified peanut ingredients in other meals and snacks, we cannot guarantee there will not be peanuts or peanut-related products in-flight. We encourage customers to consider the possibility of exposure, particularly when accepting any in-flight meal or snack, and we strongly advise passengers to take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers may wish to bring their own food items on their flight. Many passengers take the precaution of carrying epinephrine (Epi-pens) or other suitable anaphylaxis treatment prescribed by their physician that can be self-administered.

What's for Dinner Tonight?

Garlic Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers is one option from chef Bobby Flay's new book Grilling for Life. This recipe clocks in at about 400 calories per serving. And if you don't have your grill ready, you could make it under the broiler.

Cod Satay with Asparagus is a great alternative to the usual chicken satay. This recipe comes from Self magazine and it has 200 calories per serving. Add some rice--white or brown--or some noodles and you've got a meal.

Easy Fish Tacos are another way to add some healthy omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.

And while you're at it, check out these guidelines for choosing the best seafood. If you wonder about which seafood is good to buy for the environment, as well as your health, then you won't want to miss the Seafood Watch, put together by the Monterray Aquarium. Farmed or wild? That's been another debate in recent years. This guide also from the Monterray Aquarium can help you sort out the issues.

Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin With Asian Coleslaw is part of the Food Network's Top 10 Get Healthy recipes. It's also low in calories--about 300 per serving--and is rated "easy" to make. Prep time is about 20 minutes. Cook time about 10.

Red Wine Spaghetti with Broccoli Rabe serves four as a main course, eight as an appetizer. Nutritional content is not provided, but a quick estimate puts it at about 450 as an entree. You could also calculate it yourself--or any recipe that you've got--with the help of Nutrition Data, a free service that helps you figure nutrition facts information on your own recipes.

What are you cooking this week? Discovered a new food find? Tell us your culinary secrets in this week's Lean Plate Club chat from 1 to 2 p.m. today . Or leave your tips, recipes and suggestions ahead of time. You can also e-mail me anytime at leanplateclub@washpost.com.

Guilt-Free

That's how you can enjoy this "Hollandaise" sauce made with tofu from master Chef and host of the PBS show Simply Ming.

It would be great on fresh asparagus, broccoli or even green beans. Got your own guilt-free food to share? We'd love to hear about it in today's Web chat from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT. If you can't join live, simply leave your tips ahead of time or e-mail me anytime at leanplateclub@washpost.com.

Joy of Motion

Who says that you have to hit the gym to be active? Now that we're moving into the last days of spring, there are plenty of opportunities to burn calories outdoors. Swing will help you find a local golf course. Or check out the free local parks where you can walk, kayak, play sports and more. Plus, with America on the Move you can find easy steps to being more active, including using pedometers.

May 20 is National Bike to Work Day, sponsored by the American Bike League . Check for other special biking events in your state .

And learn about the 15 cities that have been designated as bicycle friendly communities by the League of American Bicyclists. That's one way to prevent those rising gasoline prices from taking a larger bite out of your wallet.

Finally, for those of you staying indoors to be active, Yoga Journal offers the best times of day to practice yoga.

How are you staying active? Share your tips today in the LPC Web chat from 1 to 2 p.m., or leave 'em ahead of time.