The Scoop on Probiotics

Probiotics are showing up in a lot of foods these days, from breakfast cereal to yogurt. So what exactly do these "friendly" bacteria provide? And are you protecting your health by consuming them? Or is this nutrition hype rather than hope?

Learn more about probiotics in today's Lean Plate Club column and then check out the well-known food products that now contain friendly strains of bacteria. Do you eat probiotics? Tell us your take on this friendly bacteria now. Then check the Lean Plate Club Web transcript at your leisure. (By the way, you can now search them by topic in an updated electronic database.) Or join me live online today from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. E-mail me anytime at leanplateclub@washpost.com.

Get Your Free Lean Plate Club Widget

Yep, you can adorn your home computer, your Facebook, MySpace, Yahoo or other personal Web site with the free Lean Plate Club widget, which will keep the Lean Plate Club an easy click away.

Penny Pinching Restaurants and School Cafeterias

One possible benefit of the slowing economy? Smaller portions at restaurants. In this super-sized world, that could be a very good thing, especially because so many people still eat many meals out. Sadly, lower prices apparently aren't part of the menu. See why in this video.

On the other hand, the economic pinch seems to be having a potentially deleterious effect on school lunch programs.

So how is the economic downturn affecting your food budget? Are you eating out more often or increasingly cooking and dining at home? Case in point: I normally pack my lunch, but over the past week or so, have had occasion to buy it. The surprise: How tough it is to find anything in downtown D.C. that doesn't add up to about $9 per lunch. And that's for a sandwich and a drink or soup, a small side dish and a drink. Even Subway runs about $6 plus change for a 6-inch sub. Where do you find lunchtime bargains? Tell us now. Or join the Web chat live from 1 to 2 p.m. ET today. E-mail me at leanplateclub@washpost.com

Extreme Fitness

It definitely won't be for beginners or those just trying to get into shape. But if you want to see what the body can do, check out Crossfit if you're looking for something new and different that will take your exercise regimen to a whole, new level. Developed by gymnast Greg Glassman, known simply as "Coach" to adherents, it's a grueling on-line exercise program. And definitely don't try it without talking with your doctor first.

Lean Plate Club and the National President's Challenge

We're about halfway into the President's Challenge with 260 members of the Lean Plate Club members and the MisFits participating. How are you doing? Tell us now. And if you'd like to join us, our group number is 69734. Name of the group is Lean Plate Club. Find more here.

And in the "exercise really is good for everyone" category, there's a new report that highlights how it can help those with arthritis. How

What's for Dinner Tonight?

Arugula Chive Salmon Wraps are one offering from the Dallas Morning News. They rank as one of the Morning News' best recipes and have 315 calories per serving. They also have healthy omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your heart, your brain, your joints and possibly your mood.

Cooking Light offers Chicken and Summer Vegetable Tostadas.

Fire up the grill: Pork and Veggie Kabobs from Family Circle magazine can be read in no time. And speaking of pork, these pork burritos are a finalist in the Pillsbury bake-off. Warning: Most of us will be able to eat only one to stay in caloric balance. Each burrito has about 450 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat.

Passover begins this weekend. Gourmet.com has some updated recipes for this key Jewish holiday including Turkey Breast Stuffed With Matzo and Fennel. (Warning: There were no calorie counts given for this recipe, but turkey breast has about 50 calories per ounce and the other ingredients are pretty low in calories. I'll try to do a calculation and report on the total in today's Web chat. Check the transcript if you can't join live. )

Also, from Gourmet: Roasted Beet Salad.

Cooking Light offers Beef and Vegetable Kabobs. They have just 218 calories per serving. Some brown rice or whole wheat couscous would be go well with these kabobs.

What are you cooking this week? Share your food finds and healthy, great tasting recipes with us now. Or join the Lean Plate Club Web chat live from 1 to 2 p.m. ET.

Test Driving: Omron Pedometer

I've been test driving an Omron pedometer. Here's what Lean Plate Club member Tamara Adams of Chicago e-mailed me about her experience with Omron:

" I read about this pedometer on About Walking's Web site. I had used other less expensive pedometers in the past and they were just subpar. I looked for this one all over Chicago and could not find it. I ultimately ordered it online. Service was fast and efficient and it cost $23. I love it and I wear it everyday. The one I carry now is my second one, I lost the first one because it came unclipped from my waist band. It comes with a safety clasp but I did not have it on so it just fell off one day. I was devastated, so when I reordered I ordered 2. I wear one now with the safety clasp and I have one still in the box just in case. You can carry it in your pocket and it will record your steps, calories, aerobic steps and calories, accumulated miles and a seven day memory."

Got a device that helps your workouts? Tell us about it now. Or join the Lean Plate Club Web chat live from 1 to 2 p.m. today. E-mail me anytime at leanplateclub@washpost.com. I really do read all your e-mails and answer as many personally as time allows. You can also call me at 1-800-627-1150, ext 45018.