holiday foods

The Christian season of repentance, Lent, is underway. And with the season comes an increased demand for seafood -- as traditional followers of Lent avoid meat on Fridays. That demand has caused some restaurants to alter their menus, and seafood retailers to consider their supplies.

Americans are returning to indulging in specialty foods the way they did before the recession, and they'll likely make big purchases of these affordable luxuries during the holidays. A recent survey showed 63% of American consumers purchased specialty food this year, up from 46% in 2009.

The easiest way to lose weight is to avoid putting it on in the first place, a strategy that becomes even more important over the next six weeks. As we enter into the holiday season, the average American will put on a pound or two before the first of the year, some much more, but such a fate is not...