Adding Mediterranean Flair To Your Menu, By Guest Contributors, NAPSA

All fat is not created equal-and some sources are a lot healthier than others. Fortunately, one simple substitution can result in tastier and healthier meals.

For example, a delicious turkey sandwich can be less healthy if it's made with a serving of mayonnaise, which can boost the fat content by 10 grams and the cholesterol by 5 mg. A better way to flavor wraps and sandwiches would be adding a serving of hummus, a tasty spread made from chickpeas.

With no trans fat, no cholesterol and 2 grams of protein per serving, hummus is part of the healthy Mediterranean diet, which features fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds.

One of the most delicious varieties of hummus is Sabra. It's available in many flavors including Roasted Pine Nut, Jalapeno and Garlic. For more information about hummus and recipes, visit www.sabra.com. Many health-conscious sandwich makers add flavor without fat or cholesterol, by using a tasty spread made from chickpeas.

Getting The Skinny On High Protein Myths

Surprisingly, when it comes to getting protein into our diets to build more muscle and stay lean, there's a limit to how much the body can actually absorb.

"The food and supplement industry centers its marketing on 'nutritionalism'; products become known for the elements in them, such as high protein or high in vitamins and minerals," says Lizanne Falsetto, CEO of thinkproducts. "Most people assume that more is better, but that's simply not true."

The body can only absorb up to 20 grams of protein in one meal, an amount of which is often surpassed in nutrition bar offerings.

"A 'high protein' diet isn't about getting more than 20 grams in one meal, but changing the ratio of your protein to carbs and fats," Falsetto explains. Although protein burns slowly, she recommends eating whole, real foods so that the body gets a balanced diet of vital fuel. The key to staying fit is a combination of getting enough exercise and ingesting a balance of protein, good carbohydrates and fats.

The thinkproducts line includes the thinkThin, thinkOrganic and think5, all-natural nutrition bars, which can be found at grocery and natural food stores.