The skinny on the new airline seats

Preparing for an airplane trip? Better start exercising and eating better.

That’s because if your girth is, ahem, a growing concern, it might be a snugger fit in airplane seats that are getting smaller. The major U.S. airlines are retrofitting their craft with more slim-lined, lighter chairs in order to squeeze in several more seats — read, paying passengers — and at the same time, reduce their jet-fuel bills.

Generally, this will bring in coach seat space an inch closer than before. But the airlines say passengers really won’t notice, due to seat redesigns such as thinner and repositioned seat-back pockets and slightly smaller tray tables.

Guess it’s all par for the course, in this modern age of air travel. Everything’s coming at a price, from luggage fees, to charges for blankets and meals. Consider this another type of squeeze.

Hold the meat, for now

Hard-core animal-rights activists might not approve, but omnivores for whom eating habits are just that — habits — can learn a lot from the "part-time vegan" movement. food writer Mark Bittman spells out the benefits in his book "VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health … For Good."

Bittman found it quite feasible to forgo meat, dairy and other animal products on a regular basis and still enjoy delicious meals. He ended up losing 35 pounds and curtailing health problems, including pre-diabetes. And this is a guy who eats for a living. If he can do it, can’t we all?