The Atkins effect?

The Agriculture Department said yesterday that the average price of food in the U.S. would rise by four percent -- the biggest jump in at least 14 years. Meat prices will rise the most, the government agency said, because of "consumers adopting a higher protein diet." Milk, dairy and eggs are also in high demand, the agency added.

Go Atkins. This has to be the first time a popular diet has increased the demand for certain foodstuffs.

Another reason for the rise in costs is a jump in gas prices, needed to truck all our goods from sea to shining sea. A good thought to ponder: If we ate locally and by the seasons, our food might be even cheaper.