Why is Trader Joe's trying to fatten me up?

If you're on a diet or watching your cholesterol, you might want to avoid Trader Joe's in Paramus until after the holidays. 

By VICTOR E. SASSON
Editor

Not just egg nog, but Egg Nog Ice Cream.

And Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's (sandwich cream cookies); Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, Dark Chocolate Collection and Pound Plus Extravaganza.

You'll find all of this high-calorie, high-cholesterol food lovingly described in Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer, the guide to holiday foods the chain mails to customers, and in stores.

I stopped at Trader Joe's in Paramus this afternoon for Applegate Naturals Sliced Smoked Turkey, Sliced Ham and Sliced Roast Beef, as well two bottles of 100% juice blends.

The naturally raised, preservative-free cold cuts were $3.99 for 7 ounces or about $2 less than what ShopRite and other supermarkets charge.

Sixty-four ounce bottles of Carrot Tropical Blend and Dynamo Plus Calcium were $3.49 and $3.99, respectively.

It's a good thing I don't have a sweet tooth and that my step quickens when I see one of Trader Joe's displays of chocolates, cookies or other unhealthy food in the store at 404 Route 17 north.

Trader Joe's promotional flier also is filled with lots of prepared food I shy away from, including Camembert Cheese & Cranberry Sauce Fillo Bites, Scallops Wrapped in Uncured Bacon with Brown Sugar Glaze, Beef Tenderloin Bites and Chicken Parmesan Lollipops.

I'll stick with Trader Joe's organic and conventional sweet potatoes, organic whole wheat pasta, uncured hot dogs and bacon; 100% juices, frozen grass-fed beef from New Zealand and a few other items.

The dessert case at the Suburban Diner on Route 17 north in Paramus is one of the first things customer see as they walk in.