Love milk, yogurt and other dairy products? Well, there's a new reason to make sure you've got milk. Studies show that consuming three to four servings of low-fat dairy every day actually helps burn more fat. But experts stress that in order for the dairy diet factor to work it must be low-fat products. According to studies, calcium stored in fat cells plays a role in the storage and breakdown of fat. Make dairy a part of each meal, and include it in one snack over the course of the day. Breakfast is easy - use skim milk in your cereal or have a slice of low-fat cheese on toast. Enjoy low-fat yogurt as a snack later in the morning, and sprinkle some low-fat cheese on a salad for lunch, or have a slice of cheese pizza heaped with veggies.
Go Mexican for dinner and enjoy low-fat sour cream. Or load up a baked potato with calcium-rich broccoli and low-fat sour cream. Top off the day with a small glass of skim milk - add chocolate syrup, if you like. Lactose-intolerant dieters shouldn't feel left out - calcium-rich foods like salmon, broccoli, almonds and oats offer the same benefits, with the added hunger-taming power of fiber. Get creative with calcium sources - there are plenty that can add flavor and a diet boost.