Food and Your Bone
Healthy bones are like banks, the more deposits you make, and the more withdrawals you can count on. Diet plays a major role in ensuring healthy bones. In particular, Calcium and Vitamin D need to be taken in the right amounts through life to build bone and slow down bone loss. Eating a healthy balanced diet, containing adequate calories, can help to improve your overall bone health not to mention your overall health.
The easiest way to obtain this is through the regular consumption of milk, cheese, and yogurt i.e. 3 servings each day from the milk group of foods. Teenagers and pregnant women need five servings each day.
A serving is equal to:
A glass of milk
An ounce {matchbox size} of cheese
A carton of yogurt
Tips to boost calcium intake
Dairy products are extremely versatile and can be included in the diet in many ways. Cooking does not destroy calcium, so it could not be easier to get your recommended number of servings each day. Serving suggestions include
A bowl of breakfast cereal with milk
Cheese on crackers or toasted cheese sandwich
Fruit salad with yogurt
A slice of pizza or lasagne
A fruit smoothie or milkshake
A frothy cappuccino or mug of hot chocolate
Baked potato with grated cheese
I don't like milk! What can I do?
If you do not like milk try the following to boost Calcium intake
Pancakes
Skimmed milk powder added to soups/smoothies/sauces
Porridge made with milk