Dairy Foods and Weight Loss

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

21 Oct 2009 11:39 AM

Do you remember those print ads in the magazines that show a glass of milk with an hourglass figure? The implication is that drinking milk can help you to lose weight and be fit. In fact, there is another study that has found this link to be true. (There are also other studies that have shown unclear results.) Upping your dairy intake may help you to lose weight.

The most recent study was done at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. For 12 weeks, researchers followed participants who upped their dairy intake from three to five servings a day. Those who consumed the additional dairy servings experienced higher levels of weight loss and fat loss. They consumed milk, yogurt and cheese to get these requirements.

One theory behind the results is that dairy can cause abdominal fat loss, that dreaded belly fat. Other foods that have shown a similar link include green tea, olive oil, nuts and egg whites. A study on nuts, showed for example, that consuming a small portion of nuts at every meal helps convert calories away from being turned into belly fat.

One thing I do find is that when I consume a big glass of skim milk, it does fill me up. The combination of the liquid and the protein probably contribute to this. I just feel full and am less likely to grab additional snacks later. Low fat yogurt can do the same thing, although the additional sugars in some yogurts may make you more hungry and contribute to overeating.

Another caution with extra dairy is that you should choose low fat versions. Whole milk packs in a lot of fat and calories, for example. Most cheese also contains quite a bit of fat, and in some cases acts like extra sugar in your body.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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