Dairy is a Do!
If you shy away from the dairy aisle, it's time to welcome low- and non-fat treats back into your life, because dairy may give your diet a boost!
Research Shows...
A 2003 study showed subjects who consumed three servings of Yoplait Light yogurt daily as part of a reduced-calorie diet lost about 20 percent more weight than those who cut calories alone.The yogurt-eaters consumed around 1,100 mg of calcium daily. The non-yogurt eaters consumed about 500 mg of calcium a day (the average amount in the typical American's diet).
Surprising Results
All of the study subjects followed an individualized diet plan that provided 500 fewer calories than they normally consumed. The yogurt-eaters lost 22 percent more weight; 61 percent more body fat; and 81 percent more stomach fat than the non-yogurt-eaters.
Dairy Brings a Double Benefit!
In addition to weight loss, the yogurt eaters experienced an added benefit:"[The yogurt-eaters] were about ]twice as effective at maintaining lean muscle mass," lead researcher, Dr. Michael Zemel said.
"This is a critical issue when dieting -- you want to lose fat, not muscle. Muscle helps burn calories, but it is often compromised during weight loss."
