A Thick and Creamy Weight Loss Aid

If you think it's too yummy to have any place in a real weight loss diet, think again.

Yogurt -- that rich and creamy stuff that's full of calcium and "healthy" bacteria -- may actually help you shed pounds.

The Sweet Facts
When obese people followed a reduced-calorie diet that included three 6-ounce servings of calcium-rich yogurt a day, they lost a whopping 61 percent more fat overall -- and 81 percent more fat around their waists -- compared with those who didn't eat yogurt. Why? Turns out the calcium in yogurt may hinder fat storage and boost fat loss. And calcium-rich dairy products like yogurt may contain additional fat-burning compounds as well. Find out why belly fat is the most dangerous kind.

Good for All of Your Bod
Here are a few more ways yogurt helps do a body good. Yogurt can help you:

• Smell better. Here's how it wipes out stinky breath.
• Feel better. Find out how yogurt fortified with healthy bacteria may help your immune system.
• Save time . . . in the bathroom. Try this constipation-curing combo.
• Smile. Here's what it will do for your teeth and gums.

Recipe Corner
Treat yourself to this Carrot and Yogurt Salad.

Dairy augmentation of total and central fat loss in obese subjects. Zemel, M. B. et al., International Journal of Obesity 2005 Apr;29(4):391-397.