There’s good news for women who want to have healthy bones while losing weight. In a new study out from McMaster University shows, once again, that dairy foods are the cream of the crop when it comes to maintaining bone density during weight-loss strategies.

A recent study in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found the consumption of dairy foods and higher protein resulted in improvements in markers of bone formation and reductions in markers of bone degradation, in overweight and obese young women over 16 weeks of diet- and exercise-induced weight loss.

Previous studies have shown higher body weight is associated with greater bone mass and that weight loss through dieting can adversely affect bone health. While the individual effects of dairy, calcium, protein and exercise on bone during weight loss have been studied in premenopausal women, no trial until now has combined all these strategies together into one study to support bone health.

“Our findings show that a diet with a high proportion of dairy foods and higher than recommended protein intake was associated with improved markers for bone health,” said Stuart Phillips, PhD, of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and senior author of the study.

“Thus, to avoid deleterious consequences to their bone health, women who are attempting weight loss through dieting should practice consumption of more protein from dairy sources.”

So, ladies, do you want to fall and break a hip at the age of 40? Do you want to limp around with a broken femur caused by a treadmill malfunction from your rigorous exercise routine? Do you want to find yourself with a broken wrist from tripping over the curb at the fitness center?

Of course you don’t. And to prevent any of these mishaps, you must eat more dairy. Can you say ice cream? Or cheesecake? Or how about real whipped cream?

It’s your duty. It’s your obligation. Don’t waste another minute on that treadmill or that rowing machine without an ice cream cone. And when you get done, head straight to the nearest Dairy Queen and get yourself a big sundae. The hot fudge is necessary for energy.

After all, when you get home you’ll have to go into Supermom mode and cook, clean and milk the cows. You need that extra boost of energy and mood lifter that only chocolate can provide.

Oh, and add some nuts too; they help your brain function. And don’t forget that real whipped cream on the top – an extra boost of dairy can only make those bones stronger. The research doesn’t lie!

Christmas is right around the corner, and the perfect time to ramp up on bone health. You’ve got shopping to do, gifts to wrap, parties to attend. Don’t you want the healthiest bones at the company Christmas party? Of course you do! No one wants to show up at the party with weak, thin bones.

It’s time to belly up to the buffet chow on anything made with cheese or butter. And if they don’t have enough whipped cream on the dessert bar, don’t be shy – carry your own can of real whipped cream in that big bag you call a purse and pull it out for an extra dollop or two on the pumpkin pie.

And don’t skimp on the eggnog; that‘s a guaranteed bone builder. Have two cups, if needed.

Okay, I’m headed to the freezer for a carton of ice cream … the treadmill is waiting for me.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.