1. Nonfat milk: One cup of nonfat (skim milk or fat-free) milk provides 306mg of calcium, is low in calories and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which boosts the absorption of calcium. Instead of reaching for can of sugar-laden soda, try an ice-cold glass of chocolate-flavored milk.
2. Ricotta Cheese: One cup of part-skim ricotta cheese delivers 669mg of calcium, more than either cottage cheese or milk. At 336 calories per cup, it’s still a great calcium choice. This fresh, soft, snowy-white cheese has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is low in fat and sodium. Make lasagna, cheesecake and other desserts with it. It also makes a good substitute for cottage cheese, which has only 156mg of calcium per cup.
3. Yogurt: Plain yogurt made with skim milk has 488mg of calcium and 137 calories per eight-ounce serving. Top with fresh fruit, sweeten with a little honey and you’ve got a perfect afternoon snack.
4. Calcium-Fortified Soymilk: One eight-ounce glass of calcium-fortified soymilk contains approximately 300mg of calcium and has 130 calories per cup, which is comparable to dairy milk. It’s also low in fat and is dairy, lactose- and cholesterol-free. Pour soymilk on your breakfast cereal, make creamy soups with it, or enjoy a soothing cup of warm vanilla soymilk before bedtime
5. Tofu: Easy to digest and high in protein, a one-half cup of firm tofu prepared with calcium sulfate and magnesium chloride (nigari) provides 253mg of calcium and only 88 calories. Tofu contains little fat and sodium and no cholesterol. Add it to stir-fries, soup, noodle dishes, and salads. Tofu has a bland flavor, but it absorbs flavors from other ingredients.
6. Spinach: One cup is of Popeye’s favorite cooked is only 41 calories and gives you 245mg of bone-building calcium. Spinach is great in soups, or mix it in a fresh salad for a light dinner. Other dark leafy greens such as kale, turnips, and collard greens are also high in calcium.
7. Sardines: A 3.75-ounce serving of canned sardines with bones gives you 191 calories and 351mg of calcium. This tasty, little salt-water fish is a special ingredient in tangy pasta sauces. Use it to spice up spreads, dips, and dressings. Salmon is also a good source of calcium.
8. Swiss cheese: What’s more delicious than a slice of fresh, creamy Baby Swiss cheese for a slightly nutty and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat? No need to feel guilty when you eat it in moderation. One ounce of Swiss cheese provides 204mg of calcium. It also contains 108 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat, so portion control is key. Mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar are also good choices. Cut calories and fat by using reduced-fat versions of your favorite cheese.
9. Legumes: Rich in protein, carbohydrates, folate and fiber, legumes, or dried beans, are also quality sources of calcium. A one cup serving of small white beans has 191mg of calcium and 307 calories. Soybeans and navy beans are other good choices.
10. Almonds: A one-ounce (23 nuts)-, 164-calorie-serving of these heart-healthy nuts provides 70mg of calcium and 50 percent of the RDA for vitamin E. Almonds are cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat, the “good” fat that can help lower your “bad” cholesterol. Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, and walnuts also provide a good dose of calcium.
Sheri Strykowski is a freelance journalist who specializes in health, fitness and lifestyle. Her articles have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Lerner newspapers and National Safety Council publications. She is also a content expert who has built over 40 websites for a Fortune 100 company.