Calcium

Staying fit and managing your weight start to be preoccupations in your 20s, along with getting your body ready for pregnancy and childbirth. Meanwhile, preventing osteoporosis, hypertension, and heart disease are probably not at the top of your priority list. But did you know that what you eat now can help lower your risk of getting those health problems later? Registered dietitians Lisa Goldberg, RD, MS, CDN, and Lynn Grieger RD, CDE, suggest their top picks for maintaining your overall health in your 20s, plus the best pre-pregnancy foods you can eat to prepare your body for baby.

Did you know that your body's bone mass peaks by age 25? Including calcium-rich foods such as milk in your diet is essential for your body's bone density. While most women need 1,000 to 1,200mg of calcium per day, we often fall short of that requirement, which increases our risk for getting osteoporosis. "Women don't really worry about osteoporosis until they're in their 50s or 60s, but it's actually in their 20s when they can really do something to prevent it," says Grieger. Skim milk is a great source for your daily requirement of calcium because it is low in fat and contains vitamin D, which significantly increases your body's ability to absorb this essential mineral.

Recommended Serving Size: 1 cup, 300mg calcium, 90 calories

Goldberg chooses yogurt, another rich source of calcium, because it helps to increase your body's bone density and to maintain strong teeth. "When you are in your 20's, you don't think about when you are going to lose your teeth, but loading up on calcium now can help prevent dental problems later," says Goldberg. "Studies also show that calcium may lower your risk of heart disease and hypertension. Plus, there is evidence that links calcium to weight loss," she adds. Goldberg also likes yogurt because it contains acidophilus, which promotes a healthy gastro-intestinal system and helps keep yeast infections in check.

Recommended Serving Size: 8 ounces, 120 calories