Nancy Robinson RDN

I am a 60 year old Dietitian fighting off osteoporosis. My mother and grandmother had osteoporosis.

Like many people, I thought drinking lots of milk and exercising all my life would keep me from getting osteoporosis, but it didn't. I've learned it is a little more complicated than that. Fighting osteoporosis nutritionally is more than just getting enough calcium. Exercise is key but must be accompanied by an adequate intake of multiple bone strengthening nutrients best obtained from a variety of healthy foods.

Even as a Dietitian, I find the wealth of, often conflicting, recommendations related to nutrition and osteoporosis overwhelming and confusing. So, I've spent considerable time reviewing the osteoporosis nutrition research and applying my nutrition skills and training to developing what I believe, is the best nutritional approach to maintaining strong bones and avoiding bone fractures.

I've put together a simple to follow "Food 4 Osteoporosis Eating Plan" encompassing what I, as a Dietitian and Nutritionist, feel the research currently best supports for osteoporosis prevention and treatment. The Eating Plan will evolve as additional research further clarifies the best nutritional approaches to maintaining strong bones. This Eating Plan is also a great way to fight heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. This is an Eating Plan that many people, with or without osteoporosis, could use as a guideline for improving their diets and their health.

I love my profession in the field of nutrition, where I can combine the art of food and eating with the science of nutrition and good health to improve my own eating habits and dining experiences while helping others do the same.