Calcium boosters #9 - #10: less caffeine, less protein

9. Cut down on coffee (or drink lattes).

Too much caffeine can weaken bones by increasing the rate of calcium excretion. Avoid this risk by limiting yourself to two cups a day. If you have trouble giving up extra cups of joe, you can mitigate the calcium loss by choosing a latte or café au lait or adding a few tablespoons of milk or cream (not nondairy creamer) to your coffee.

10. Beware of high-protein diets.

With all due respect to Mr. Atkins, diets high in animal protein can actually leach calcium from your bones. That's because protein is broken down into components that are acidic, and your body uses calcium to buffer them. If you eat a lot of red meat and eggs (in one to two meals per day), you're even more likely to need to boost your calcium intake.