Hot new research reveals that ice cream, when eaten as part of a healthy diet, may actually melt away fat, helping you lose weight quicker than if you abstained! Plus a dish a day helps you get healthier in other ways according to Marsha Hudnall's book, THE ICE CREAM DIET.

But before you head out for a couple of gallons of Ben and Jerry's remember that too much can find it's way to the hips, belly and other unwanted places.

One of the key benefits of ice cream is that it may satisfy your cravings better than any other food. "When we tell ourselves we can't have something, we immediately focus our attention on what's forbidden, which increases our desire and chances of losing control," says Marsha Hudnall, RD, of Green Mountain at Fox Run, a "non-diet" weight control spa.

A key benefit of ice cream is the calcium it provides. Only 4% of women over 50 meet the daily 1,200 mg goal. The average female calcium intake is only 652 mg. Less than one third of men reach these same goals.

Calcium is also ice cream's "secret" slim down ingredient. In a recent study, overweight people who took a calcium supplement lost 38% more body fat than those who ate the same reduced-calorie diet without the supplement.

How does calcium help you lose? A diet low in calcium shuts down your body's fat burning ability, say experts. When your body doesn't get enough calcium, it triggers fat cells to store fat and get bigger.

So, how much ice cream is "reasonable?" The guideline is a one-half cup serving of no more than 125 calories. My personal favorite is Bryers No Sugar Added Vanilla. It has only 120 calories per 1/2 cup and the flavor reminds me of the "good old days" when we took turns cranking the six quart ice cream freezer full of moms special recipe. Ummm good.