Get fit so you don't fear 50

There's a huge wave of Baby Boomers hitting the grand half-century mark in life right now.

In decades past, people accepted as truth that the human body declines markedly with age, starting at age 30, and particularly past age 40, and once you got past 50 you might as well forget about good health or fitness.

The Baby Boomers have disproved this by refusing to grow old prematurely. Prior to the late 1960's, the conventional wisdom was that you might as well give it up and accept disability and sickness that began in middle age.

However, Baby Boomers have demonstrated that adult athletes can remain competitive in the open division up through age 40, and things started to change.

Now, new studies have shown that "50 is the new 30." It's not just a catchphrase, either. Here are some quick tips for maintaining your health and fitness so that when you turn 50, it's no big deal:

• Increase your water consumption to at least 8-10 eight ounce glasses per day.
• Start an exercise plan.
• Improve your health by taking daily supplements such as EnergyFirst VitaEnergy Mega Plus Ace.
• Eliminate saturated fats from your diet.
• Eliminate or cut down on refined sugar and starches.
• Cut down on alcohol.
• Increase your consumption of dark green leafy vegetables.
• Eat more fruit.
• Reduce stress in your life.
• Stretch for 10 minutes, slowly, after you exercise.

Protein is a key to staving off premature aging. One of the hallmarks of aging past 40 is that your muscle mass tends to decline, so you lose valuable strength that you need for daily activities.

Forestall this decline with twice-weekly weight training or resistance sessions of 30 to 45 minutes, and afterwards enjoy a delicious high-protein shake made with EnergyFirst ProEnergy Whey Isolate Protein Powder mixed with soy milk and frozen blueberries or a frozen banana.

You don't have to go over the hill when you hit 50—you can remain fit throughout your 50's if you follow these simple guidelines.

More tips on slowing down the aging process can be found by visiting www.energyfirst.com.