Aging is a process, not a one-time event. You don't wake up one day and realize you're old. The same nutritional issues that affect seniors, from heart disease to aging skin, begin in the middle years. The majority of the disease and dysfunction associated with aging are now understood to result from lifestyle choices. In short, it is not the number of years that causes deterioration but how we choose to spend them. If we are willing to change what we eat, how we supplement, and how we live, we can make the most of our healthy middle years and postpone or even prevent the feeble elderly years.

The earlier you begin to age-proof your diet, the better. However, it is never too late. The plan is simple if you follow these five simple guidelines:

Food is a substance the world absolutely needs. Without food, how would humans have built the empire we live in today? However, many people tend to believe that food is terrible for several reasons.

Despite all these negative misconceptions surrounding food, one fact remains; our bodies need food to thrive and survive. None of the food is bad for you; however, you must know the right amounts to eat. One of the best benefits about food is that some of them even help to reduce stress and put you into a good mood. Here are five of the best: