The fountain of youth…everyone is in search of it! What you may not realize is that part of the fountain of youth is found at your local grocery store. I say 'part of' because the other part is found in your activities and exercise. Proper eating and exercise will add years to your life and life to your years. There are many foods that you may not consider, but hands-down they are some of the best antiaging foods around.

1. Avocado (actually a fruit - did you know?) was reported in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry to contain enough lutein to stop cancer growth in a lab experiment. This alone is a good reason to add avocado to your salads. Yes, they contain fat but offer the good fats.

2. Figs - contain more polyphenols than tea or red wine. Loaded with iron which helps to chase away anemia and fatigue.

3. Acai Berry - Offers an insane amount of antioxidants which assist is keeping us healthy and young looking.

4. French lentils - High in fiber and they are great if you are looking for a meat substitute. They assist in regulating blood sugar.

5. Arctic char - similar to Salmon, but milder in taste. A high protein that is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Great for prevention of cancers.

6. Guava - A fruit that is a great source of potassium which keeps blood pressure in check. Also rich in antioxidants.

Get creative with your foods. Think about trying new things and incorporating them into your diet. You might be surprised when your taste buds beg for more. Think about eating a guava instead of a banana - both high in potassium. Or eat lentils instead of meat as your protein source. Eating doesn't have to be mundane and when you eat properly you will feel and look younger.

-Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com 

BAD CHOICES…that"s how! Have you heard about the sporting event in Michigan that is offering a hamburger at their consession that is literally the size of a large plate? If you haven't, you'll be shocked to know that it weighs 4 pounds and is 4,800 calories. Talk about a heart attack waiting to happen. Yikes! Can you believe that people will actually order this $20 burger and eat all 5 patties, 5 slices of cheese, almost a cup of chilli, salsa, nacho cheese, sour cream, lettuce and tomato all on an 8-inch size bun. I thought we were done with this super-size craze. Guess that's one way to make sure the medical professionals stay busy! 

Click here to check it out!

-Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com

One of the biggest complaints I receive, especially in this economy, is that eating healthy is more expensive. I disagree! There are many healthy foods at the grocery store that you can find under a dollar…you just need to know where to look.

1.Sweet potatoes - a great source of fiber, vitamin A and C and they cost only 50 to 60 cents each.

2.Eggs - one of the best sources of protein and they are only about 16 to 20 cents each. I like to boil a dozen or more at the time and eat them as snacks or put them in salads. They are easy to make and very nutritious. 

3. Bean Soup - This is another great source of protein. Buy the 15-19 bean soup in a bag and it only costs around 10 cents a serving. The bag should provide close to 10-12 meals. I give this two thumbs up on value and nutrients for your dollar.

4. Frozen Spinach - A great source of vitamin K. It's only about 45 cents for a 1/2 cup. Frozen spinach is just as flavorful and rich in vitamins as fresh spinach, the only difference is that the price tag is better. Add to pasta dishes or eggs to add color, flavor, and nutrients.

5. Tuna (in spring water) - is less than a dollar and makes a great snack or lunch item.

It's important to get creative during times of conscious spending. There are MANY healthy ways to eat on a budget. If you are drawn to unhealthy foods due to their price point, then you will be guaranteed to pay the difference in healthcare costs in the future. Pay attention to how you fuel your body. It's the only body you will ever receive!

-Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com

American children are eating themselves to death. They are the most overweight, obese generation ever. The life expectancy of Americans in the next 50 years will begin to diminish, and medical costs will skyrocket due to weight-related diseases. What are WE going to do about it? For starters, get your kid away from the TV and computer. Remember the days when TV actually signed off at midnight and you would get that buzzing sound with a test pattern of color? Well, I'm old…I remember! These were the days that kids went out and played until it got dark out and you would have to literally drag them inside kicking and screaming. Now, kids are not only watching more TV, but they are playing more video games. LOTS of sedentary time. Granted, the Wii has tried to accomodate by combining games with activity. Although it is better than nothing, it's still not enough activity. 

As overweight kids continue down the disturbing path of unhealthy living, it will cost them more than years to their life. As they get older it will cost them relationships, jobs and promotions, lack of self-esteem and the list goes on. As a parent it is our job to teach healthy habits and get our kids active. That just might mean that you will become more active and get in better shape in the process, which is a good thing! Look at becoming more active as a family and spend quality time with your kids. The laundry, dishes, and general chores are constant. Don't let them become an excuse for you to put your kid in front of the television or feeding them inadequate food. Shoot, get them doing the chores with you and then go out to play and be active. Then it's a win-win for everyone!

-Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com      

So often we worry about the outcome of the journey instead of living the journey each step at a time. Goals give our lives direction, but the steps we take in order to reach our goals is where the true personal growth appears. The goal is the end result of all the positive steps one must take to get there. I want to encourage you to appreciate the process in reaching your goal instead of only the completion. Too often we are already focused on the next goal before our first one is even reached. Every moment of every step of the way can offer insight if one just pays attention. 

I recently had a coaching session with one of my dear clients that discovered the steps taken along his journey had been a gift. As his coach, I could see the points in which change and transformation occurred and even offered a u-turn in his life. A new attitude was formed and it created a ripple effect to all those he encountered. It's like watching a rock skip on water. If you don't appreciate each skip along the way and follow the journey closely, then you will lose sight of it's destination.  Once that happens, you won't be able to appreciate the beautiful ripple of great energy that it creates in the end.  

--Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com