Aging begins much earlier than people realize, so the sooner people make diet and exercise changes to promote health, the more likely they will avoid premature aging and age-related diseases.

Eating well and exercising is the first line of defense against aging. Nutrient-rich foods and the right amount of exercise deliver important health benefits during each stage of life and are essential to staying happy, healthy and active, regardless of age.

When women diet they often make two big mistakes that can actually result in weight gain -- skip breakfast and ditch dairy. But in reality, eating breakfast and including 24 ounces of milk each day are two small steps that could make a significant difference in achieving a healthy weight.

If it goes against everything you know to be fact, don't believe it.

But make sure the food has a bit of fat in it, so your body has an easier time absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins.