(ARA) - Baby Boomers seem willing to try anything to slow the physical aspects of growing older. A new survey reports that 25 percent of Boomers would even put off retirement five years if it meant they’d never have wrinkles.

The survey, conducted by the Florida Department of Citrus, sheds light on Americans’ top aging concerns. According to Cheryl Forberg, an expert on anti-aging nutrition and consulting dietitian to NBC's “The Biggest Loser” fitness reality show, the secret to prolonged youth is as close as the kitchen.

* Get Glowing Skin -- Keeping skin radiant is top of mind for Baby Boomers. Collagen breakdown in the skin may contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the production of collagen. One serving of 100 percent grapefruit juice contains 72 milligrams of vitamin C, more than a full day's supply. For the 30 percent of Baby Boomers concerned about weight gain, this juice is fat free with less than 100 calories in each eight-ounce serving.

* Boost Your Energy -- More than 40 percent of Americans find having less energy to be the most unpleasant aspect of aging. To stay energized, avoid processed foods and sugary soft drinks. Add foods rich in iron such as lentils, lean red meats in moderate amounts, and spinach. This mineral delivers energy to every cell in the body. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake to one drink for women and two drinks for men.

* Strengthen Your Disease Defenses -- According to the survey, 54 percent of American adults are most worried about increased risk for diseases as they grow older. Look for foods rich in lycopene, vitamin C and potassium. Studies suggest lycopene may help in the fight against certain cancers and heart disease. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals to help fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases. Potassium plays an important role in cardiovascular health, and a higher potassium intake as been associated with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of stroke. Load the grocery cart with foods like bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh grapefruit and kale.

* Sharpen Your Mental Pencil -- Baby Boomers commonly experience fading memory or slight changes in motor coordination skills. Spinach, onions and broccoli contain quercetin, a flavonoid found to promote brain function and prevent risk for stroke. Fresh Omega-3 rich fish, such as salmon and tuna, also contribute to improved blood flow in the brain.

* Don’t Forget Bone Health -- Women are especially susceptible to postural changes or increased risk for osteoporosis after 40. To maintain bone strength, add calcium-rich foods and beverages to the grocery cart. In addition to milk, there are a variety of foods that contain calcium, including sesame seeds, leafy green vegetables and tofu.

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As you head outdoors to take advantage of the warmer weather, there are a number of easy ways to jump-start a healthy, active lifestyle and kick the couch potato routine.

“Smart snacking is a very important part of our daily diet,” says registered dietitian and health educator Allegra Burton, MPH, RD. “By eating small portions balanced with protein and complex carbohydrates throughout the day, we continually fuel our bodies with the nutrients we need to stay healthy and energized.” Burton says picking the right snacks can be challenging, especially when you’re hungry or on the go.

She shares five easy tips to carry through your next trip or outdoor adventure.

* Plan ahead. Before you head to the lake for the weekend or a family road trip, plan on a variety of snacking options to satisfy everyone. Burton recommends fresh fruit, a mixture of nuts and dried fruit, low-fat string cheese, and plenty of bottled water.

* Snack small and snack often. Whether you’re going to the gym, on a walk, or to the amusement park or beach, throw some treats in the car or your backpack. All-natural products like ELEV8 ME!, a fruit based protein bar made with whey protein isolate and real fruit, are great because they are just the right size, taste great and provide even sustained energy. Keep a variety of flavors on-hand since more options will keep you more likely to come back for more of what’s good for you.

* Mix it up. There are many smart snacking options to choose from every day. One day you could have fruit and nuts, the next day yogurt or veggies with a low fat bean dip. Variety will keep your taste buds from getting bored and will encourage you to keep reaching for healthier snacks.

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These days, too many children are growing up snacking on candy and cookies rather than foods that are good for them like fruits, vegetables and grains.

But if America’s grocery stores have anything to do with it, that’s about to change! Area grocers throughout the U.S, from Massachusetts to Idaho, from Minneapolis to San Antonio, from the suburbs of Chicago to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are encouraging healthy eating habits in their communities. Realizing they have the ability to make a difference, local grocery stores are partnering with Field Trip Factory to offer free field trips that teach kids how to make smart food choices.

It’s good for our communities and our kids. “The field trips reach a wide cross-section of the youth in our area. These children go home and influence their parents to adopt healthy habits,” says Bob Gumbleton, manager of the Shaw’s Supermarket in Lynn, Mass. “When we reach the kids and schools in our community, they bring their parents back to buy the healthy products they try during the field trip,” adds Dale Watson, manager of the Albertsons store in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.

On these hands-on field trips kids get to sample healthy foods, and come away with an understanding of the essential concepts about nutrition and diet, as well as the importance of staying physically active. A little math is worked into it too as kids learn about pricing. The trip is designed with the goal in mind of producing not only healthy kids, but smart kids. Meijer stores in suburban Chicago, kids learn fundamental concepts about how exercise, balanced meals, and healthy living will positively affect them. Jan Olszowski, store director of the chain’s store in Rolling Meadows, Ill., says the kids always leave smiling. “In essence, the trips show kids that shopping for groceries at a Meijer store is fun.

These grocers are making a difference in their communities by encouraging kids to eat healthy today so they can make a difference tomorrow. Rommel Morrison, manager of the Lowes Foods store in Jamestown, N.C., adds, “This program is a valuable asset to the community.” To learn more about these free, experience-based field trips, log on to www.fieldtripfactory.com and type in your zip code to find out which programs are available in your community. If you don’t have Internet access, call (800) 987-6409 for more information. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."

- Muhammad Ali

Dear Flabby,
If my hypothetical boyfriend has a hypothetical affair and I hypothetically try to run him down with my car, how many years would I get in hypothetical prison?

Kendra T . - location withheld

Dear T,
Not a relevant question, but I love your spirit, hypothetically.

( send your question to Dear Flabby: info@prosnack.com )

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