There are skin creams, particularly for women, and testosterone gel for men, liposuction, and of course, plastic surgery. Each is designed to make you look younger. But these cosmetic and unnatural routes not only come with a price tag, there are potential risks, especially with plastic surgery and liposuction. And chances are, after the liposuction, you might revert to those dietary habits that fattened you in the first place.

There’s an easier, natural, safe and inexpensive method that not only benefits your health and boosts your immune system, but can also slow the aging process during your quest for the Fountain of Youth.

What does this simple formula comprise? Water, Walking, Weight Training, Wholesome Foods/Beverages – otherwise known as the “4 Ws to Wellness.” While sufficient sleep, a happy disposition, good genes, low stress and frequently washing hands are other factors for optimal health, the 4 Ws will no doubt improve your figure or physique, but also promote wellness. Just follow these “4 Ws” and you very well could arrive at the Fountain of Youth!

#1 – Water

Among the many ways water enhances health: It keeps you hydrated; energizes you; aids circulation and excretion; alleviates cold/flu symptoms by thinning mucus in the sinuses and chest; and benefits your skin. Your muscles are mostly water, so consuming adequate amounts daily will keep your biceps looking full, especially after working out. So, grab that water bottle or stop at the water fountain regularly – especially before, during and after exercise or sports to prevent dehydration. (Urine color is a reliable gauge if you’re well hydrated. Clear or light yellow urine indicates adequate hydration; dark yellow urine means you need to drink more water). Also, drinking more water between or with meals can prevent overeating as well as reduce body fat.

#2 – Walking

A regular walking program is a non-strenuous weight-bearing activity that strengthens bones (can help ward off osteoporosis), is soft on the joints, aids the heart and lungs, reduces body fat, and relieves stress. In sum, a daily brisk walk or long stroll around the block or high school track is both physically and mentally rewarding. Simple steps to incorporate walking into your day: Take a lunch hour walk instead of sitting at your desk; park your car farther away from work or the mall; and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

#3 – Weight Training

The third “W” – weight training or resistance exercise is perhaps the best route towards feeling and looking younger by strengthening muscles, bones and tendons. Weight training also is a natural way to increase testosterone levels for males, which stimulates greater muscle development and sex drive.

Whether barbells, dumbbells, machines, medicine balls, rubber tubing, bricks, telephone books or soup cans provide the resistance, strengthening and building muscles and building bone density is a priority at almost any age for both males and females for maintaining wellness. Weight training reduces body fat while building lean muscle tissue; enhances your physique or figure (better muscle definition and a sexier appearance); and makes you less susceptible to injury by strengthening muscles, bones and tendons, and, as with walking, will deter osteoporosis. If you’re new to weight training, first get your physician’s OK, then get a book on weight training at the library or bookstore and start lifting! A certified fitness instructor can also help you with proper lifting technique.

#4 – Wholesome Foods/Beverages

Consuming nourishing foods and beverages and following a balanced diet is the fourth path to wellness. Wholesome foods include abundant vitamin and mineral-rich, and high-fiber plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds and excellent protein foods such as eggs, fish, meat, cheese and yogurt.

There has been much publicity about the medicinal value of fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts and seeds, and how their phytochemical and antioxidant compounds fight and inhibit cancer and other diseases, as well as reverse aging. Wholesome beverages include water, as earlier discussed, which is probably the number one health beverage, and other nutritious beverages such as milk (packed with protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D) and plant-based black and green tea (which contain phytochemicals that may prevent heart disease, strokes, and cancer).

Alcoholic plant-based beverages such as red wine and beer also have healthful qualities, but only when accompanied with food and, most importantly, ingested only in moderation (drinking excessive amounts of any alcoholic beverage erases any health benefits). An excessive intake might also lead to alcoholism and deprivation from life’s true happiness. There’s an in-depth understanding of this case, which most of the best rehabs & treatment centers for addiction in the country try to resolve and put on case studies. It’s curable yes, depending on the weight of the case. Well, precaution is always better than cure – always remember that.

Research also shows that tea, red wine and beer also boost bone health, while tea also prevents tooth decay and gum disease. So skip the fast foods, various dietary and performance-enhancing supplements (sports bars, pills, etc.) and vending machine fare if you want to reach the Fountain of Youth. There is no replacement for wholesome foods and beverages.

Well, now that you’ve read this article, you may want to dump the testosterone gel, forget the skin creams and postpone cosmetic surgery. Just make an effort to drink more water, walk more often, lift some weights, and consume more wholesome foods and beverages and you’ll arrive at the Fountain of Youth in glowing health.