Making even one lifestyle change for your heart reduces your risk for heart disease. Change is hard for everyone, so take it one step at a time. Here are some tips to help you get started on making changes that are good for your heart.
Break each one into small steps. If you said, “Cut down on fat,” a small step could be to use fruit spread instead of butter on your toast. Or to take soup and a roll for lunch instead of going out for a hamburger and fries.
Set a deadline to meet each of your steps and help you stick with the new rule you have made for yourself.
Keeping an exercise record can help you see your progress and keep you going. Try logging your activities every week. This will give you a chance to look back at the end of the week and change as you need to.
Keeping food records can help you see your eating patterns and plan ways to make small changes. Try writing down the foods you eat each day. You will find it easier to be more consistent in making healthy choices.
Noting when you feel stressed or want to smoke can help you think of ways to avoid these triggers. Write down a list of activities you would rather do to not give into these impulses.
Making changes isn’t easy. You deserve to reward yourself when you succeed. Just making the change may be its own reward. But why not give yourself an extra pat on the back?
© 2000-2018 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.