First step to a change in lifestyle is acceptance – that there is really a need to change it. If you are overweight then accepting that you are will make it easier. Then, you have to make some goals to make your lifestyle fit your health requirements. Make the goals realistic enough so you won’t get frustrated. Just try to be consistent and patient, take little steps towards making your goals come true. Be specific with what you have to do.
Make a food log which is really effective to track down your food intakes, calorie requirements and other nutrients that you need on a daily basis. Include the goals that you have in this log to remind you always of being healthy.
Have in mind to substitute red meat to more vegetables, fruits and fish. Avoid too many sweets and carbohydrates. Eat more high fiber foods like oatmeal and whole grains. Think of cooking by grilling or baking than frying. Drink more water than sodas and alcohol. Eat in smaller portions to contain your appetite. It would also help if you consult a dietician to make you a diet plan to stick to for the next several weeks to keep you on a healthy diet. All these changes in food habits would take its toll on you for a bit, but then you always have to think that to live longer, you should have a healthy heart. That thought would at least put you on the right track to achieve your goal of being healthy.
When it comes to food intake, chew properly and take time to enjoy the food. Don’t be in a hurry to gorge down all the foods you see as you did before. Avoid too much junk food in your fridge or kitchen to lessen the temptation of eating them.
If you lived a sedentary lifestyle, then try exercising for a change to start your healthy routine. Try to do some exercises such as brisk walking, moderate running, swimming and biking. Ask your doctor to recommend some exercises for you so you would be guided accordingly.
The change in lifestyle may be a bit hard to accept at times. It takes real effort and time to get used to it. However, it is a matter of thinking positive that you will get used to it somehow. The motivation to stick to it is focused on having a healthy heart and a healthier you for as long as possible. That is the only good reason to get to change your lifestyle – no more, no less.