Heart-Healthy Eating: Getting Started

You already know that eating for your heart's health is what youshould do. But is it something you want to do? Maybe you even wonder if it is something you will be able to do.

It can be tough to imagine health benefits that you might not experience for some time. That's why it can be easier to think of all the reasons why you don't want to make a change right now. If this sounds like you, it's okay. Exploring why you don't want to do something can help you discover your path to healthier eating.

What if you're afraid to change?

Most people feel unsure right before a big change. It can feel a little scary before trying anything new.

Sometimes your fears can be behind thoughts of "I won't like it" or "I don't have time."

The worksheet on the next page can help you explore your thoughts and fears. And it may help you discover your own reasons for taking the next step to eating for a healthier heart.

What matters to you?

Even when you know it's important, your health may not be the only reason that will inspire you to change.

Most people understand why they should make a big change. And they know what might happen to their health if they don't. But they are more likely to stay with their plan when they are inspired by a reason of their own. They find that a more personal, meaningful reason helps them choose to eat foods that are good for their heart.

It may be hard to find the reason that's important to you. Sometimes it takes a little imagination. So imagine that you've been following a heart-healthy eating plan for a few months. How would you be different? Would you feel better about how you care for yourself? The answers may be clues to what really matters to you.

A healthy-eating reminder

Eating healthy is not about dieting. It is a way to improve your health. Do not try to make big changes to how you eat all at once. Start slowly, and gradually change your habits.

What worked before?

This probably isn't the first time you've had to make a big change in your life. Sometimes you were able to stay with your plan and other times it was harder. What made the difference? Was it because you had your own reason for change? Or you knew what do to do when things got rough? Maybe it was a little of each.

Believing in yourself can help you get started eating for a healthier you.

Explore what matters

Here is a worksheet to help you weigh your pros and cons about starting a heart-healthy diet.

Getting the cons out of the way first can help clear your mind. Then you can think about reasons why you could start eating what's good for your heart and for you.

Cons Pros

When you think of a heart-healthy diet, what don't you like about it?



















What are the benefits of a heart-healthy diet?



















Imagine yourself on a heart-healthy diet. What challenges would you face?



















Imagine yourself on heart-healthy diet. How would you feel about yourself and your health?