Heart Disease
Proper Eating
Getting started
Your motivation and desire to change are the key ingredients for success. Changing lifelong eating habits is not easy. It requires commitment and the development of realistic goals. Work on reaching one goal at a time, rather than trying to change many habits overnight.
Increase your chances for success by:
- Checking with your doctor to make sure you can safely begin a diet and/or exercise program.
- Learning what your current dietary habits are. Write down everything you eat for a week. Then compare your list with the eating plan described in this guide. (You may find you are not too far off!)
- Working on one food group at a time. Pick a food group. Then, eat the recommended number of servings from the foods listed as CHOOSE. When you feel you have mastered one food group, move to the next.
- Planning menus in advance. This helps avoid unhealthful eating and makes trips to the grocery store easier and more efficient.
- Rewarding yourself for your successes. When you reach each goal, pamper yourself with a special treat (preferably one that is other than food).
- Accepting and learning from your failures. Remember -- if you ate too many calories, too much fat, or too little fiber yesterday, today is a new day!
- Following the tips provided for shopping, cooking, and dining out.
For further help and guidance in planning an individual diet, please ask your healthcare professional to refer you to a dietitian (a nutrition expert).
Think positive!
Plan now to make changes that will improve your health. Eating is a natural habit that should be enjoyed. Whether you dine at home or away, you can still eat sensibly and nutritiously.
Start today — to enjoy a healthier, happier you!
