Just as with any other undertaking, making your home heart healthy requires a little bit of thought and some action. You will want to have everyone in your home on board right from the beginning.
There are several tips to begin your heart healthy home endeavor. Here are a few:
Incorporate Team Work
Once you have decided to create a heart healthy home, it is time to gather around the family members and let them in on your little secret. Starting out too fervently may alarm your team members, so begin with a casual family discussion starting with the basics.
Let your family know that they are important to you and because they are, you want what is best for their health. Letting them know that you are intent on keeping your own heart healthy will give them a clear understanding that you are not dictating, but a participant, as well. Tell them that you want to be healthy so you can be in their lives as a healthy individual for years to come.
Start a Plan of Action
One of the most important things about making a heart healthy home is to steer clear of dictating what should and should not occur. Let your family members be a part of the decision making from the beginning.
When you allow your family members to be part of the decision making and give their input, you allow for freedom and creativity. It is also necessary to be open for give and take. Do not deny a treat or a sweet now and then; just make sure it is in moderation.
Add Instead of Subtract
When it comes to meals, the best way to get your family to try new foods is to add something new every couple of days. Rather than taking out all cookies or cakes in a gung-ho fashion from the onset, try incorporating something new. You can even be creative and have your kids pick a color and add foods based on that color. For example, if you choose green, you could add:
* Green squash
* Green grapes
* Broccoli
* Creamed spinach
This way, it will be more fun rather than a chore. Adding and creating your own healthy dips is a great way to get the whole family involved.
On to the Next Step
If you start your heart healthy endeavor with a team spirit firmly in place, you can then feel free after a bit of time to incorporate exercise into your regimen.
After that, there will be no stopping you!
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