As we welcome the New Year with open arms and fresh aspirations, there's one resolution that should be at the top of your list: prioritizing your heart health. Your heart is the hardest-working muscle in your body, and taking care of it is crucial. So, why not make some heart-healthy resolutions this New Year?
New Year’s resolutions offer you a chance to make positive changes to your lifestyle that can have a profound impact on your health and overall quality of life. However, not all resolutions are created equal! It can be all too easy to set yourself up for resolutions that are too challenging or unrealistic, which can make it more likely you’ll end up abandoning them. In this blog, we'll delve into the importance of making attainable New Year’s resolutions that help you focus on your heart health, providing you with valuable tips and strategies so you can not only set realistic goals, but also achieve them.
Feeling inspired? Join our Healthy Heart Challenge! Enjoy monthly challenges and tips and tricks to help you commit to living a heart-healthy lifestyle easier in the new year
Eat a Healthy Diet
The cornerstone of heart health is maintaining a healthy diet. Here are some resolutions and ideas for goals to set to improve your diet and take care of your heart:
- Set a Resolution to Eat More Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains: Pledge to include a more colorful variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily meals. Make a goal to switch to whole grains for a healthier diet.
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- Limit Saturated Fat , and Sodium: Create a resolution to reduce your intake of saturated fat and sodium by avoiding fried and processed foods. Limit saturated fat to not more than 20 g per day and sodium to less than 2300 mg per day. Commit to monitoring your cholesterol intake and cut back on added sugars.
- Choose Lean Protein Sources: Make a resolution to opt for lean protein sources like skinless poultry, fish, beans, and tofu. By incorporating these alternatives into your meals, you’ll be reducing saturated fats in the process!
Get Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity is a critical component of maintaining a healthy heart, making it an ideal area to focus on in your New Year's resolutions. Embarking on a new exercise program or getting back into being active doesn't have to be overwhelming or intimidating. Just make sure you consult with your doctor or health care provider before beginning any new exercise program. It can be as straightforward as setting resolutions that fit your lifestyle and comfort level!
Related: How to Get Back into Fitness After a Long Break
A realistic goal may be dedicating time to gentle, low-impact activities that are kind to your joints and muscles. We're not talking about hours at the gym; a leisurely stroll in nature or a dance class for fun can be perfect.
Additionally, you could make it your resolution to introduce simple movements and stretches into your daily routine. These gentle exercises can be tailored to your preferences, ensuring that they're enjoyable and easy to integrate into your day.
ICYMI: The Get-Moving Walking Plan for Beginners
Lose Weight
Losing weight is a common New Year’s resolution people choose, but are easily intimidated by. Plus, as you age, maintaining a healthy weight can get more challenging. If losing weight is on the top of your resolutions list, it’s important you set yourself up for success by planning gradual, achievable steps that can help you feel better and reduce the strain on your heart.
Start by setting a resolution to lose a small, manageable amount of weight over time. This is about setting a pace that's both comfortable and healthy, which is about 1-2 pounds per week, not chasing rapid transformations. Monitoring your diet doesn't have to be about counting every calorie, but portion size is important. It can be a resolution to explore healthier food choices, like savoring simple yet delicious, nutrient-rich meals that incorporate plenty of vegetables with lean protein sources that align with your preferences. Complementing your dietary changes with regular, enjoyable physical activity like that we mentioned in the previous section can be a goal in itself! Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy or are curious about, and watch how your heart health journey becomes a fulfilling and fun experience.
Looking for tips for enjoying life while maintaining a healthy weight? Read our tips here!
Manage Stress
Relieving stress isn't just about benefiting your heart; it's a critical element of your overall well-being. A New Year’s resolution that focuses on stress management is a significant step towards a happier and healthier you!
In order to set a stress-management resolution, you’ll have to first identify and address your stressors. This takes your focus beyond managing stress and towards reclaiming your peace of mind. Recognize the sources of your stress, whether they're related to work, family, or your personal life. By acknowledging these stressors, you're taking the first step towards being able to make changes on how you handle the stress they create in your life.
This awareness is key, allowing you to notice how often you feel stressed in your daily life. From there, you can make impactful changes that empower you to commit to stress management activities. Whether it's setting aside a few minutes each day for deep breathing exercises, finding solace in yoga, building a relaxing nighttime routine, or embracing the stillness of meditation, these practices aren't just a luxury; many people see them as a necessity for managing stress. They can provide a pathway to serenity, resilience, and an overall sense of well-being that impacts every aspect of your day.
Related: Ubiquinol Bucket List - 6 Ways to Relax Your Mind
Enjoy The Heart Health Journey
New Year's resolutions for a healthy heart can be achievable and enjoyable, even for those who may be hesitant to embrace new changes. By setting realistic goals to improve your diet, incorporate regular exercise, and find stress-relief strategies that comfort you, you can significantly impact your overall wellbeing while prioritizing your heart health.
This journey is not about drastic transformations; it's about welcoming gradual, sustainable changes that support your heart and overall well-being. Remember, it's never too late to start caring for your heart, and it's a journey worth taking, step by step, at your own comfortable pace.
Make 2023 the year you prioritize your heart health in a way that feels right for you. Set your resolutions, take one step at a time, and keep focusing on promoting your heart health. Cheers to a heart-healthy New Year!
