Women and Heart Disease: Tips for Making Small Changes

Make a plan

Woman writing in calendar.

Trying to do too much too fast can end in failure.

Start by writing down all the things you’d like to do to lower your risks.
Break each one into small steps. If you said, “Cut down on fat,” a small step could be to use fruit spread instead of butter on your toast. Or have soup and a roll for lunch instead of going out for a hamburger and fries.
Decide which step you’d like to take first. Then choose a second and a third step.
Check off each step as you achieve it. Add new steps as you go along.
Set a deadline to meet each of your steps and help you stick with the new rule you have made for yourself.
If a step isn’t working, try another. Come back to the first one later.

Keep records

Keeping records helps you know your habits and see your successes.

An exercise record can help you see your progress and keep you going. Try logging your activities every week. This will give you a chance to look back at the end of the week and make any changes needed.
Food records can help you see your eating patterns and plan ways to make small changes. Try writing down the foods you eat each day. You will likely find it easier to be more consistent in making healthy choices.
Noting when you feel stressed or want to smoke can help you think of ways to avoid these triggers. Write down a list of activities you would rather do to not give into these impulses.

Reward yourself

Making changes isn’t easy. You deserve to reward yourself when you succeed. Just making the change may be its own reward. But why not give yourself an extra pat on the back?

Give yourself something special you’ve been wanting.
Do something that you’ve always promised yourself you’d do, such as going dancing.
Treat yourself to an activity you'll enjoy after a successful week.