· Take three 10-15 minute walks daily: If you split it up, you won't feel so overwhelmed in trying to make time to get a workout in and you may be more prone to stick with it. Talk a walk just outside of your office or around your neighborhood in the morning or evening. Get your kids to get up and walk with you or a significant other for added motivation. You could also ask another family member, friend or neighbor. This is one of the healthiest things you can do for your heart in the New Year. If you want to then progress to another form of exercise, from aerobic classes to jogging, you can do so, but at least start with the walking. It costs nothing, takes little time and has such a huge amount of benefit to your overall health. The more you walk, the stronger your heart will get and the more your body will reap the benefits from the daily exercise.
· Incorporate supplements into your morning regimen: Vitamins boost you in areas where you might have a deficiency that adversely affects your health. Fish oil capsules and l-carnitine supplements are important additions to your cache of vitamins as both promote good heart health. You can also take Vitamin C and B-vitamins, both of which have added health benefits overall. However, the l-carnitine in particular guards against heart issues, so particularly if you are overweight and/or have a family history of heart disease, this might be a good supplement for you to try.
· Eat better: Make small changes at first; people usually fail when they try to do too much for the New Year. Start small by, say, replacing soda with water. Don't change anything else; start with that and once you've got it licked, make another change. This helps your heart healthier changes become more lasting as you move forward in your quest to get healthier overall. You might also try incorporating more fish in your diet, as this is a heart healthy move, and cut out foods high in saturated fat. These foods often come with a recipe for high cholesterol and subsequent heart disease, so steer clear where possible. Drink as much water as possible, make any protein you eat lean and utilize your diet as fuel instead of comfort. Doing so will ensure that you realize the benefits of frequent exercise, access to supplements and the development of good habits much quicker than you might seem them otherwise. Moreover, you may find that you just feel better when you eat better, with less fatigue and more energy than you've had in years, which is well worth the effort just for that fact.
· Make other lifestyle changes as needed: For example, if you smoke, consider quitting for the New Year. All of the l-carnitine and exercise in the world isn't going to do your heart a bit of good if you continue to cultivate unhealthy habits that destroy the muscle. Start a smoking cessation program to stop smoking and start living a healthier life.
Good heart health takes work, but if you put in the effort to stay healthy now, you won't have to put in the effort later to regain good health. Eating right, taking supplements and exercising make you a proactive participant in your health and in your life overall. Being proactive helps to ensure lasting life that is positive and healthy.
