Healthy eating doesn’t happen overnight.  It takes a concerted effort to make it happen and one of the best ways to ensure it does is to set SMART goals.  SMART stands for goals that are: specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and time-framed.  When we set SMART goals it points in the right direction keeping us focused and on track for following a healthy way of eating.

Here are 10 healthy eating goals to work on with a SMART goal idea to use to make it more likely to happen:

1.      Eat breakfast each morning

SMART goal: Every day this week, I will eat breakfast that has 4 food groups – 100% whole wheat toast, peanut butter and banana slices with a glass of milk. 

2.      Increase fiber

SMART goal: I will substitute brown rice or whole wheat pasta for white rice or white pasta at least once this week.

3.      Increase vegetables

SMART goal: I will choose a dark green vegetable every day this week – spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, broccoli, Swiss chard, bok choy, turnips greens.

4.      Eat more meals at home

SMART goal: I will plan out at least 3 three evening meals to have at home and make one new recipe for dinner this week.

5.      Try cooking a meatless meal

SMART goal:  I will try a new recipe using beans this week.

6.      Eat out less often at lunchtime

SMART goal: I will pack my lunch from home at least 3 times this week rather than eating out.

7.      Increase physical activity

SMART goal:  I will go on a brisk walk for 30 minutes at least 3 times this week.

8.      Improve weight management

SMART goal:  I will use a plate no larger than 9 inches to reduce my portion sizes.

9.      Use healthier cooking methods

SMART goal:  Use healthier cooking methods of baking, broiling, steaming, or stir-frying at least 4 times this week

10.  Make healthier beverage choices

SMART goal:  I will reduce my sugary beverage intake to no more than 1 a week and replace the rest with water.