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10 “SMART” Healthy Eating Goals

woman eating dinner

Setting “SMART” healthy eating goals is a great way to make positive changes. “SMART” stands for goals that are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Action-oriented
  • Realistic
  • Time-framed

Use these 10 "SMART" goals below to get you inspired.

1. Do you skip breakfast? Try this goal: 

Every day this week, I will eat breakfast that has a variety of whole grains, protein and fruits and vegetables (a whole grain bagel with almond butter and apple slices, a breakfast burrito, muesli or oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts). 

2. Are you trying to eat more fibre? Try this goal: 

I will eat brown rice, whole wheat pasta or whole wheat bread instead of white rice, white pasta or white bread at least once this week.

3. Are you trying to eat more vegetables? Try this goal: 

I will try a new recipe that uses a different kind of leafy green vegetable this week (spinach, Romaine lettuce, bok choy, Swiss chard, collards or kale). 

4. Are you trying to cook and eat at home more? Try this goal: 

I will cook a meal from scratch for dinner this week. I will do this on Friday.

5. Interested in cooking a “meatless meal” with beans or plant-based protein more often? Try this goal: 

This weekend I will find and try a new recipe using beans (kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans), lentils or tofu.

6. Trying to eat out less often? Try this goal: 

I will pack my lunch from home 3 days this week instead of eating at a restaurant. 

7. Want to be more organized with meal prep? Try this goal: 

I will spend an hour on Sunday planning meals for the week and preparing ingredients. 

8. Trying to eat healthier snacks? Try this goal: 

I will have a piece of fruit (banana, apple, orange) or a handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts) instead of having cookies or candies as a snack during the week. 

9. Want to make healthier meals at home? Try this goal: 

I will use less fat when cooking (like bake, broil, steam and stir-fry) this week.

10. Want to make healthier drink choices? Try this goal: 

I will choose water instead of soda at meals.


You may also be interested in:

Your Guide to Setting Healthy Living Goals

10 “SMART” Physical Activity Goals 

Last Update – October 13, 2020

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