SMART Goals for a Healthy Lifestyle - Adults

Do you want to change your lifestyle to improve your health? This handout will help you make changes.

Making changes to your lifestyle is easier when you make "SMART" goals. Use the "SMART" guidelines below when you make goals.

Specific -  Decide what you are going to do and how to do it.
Measurable - Keep track of how you are doing.
Achievable - Pick something you think you can do.  Start with small changes.
Rewarding  - Think of how good you will feel when you make small changes.
Time Frame - Give yourself a time limit to reach your goal.

Example of a SMART goal

Goal: I will eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day

Specific

• Eat 1 piece of fruit at breakfast and 1 piece of fruit at 4:00 pm when I get hungry.
• Eat 1 cup (2 servings) of  vegetables at lunch, and 1 cup (2 servings) at supper
• Buy at least 14 pieces of fruit and extra vegetables at the grocery store.

Measurable

• Write down how much vegetables and fruit I eat each day.
• Use a measuring cup to make sure I eat 1 cup of vegetables.

Achievable

• I am going to start by eating 2 pieces of fruit a day.

Rewarding 

• When I eat 2 pieces of fruit a day I will feel like I have really done something to improve my health.

Time Frame

• This week I am going to eat more fruit.
• Next week I am going to eat more fruit and eat more vegetables.

Smart Goals Checklist

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)