New Year’s resolutions as vague as “Eat Better” or “Get Healthy” are doomed to fail. Adopting a page from consultants, I offer SMART Goals for Gourmets.
I have always hated New Year’s Resolutions because they never seem to succeed. Can you name one resolution you made last year and accomplished? If so, you’re way ahead of the rest of us.
S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for goal setting that helps managers set and, more importantly, accomplish goals.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable, Agreed upon
- Realistic, Reasonable
- Time-based, Tangible
Following a blowout holiday season (including my husband’s birthday, my birthday, holidays, anniversaries, and more) we went for some blood work. It wasn’t planned that way, it just happened, don't ask. Let’s just say the results were highly encouraging.
Encouraging us to eat healthier, that is. I’m not ready to give up foie gras or other fine gourmet treats like cupcakes from Sprinkles. Deprivation is a sure-fire way to fail for me.
Instead, I’ll make some SMART goals for eating healthier. One of the best things any of us can do is to incorporate whole grains into our diet. Quinoa is tops on my list. I’m not talking about going all twigs and bark on you, don’t worry!
For some months now, I’ve been researching grains and there’s some great news for all of us. More variety, better processing techniques, and more culinary interest means we have great options.
So here is one example of a set of SMART goals for incorporating whole grains.
S = Specific - Instead of saying “I resolve to eat more grains.” A specific goal would be: “I will try one new whole grain or whole grain dish per month.”
M = Measurable - Find one grain recipe on line or try a whole grain dish from your favorite gourmet take out counter, this month.
A = Attainable or Agreed-upon - In project management, you might need to get agreement or buy-in from other stakeholders. In a family or household, you may encounter resistance to the concept. Decide if buy-in ahead of time is the right strategy. If not, you may simply serve a new side dish along side a familiar one, rather than make an abrupt substitution.
R = Realistic, Reasonable - Plainly put, let’s set a goal that is achievable. It would not be realistic for me to set a goal such as “I will replace one dish at each meal with whole grains.” A realistic goal would be “I will try one new whole grain dish per week.” This may not be realistic for someone who doesn’t like to cook, experiment, research foods as I do. Be reasonable.
T = Time-based or timely, or Tangible - I will say that somewhere between a new dish per week and a new dish per month is good. I’m going to shoot for at least two per month.
Why not play along? We can swap recipes, share success stories and kvetch when necessary. I guarantee it'll be more fun than Weight Watchers and tastier than Jenny Craig.
