This post is part of my 12 Mini Goals Challenge.
Small daily habits can make a big difference over the course of a few weeks, months, or even longer. In 2016, I am going to focus on a new habit or mini goal every month. In January, I focused on Daily Movement or Exercise. In February, I will focus on an eating habit I want to get rid of.
My February Mini Goal: Cut Back on Evening Snacking
I have always been more of a snacker during the day and I am not necessarily trying to cut back on that. I know that most evenings I do way more snacking than I should. It tends to be a mindless habit and I would like to get rid of it.
While I considered setting a goal of NO eating after dinner, I don’t think that step is necessary. I enjoy having chocolate or another snack after my girls go to bed and I don’t feel the need to give that up completely. I also considering saying NO eating after 9:00, but I have tried that before and it didn’t quite work out as planned. I would quick cram my snacking in as I saw the clock approach 9…so that defeated the purpose of it.
My goal in February is to limit my evening snack to 200 calories. I don’t focus highly on daily calories. I’m not sure how else I can set to goal to allow for a snack, but limit the amount. 200 calories will have to be my guide unless I think of a better parameter for the goal.
Your February Mini Goal: cut back or eliminate evening snacking OR pick your own healthy eating habit
If evening snacking is not a problem for you or is not a habit you feel you need to get rid of, consider setting a goal around a different eating habit. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a vegetable to every meal
- Quit pop/soda
- Pack your lunch and don’t eat meals out
- Start your day with a green smoothie
- Take a daily multi-vitamin
- Cut back on sugar
If you want to join me, print off the February Challenge Tracker. Every day you meet your goal, place an X on the day.
How am I going to do this? I’m going to try to eat healthy, more filling suppers. I’m also going to try and stay out of the kitchen more. This will be hard as I’m often on the computer at our kitchen table in the evenings. I may also try and get more creative with my evening snacks.
Further Reading
Check out my Health & Wellness Printable Planner.
What healthy habit are you going to focus on in February?
I would love to have you join the 12 Mini Goals Challenge. Sign up for my mailing list if you want to be e-mailed the challenge each month. If we get to a month where the goal doesn’t fit into your life, you can always tweak it to be a mini goal that works for you.
Stop by to see where I link up each week: Link-Ups
You will receive free updates, morning motivation, printables, blog post highlights, and occasional deals sent your way. Frequency?? Just a few times per month.
Heather @ Simply Save says
This is one I really need to focus on. Popcorn is my weakness…almost every night. And then it makes me want a Dr. Pepper…I think I’ll try to work on this in February! Thanks for sharing on the Small Victories Sunday Linkup!
Emily says
At least popcorn is a fairly healthy treat!
Maria says
This goal comes just in time. I’ve been trying to cut back on my nighttime snacking habits as well and though I can’t give it up immediately (some days, I just have to have a treat at the end of the day!), I do plan on gradually decreasing how often I do it. Thanks so much for such great and motivating goals, Emily. The idea of mini-goals monthly is so much more effective for me than doing it all at once. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files says
It’s kind of become an automatic habit for me to put all the kids down and then grab something for myself to eat or drink after they go to bed. Usually it’s not total junk food – except when it is.
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says
Hubby and I like to sit down and watch a show at the end of the night with a snack. It’s our only quiet time together.
That said, I find myself looking for multiple snacks some nights! It really is mindless eating. I’m trying to just cut back a bit and be more aware of what I’m eating rather than cutting it out altogether.
Emily says
Good luck! It’s not always easy…or not ever easy. I almost folded on the first evening in February!
Lisa B says
Do you have a decent green smoothie recipe?! I just can’t get into them (except for avocado smoothies, I occasionally make and love those.)
Emily says
I usually just throw one together and don’t use a recipe. Some days I just throw in strawberries, greens (usually kale or spinach), and a little water. I may also add in yogurt, hemp protein powder, a banana, or other fruit. I do put a lot of greens in there, but it definitely isn’t ONLY greens. So maybe it’s not technically a green smoothie? You could always make a smoothie and add a few greens and gradually increase the amount.
Lynn Lane says
Great goal! I am a huge Weight Watchers fan. I try to save enough points in the day to have a snack after my supper. Great for sweet tooth! Thank you to skinny cow and Special K! I also no longer eat out much at all. My pocket book is bigger and my body is lighter!
Grace says
Interesting! Evening snacking is definitely my weak spot. I eat healthy all day and then pretty much binge all night, haha. I know that a no snacking restriction wouldn’t work for me either because I like to eat lots of little meals/snacks all throughout the day. I don’t count calories, but I’m thinking that your calorie evening snack limit might be a good strategy for myself as well. Thanks for sharing!
K. Ann Guinn says
I think my goal for this month should be to make sure I drink enough water each day (and track it). I just measured my kitchen glasses and I will need to be sure to drink at least five (12-oz.) glasses of water a day.
Thanks for the challenge!
Emily says
Great goal. It’s an important one!