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Which of the following best describes a behavior change strategy?

  1. Dietary restriction

  2. Setting SMART goals

  3. Calorie counting

  4. Exclusion diets

The correct answer is: Setting SMART goals

A behavior change strategy is fundamentally about facilitating a shift in an individual's habits and mindset to create lasting improvements in health and nutrition. Setting SMART goals encapsulates this concept effectively. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By defining goals in this manner, individuals can clearly identify what they want to achieve, understand how to track their progress, and establish realistic timelines for reaching their objectives. This structured approach empowers individuals to take actionable steps towards behavior modifications rather than simply focusing on temporary measures or restrictions. In contrast, dietary restriction, calorie counting, and exclusion diets tend to focus more on rules or limitations rather than fostering a deeper understanding of one’s behaviors and motivations. These methods might not encourage sustained behavior change and can sometimes lead to feelings of deprivation or failure, as they do not inherently provide a roadmap for personal growth and goal attainment. Hence, the focus on setting SMART goals stands out as a holistic and empowering strategy that promotes long-term behavior changes for better health outcomes.