25 Baby Steps to Get Healthier

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Want to start living a healthy lifestyle but not sure where to start? Follow these baby steps to get healthier!

Hello and welcome to Ironwild Fitness! I’m Chantal – a mom, certified personal trainer, and certified nutrition coach. It’s nice to “meet” you!

If you want to feel healthier but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place! I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to overhaul your whole life overnight – sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference over time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by diets, workouts, and wellness trends, this list of steps to get healthier is for you.

These 25 baby steps are simple, doable, and designed to help you feel better without the pressure of perfection. Whether you’re just getting started or need a gentle reset, pick a few that feel right and build from there.

Let’s get to it!

25 Baby Steps to Get Healthier

1. Drink More Water

Start by sipping a little more water each day. To make it easier, keep a cute water bottle nearby and aim for consistency over perfection.

Related Reading: 13 Easy Ways To Drink More Water Every Day

2. Go for a Daily Walk

Walking is underrated! A short walk around the block clears your head and gets your blood flowing. If you’re setting a step goal, check out my article about how to easily get 10,000 steps per day!

3. Add a Veggie to One Meal

You don’t have to overhaul your whole diet, just toss some spinach in your eggs or add a side salad to dinner. Or, just add a few baby carrots to your lunch! It doesn’t have to be complicated!

4. Get to Bed 15 Minutes Earlier

Small changes to your bedtime can really help. Wind down a little earlier tonight and see how you feel. Getting better sleep can make a world of difference!

You Might Also Like: 10 Easy Ways To Get Better Sleep

5. Swap One Sugary Drink for Something Healthier

Whether it’s soda or a fancy coffee drink, try replacing one per day with water, tea, or sparkling water. If you’re serious about getting healthier, this is an easy way to cut sugar and calories.

6. Do a 5-Minute Stretch

You don’t need a full yoga class to feel good and stay strong. Just spend 5 minutes moving your body gently! Here’s a quick morning yoga routine to try out.

7. Pack a Healthy Snack

Having something like almonds, fruit, or protein balls on hand can keep you from grabbing junk food when you’re starving. If you’re serious about getting healthy, consider meal prepping your snacks ahead of time!

8. Take the Stairs

Skip the elevator when you can. It’s such a simple way to sneak in more movement during the day. Here are other easy ways to move more each day if you need inspiration!

9. Make a Healthy Grocery List

This is one of the easiest steps to get healthier! Write down a few basic healthy staples before you shop. Planning ahead helps you avoid impulse buys. If you need help, check out my free macro grocery lists.

10. Eat at the Table

Try not to multitask when you eat. Sitting down and slowing down makes it easier to notice when you’re full. In other words, don’t be distracted while you eat! (This is a great way to practice mindful eating.)

11. Track Your Mood

Jot down how you feel each day or after meals. It can help you connect the dots between habits and how your body responds. Your emotions play a huge role in your healthy living journey, so it’s important not to ignore them!

12. Try One New Healthy Recipe

Find a recipe that excites you and give it a go. Trying something new can make healthy eating feel fun again. Here are some healthy dinner recipes to inspire you!

13. Take Deep Breaths

When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, try a few slow, deep breaths. It’s free, simple, and calming. It can also help control your cortisol levels (stress hormone), which contributes to your overall health.

14. Limit Late-Night Snacking

If nighttime munching is a habit, try brushing your teeth after dinner to signal that the kitchen is closed. Then, create a new after-dinner habit to help you stay out of the kitchen. (Walking is great!)

Related Reading: 50 Tips To Start A Healthy Lifestyle

15. Eat a Little More Protein

Start eating a little more protein in your diet to help curb hunger and avoid excess carbs. Add an egg, some Greek yogurt, some jerky, or a handful of nuts to your day to help you stay fuller longer.

16. Put Your Phone Away Before Bed

Even 15 minutes of screen-free time before sleep can help you unwind better. Better sleep = better energy and mood later!

17. Go Outside for Fresh Air

Even a few minutes outdoors can lift your mood. Sunshine and fresh air are powerful little health boosters. Go outside for that vitamin D and serotonin!

18. Try a 10-Minute Workout

Short workouts totally count – everything adds up! Do a few squats, jumping jacks, or even a dance break to get your heart rate up. It doesn’t seem like much, but it really can help!

19. Start Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast

You don’t have to eat the same thing every morning, but starting with something balanced can set the tone for the day. Bonus points if you can aim for 25+ grams of protein every morning to curb hunger until lunch!

20. Read the Nutrition Label

Just a quick peek at the ingredients can help you make more informed choices. Awareness is a great first step. Want to learn more? Read about the different types of fats here.

21. Journal for 5 Minutes

You don’t need to write a novel. Just get a few thoughts down to help you reflect, process, and de-stress. Try these journal prompts for self-love if you need inspiration!

22. Cut Back on Added Sugar

Try skipping sweetener in your coffee or choosing unsweetened versions of your favorite foods.

23. Choose Whole Foods When You Can

Try reaching for something minimally processed (like fruit, nuts, eggs, or whole grains) when you need a snack. Here are 15 Healthy High Fiber Snacks for inspo!

24. Do a Mental Health Check-In

Ask yourself how you’re really doing. Your emotional health matters just as much as your physical health. This is an important part of self-care, which is important for your overall health!

25. Celebrate Your Progress

No step is too small. There are tons of non-scale victories to celebrate along your journey. Celebrate your wins and remind yourself that you’re showing up. That’s something to be proud of.

Final Thoughts on These Simple Steps to Get Healthier

Getting healthier doesn’t have to be complicated or all-or-nothing. These little steps might seem small, but they really do add up over time. Just focus on one or two at a time, and give yourself credit for every bit of progress you make. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to keep showing up for yourself.

Until next time,

Chantal from Ironwild Fitness