7 Steps to Starting My Morning Right

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Today I’m sharing the 7 steps to starting my morning right that never fail to get me prepared to tackle the day with energy and positivity!

*This post is sponsored by Organic Stevia In The Raw® and SheKnows Media.*

Let’s take a moment to talk about morning routines. Morning routines are, in essence, that time of the day that’s akin to starting up the car for an errand. To start a car, you have to grab the keys, put them in the ignition, give it a turn, sit back for the infinitesimal amount of time it takes for the mechanical miracle of modern transportation to fire (managed explosion in special compartments), buckle up, adjust the mirrors, press play on your favorite podcast, put the car in reverse, back out of your spot, and then drive forward to wherever you’re headed. The point of your errand is NOT to start your car. The point of your errand is not to grab the keys, to adjust the mirrors, or to buckle up… but these small steps help you get TO where you’re going. Starting up the car is a crucial step necessitated by a crucial sequence of small events.

…this is my round-about, extravagant analogy to describe my morning routine.

The point of my day is NOT to have a morning routine. Rather, my morning routine allows my day to unfold how I like it. It allows my day to start off on the right foot, making everything else I face seem a little bit easier and a little more manageable.

If you’re familiar with my work, you’ve likely heard me talk about the 4 Pillars of Health. I introduced the 4 Pillars in my Fed & Fit book (hit shelves in late 2016), but the gist is this: a healthy lifestyle approach can be summed up by 4 strategic priorities:

  1. Mindset
  2. Rest/Hydration
  3. Food
  4. Fitness

…and in that order.

The 4 Pillars are important because they’re the backbone of my morning routine. While I don’t obsessively (or consciously) think on each pillar each morning, my now-habit routine nods to the list with intention.

SO, let’s get to it! Let’s tackle the exact 7 steps to starting my morning right:

Step 1: Get up when the alarm goes off. Though there are going to be some exceptions to the rule (if I physically need more sleep, for example), respecting my alarm and the intention I’d set for myself the previous night is the first vote of confidence I get to give myself that day. It’s a great big sign of respect and honor for MYSELF. This step clearly plays into the mindset pillar.

Step 2: Drink a big glass of water. The body needs (approximately) half your body weight in ounces of water each day. This number increases if you’re pregnant, working out a lot, at altitude or in warm climates (more info on this also in my book). The best way to set a good intention on your water intake for the day is to get a jumpstart with a big gulp first thing.

Step 3: Review my goals and priorities for the day. On my BEST days, I’ll have this set before I fall asleep the night before. Waking up to a list of already outlined priorities helps me streamline my efforts day-of. Whatever is listed as my first priority gets my first attention (vs. the tempting email inbox). These days, my top priorities are content related for you here on the blog or for the Fed & Fit Project Online.

Step 4: Grab a coffee and a small snack. I wake up EARLY (usually too early to make the house breakfast), so I’ll get started with a Hobbit-style “first breakfast.” First breakfast is usually an iced cold brew coffee that I’ve sweetened with a sprinkle (about ½ a packet) of Organic Stevia In The Raw®, thinned with a little water (I don’t want anything too strong), and made milky with a splash of grass-fed heavy cream. For a snack, I’ll usually grab a sheep’s milk yogurt, piece of fruit, or small handful of gluten-free granola.

glass cup filled with caramel colored coffee with two packets of stevia in the raw on the table

a hand holding one opened stevia in the raw packet

Note about the stevia: I’ve gotten a lot of questions in the past about my take on stevia, so let’s talk about it! Stevia is a natural herb (looks like long, skinny mint) that you can easily grow in your own backyard. What makes stevia unique as a sweetener is that is that it tastes sweet, but has very low calories. You can easily find granulated or liquid forms of stevia in the grocery store. For sweetening my coffee, I really like these convenient Organic Stevia In The Raw packets! Here’s why:

  • I like that they’re pre-portioned out so I don’t have to worry about accidentally using too much in my coffee when I’m sleepy. I addition, the handy packets also help me to keep the general over-use of sweeteners at bay.
  • The Nutrition Consultant in me REALLY likes that they actually also have a tiny bit of cane sugar in them so that, if you do choose to enjoy stevia on an empty stomach without any other food or calories, your body has some kind of glucose to handle your natural metabolic response.
  • I like that this is an organic source (not all stevia available is organic).
  • I like that they’re travel friendly so that I can easily keep a few in my purse for use while I’m out.

Step 5: Get the most important work done first. Powered by my coffee and small breakfast snack (“first breakfast”), I’ll tackle the first ugliest frog of my day (usually involves some kind of research or intensive writing).

Step 6: Go for a walk. These walks anchor my whole day. I usually still have plenty of coffee in my cup at this time, so I’ll grab it, Gus’s leash, and my husband for a leisurely 1ish mile walk around our neighborhood trail.

Step 7: Eat something delicious and nutritious for real breakfast. This usually (hopefully, I should say) involves lemony kale for breakfast greens, some kind of starch (like potatoes), a piece of fruit, and a protein (usually eggs). This is the last stage of my fuel for the day!

After these simple, repeatable 7 steps to starting my morning right, I’m ready to tackle the day!

Want to try Organic Stevia In The Raw® yourself?  Buy it online HERE using THIS coupon! For my local readers, you can find this product at Walmart stores in the San Antonio area.

a box of organic stevia in the raw

glass cup filled with caramel colored coffee with two packets of stevia in the raw on the table

glass cup filled with caramel colored coffee with two packets of stevia in the raw on the table

What are some of your morning rituals? Comment below for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

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Meet the Author
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Cassy Joy Garcia

HOWDY! I’m Cassy Joy and I am just so happy you’re here. I’m the founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Nutrition Consultant here at Fed and Fit. What started as a food blog back in 2011 has evolved now into so much more.
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  1. Julia Lowrey says

    Julia Lowrey —  10/21/2017 At 07:22

    My morning rituals tend to change based on my class schedule, since I am a college student, but the basics are this:
    1. Wake up to my alarm and allow myself a 10 minute snooze (so if I wake up at 6:15, I set my first alarm for 6:05).
    2. Wash my face with BC’s charcoal bar, put on contacts or glasses, put on concealer and mascara, and get dressed.
    3. Take my dog, Bonnie, out to go to the bathroom and for a short 15 minute walk.
    4. Make coffee and breakfast, which usually involves eggs, veggies, a small portion of fruit, and a little fat such as avocado or bacon!
    5. Go to my first class.
    6. Come home, change, and go to Crossfit at 10.

  2. Stephanie says

    Stephanie —  10/21/2017 At 08:53

    I have two different morning routines based on if I’m working out or if it’s a rest day.
    Workout day:
    1. Wake up to alarm at 4:50
    2. Travel to the kitchen to enjoy my coffee which is ready and waiting since I set it the night before (coffee is hot, blended with coconut milk and cinnamon)
    3. Go to 6 am crossfit class
    4. Come home and shower
    5. Make and eat breakfast (2 eggs, bacon or sausage, some fruit or potato, and spinach)
    6. Get dressed and catch up on case notes from the day before until I see my first client (I’m a mental health counselor)
    Rest days:
    1. Wake up between 5:30 and 6:30 depending on what time I went to sleep the night before
    2. Coffee and reading a book for fun
    3. Breakfast
    4. Get dressed/case notes

  3. Alicia Snyder says

    Alicia Snyder —  10/21/2017 At 13:22

    My best new morning routine is a big class of water with fresh squeezed lemon juice and a pinch of Himalayan Pink sea salt. So hydrating and energizing!

  4. Malori says

    Malori —  10/21/2017 At 15:12

    My morning routine includes 2 alarms: a “gentle” alarm on my Fitbit, and then my normal alarm on my iPhone (which is not jarring either, it’s a soothing fiddle song). I always wash my face and get dressed (and usually make my bed unless I’m rushed) before taking the dog out for her morning walk/potty. Then I make myself breakfast and coffee, take my supplements, and start my day!

  5. Julie says

    Julie —  10/21/2017 At 16:11

    Chug as much water as I can, make my bed, and exercise are the mainstays! If I can do those three things, I figure the day will be alright 🙂

  6. Elisa Kanemasu says

    Elisa Kanemasu —  10/21/2017 At 16:15

    Mornings have never been a strong suit of mine, but these rituals have helped me start my day!
    1. A couple of kisses to my daughter while she is still sleeping.
    2. A mug of warm lemon water with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
    3. A hot cup of half caff coffee (we use local organic beans) with some homemade coconut creamer (thanks Cassy for the recipe from Fed and Fit!) and a little coconut sugar.
    4. Next I love me some Beautycounter!
    5. Breakfast comes later 😉

  7. Emily S. says

    Emily S. —  10/21/2017 At 16:53

    1. Wake up to my alarm at 3:45
    2. Gym at 5, coffee w/ collagen in hand.
    3. Shower at 6ish
    4. On the road to work by 6:30!

  8. Marin Klostermeier says

    Marin Klostermeier —  10/21/2017 At 17:07

    1. wake up
    2. figure out what I want to have for breakfast, either high protein or high carb, depending on how my stomach is feeling
    3. stretch while I brush my teeth so I can use its 30-second timer
    4. get dressed (i shower at night)
    5. out the door!

  9. Tessa Donoghue-Neider says

    Tessa Donoghue-Neider —  10/21/2017 At 22:44

    Yoga & coffee every morning. Even if it’s just 5 minutes on the mat.

  10. Rachel says

    Rachel —  10/22/2017 At 06:55

    I wake up whenever my kids do — anywhere from 5:50 to almost (glorious) 7. Some mornings I work out, some mornings my husband does. But it always involves a great breakfast for us and our kids!

  11. Will G says

    Will G —  10/22/2017 At 07:21

    Checking my email and drinking coffee.

  12. kjasus says

    kjasus —  10/22/2017 At 07:28

    i shower then enjoy a cup of coffee while I read.

  13. Megan says

    Megan —  10/22/2017 At 07:46

    My morning ritual starts with
    1. Waking up my adorable pup and giving her lots of love and belly rubs
    2. Drinking a giant glass of water
    3. Feeding my pup while I make myself a collagen coffee
    4. Going to my computer to read emails and start my homework for the day
    5. Making a hardy breakfast to fuel my day, I like to make a sheet pan breakfast with kale strips, breakfast sausage, potatoes, peppers, and onions. Super easy and lasts for the week.

  14. Alison says

    Alison —  10/22/2017 At 08:25

    Awesome giveaway!! I love to drink a big glass of water and read for 10 minutes before my kids get up. I feel amazing getting a tiny bit of time alone when I do!

  15. Angie Morris says

    Angie Morris —  10/22/2017 At 09:12

    My weekday routine is centered around getting my son to school and coaching Crossfit. When my alarm goes off, I typically will grab my phone and check any emails/messages and of course social media (sometimes this bites me in the butt because it takes too much time). I’ll get dressed/ready and then get my son up. Then I head to the kitchen to make his breakfast and my coffee. I enjoy coffee with collagen and cream before heading out the door to take him to school. Then, I’m off to coach my 9:00 class!

  16. mami2jcn says

    mami2jcn —  10/22/2017 At 10:58

    I get up before everyone else so I can have a yogurt and read my emails in peace.

  17. mami2jcn says

    mami2jcn —  10/22/2017 At 11:00

    tweet–http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/922145646278307841

  18. Julie Wood says

    Julie Wood —  10/22/2017 At 11:10

    I use Organic Stevia in the Raw. It is delicious. I make my hot coffee, and have oatmeal with fruit everyday. I get up to read the newspaper early before everyone else gets up.

  19. Julie Wood says

    Julie Wood —  10/22/2017 At 11:12

    tweet-http://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/922148607612002305

  20. heather says

    heather —  10/22/2017 At 14:13

    My morning ritual consists of coffee, shower, news, feeding family and animals.

  21. Natalie says

    Natalie —  10/22/2017 At 14:21

    I work out right away when I wake up. They I pack my lunch, get dressed, drive to work and eat breakfast at work.

  22. Jessica To says

    Jessica To —  10/22/2017 At 15:21

    My morning ritual is to shower, watch the news, eat breakfast and then wake my son for the day!

  23. Cheryl B says

    Cheryl B —  10/22/2017 At 15:31

    My morning rituals are pretty simple, start the Keurig, shower, dress, finish coffee, and head out to wok.

  24. Jessie C. says

    Jessie C. —  10/22/2017 At 17:59

    My morning rituals are coffee, yoga, then work.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  25. Meghann Badger says

    Meghann Badger —  10/23/2017 At 05:55

    I’m also one that gets up before the house does! I as well try to drink a full Nalgene bottle of water before my coffee. Having a head start truly helps!

  26. Mita says

    Mita —  10/23/2017 At 13:24

    My morning ritual is to shower, coffee and yoga

  27. Elena says

    Elena —  10/23/2017 At 15:33

    I wake up, feed my cats and dogs, take shower, have a cup of coffee and prepare breakfast for my family

  28. Chrissy says

    Chrissy —  10/23/2017 At 19:50

    My favorite morning ritual is to try to get up before my daughter wakes up so that I can take a few minutes to drink some coffee and get myself mentally ready for the day!

  29. Lisa Brown says

    Lisa Brown —  10/24/2017 At 06:03

    my rituals are to check and answer emails, get a bit of work done on the computer before the house wakes up, and enjoy a cup of coffee in peace 🙂
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

  30. Emily says

    Emily —  10/24/2017 At 10:59

    My morning rituals always include drinking a big glass of water first thing and doing some stretching. Always feels great!

  31. Karen says

    Karen —  10/24/2017 At 14:54

    WHat type of heavy cream do you use?

  32. Elle says

    Elle —  10/24/2017 At 15:10

    I don’t do anything extra special – just shower, get ready, have coffee, breakfast, etc….

  33. Steve Weber says

    Steve Weber —  10/24/2017 At 16:35

    shower
    get dressed
    brush teeth
    make lunch
    let the dog out
    bring the dog in
    out the door

  34. OFG says

    OFG —  10/24/2017 At 20:42

    I wake up.
    Jump in the shower.
    Drop my boys off at school.
    Drink water to and from each school.
    Then hit the gym!

  35. Susan Smith says

    Susan Smith —  10/25/2017 At 15:22

    My morning routine is to get up, take a shower, get dressed, check emails, take daughter to school run errands come home, go for a walk.

  36. Rachel says

    Rachel —  10/25/2017 At 15:33

    My morning ritual
    1. Wake up
    2. Shower and get ready
    3. Eat breakfast and put my lunch in my cooler
    4. Feed the dog and take her out
    5. Leave for work

  37. Alex says

    Alex —  10/26/2017 At 06:44

    My morning routine is my favorite part of the day.
    I wake up 1.5 hours before I need to leave for work on the first alarm, do makeup and get dressed. I start brewing my coffee and then take the dog for a short walk. When we get back, I drink a full glass of water and take all supplements before my coffee. Then, it’s breakfast and coffee time with a side of the news. I’ll listen and sip/eat, work on some things for work and get all silly things I need to get done, done.

  38. Rosie says

    Rosie —  10/26/2017 At 13:59

    wake up 4:45, have cold water from the refrigerator, make coffee. Wash face. Get dressed. Listen to news and do balance exercises and planks. Make up and hair. Do any pre-prep work for dinner. Usually still pretty early.

  39. Laura says

    Laura —  10/27/2017 At 06:39

    1. Wake up with alarm (my goal in life is to get to a point where I don’t have to do this :P).
    2. Wash my face/put on any make up if I’m wearing any that day (usually just mascara).
    3. Brew my coffee and make my collagen pumpkin spice latte.
    4. Get my lunch/snacks for work together.
    5. Find food (I get bored with food so easily so I usually have to improvise by the end of the week).
    6. Sit and eat my breakfast/drink coffee with no distractions.
    7. Head to work!

  40. Tabathia B says

    Tabathia B —  10/28/2017 At 14:03

    Get up, turn on kettle, coffee maker, put daughter drinks in freezer, take shower and then get kids up

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  41. Jen says

    Jen —  10/28/2017 At 19:13

    I like to drink my coffee after my shower so that I have a chance to enjoy it before everyone else wakes up.

  42. Christine says

    Christine —  10/30/2017 At 10:59

    Coffee! And I spend a few minutes of one-on-one time snuggling and chatting with my 2 year old, who is especially sweet when he wakes up.

  43. Kristin G says

    Kristin G —  11/02/2017 At 10:34

    I always drink coffee and watch the news.

  44. Madeline says

    Madeline —  11/16/2017 At 18:05

    I have coffee and breakfast, then aim for 10 minutes of exercise every morning. Once I get started it’s easier to keep going and I might add more exercise time.

  45. Nataly Carbonell says

    Nataly Carbonell —  11/16/2017 At 18:30

    I like to listen to upbeat music while I am getting ready in the morning.

  46. Cindy says

    Cindy —  11/16/2017 At 22:58

    I wake up, feed and clean our cats, brush my teeth and eat breakfast.

  47. Lynne B says

    Lynne B —  11/18/2017 At 13:47

    My morning ritual involves a big glass of water followed by my morning skincare routine. Then I have a bulletproof coffee. I’d really like to start adding stretches before I even leave my bedroom. I think that would be wonderful.

  48. Amy Tong says

    Amy Tong —  11/18/2017 At 18:08

    My morning ritual…have my coffee and go for a brisk walk with a few lady friends.

    amy [at] uTry [dot] it

  49. Margaret Smith says

    Margaret Smith —  11/18/2017 At 18:20

    My morning routine is after a shower, I enjoy a cup of tea while checking emails, before getting breakfast ready for my family. After everyone is ready for the day, I put on my makeup and go about my day.

  50. Anastasia says

    Anastasia —  11/25/2017 At 16:58

    My morning rituals is to roll out of bed and check my email. See what important business transpired while I slept 😀 Everything else I do just depends on the day. That’s the one, consistent thing 🙂

  51. Julie says

    Julie —  11/26/2017 At 21:36

    1) Shower
    2) Steel cut oats / fruit
    3) Hot tea
    4) Get dressed and go!

  52. Erika says

    Erika —  11/27/2017 At 20:08

    Mine is to try to make it to the coffeemaker before the kids are on my heels! 🙂

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

  53. Linda says

    Linda —  11/28/2017 At 08:15

    I eat my breakfast, pack my lunch and I’m out!

  54. Denise L says

    Denise L —  11/29/2017 At 16:06

    I always take a walk with my dog first thing in the morning. When I come home, it’s coffee-time and a chat with the hubby.

  55. Donna says

    Donna —  12/08/2017 At 09:42

    yoga, a run and coffee!

  56. Jeffrey says

    Jeffrey —  12/11/2017 At 14:32

    I like to get up early in the morning and get my run in before the kids wake up. On occasion, I get home in enough time to get them off to school so my wife can run as well. We will then rendezvous back home for breakfast, oatmeal with chopped apples, raisins, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg and pure maple syrup.

  57. Melissa says

    Melissa —  12/12/2017 At 17:13

    I don’t like waking up early, so I always have everything ready to go the night before and set the coffee maker so it’s ready when I’m awake. On work days, I grab something healthy, like yogurt and fruit, and eat it at my desk. On weekends, I like to cook breakfast and have a leisurely morning.

  58. Rebecca W says

    Rebecca W —  12/12/2017 At 18:52

    I grab a cup of coffee in the morning while I read my Bible. After that, I make breakfast for my girls and spend my morning cleaning the house and playing with my girls.

  59. Allison Swain says

    Allison Swain —  12/13/2017 At 14:33

    Some of my rituals are doing pilates then having a smoothie or oatmeal.

    Thank you for the chance to win!

  60. Geoff says

    Geoff —  12/14/2017 At 12:00

    I like to wake up early, take a leisurely shower, have a healthy breakfast and read the news before I head to work.

  61. Julie says

    Julie —  12/17/2017 At 22:54

    My morning ritual starts with…
    1. Wake up, wash my face
    2. Steel cut oats
    3. Walk my dog
    4. Get dressed

  62. Ellie Wright says

    Ellie Wright —  12/21/2017 At 18:47

    I get up and wake up the kids. Feed them breakfast and take them to school. Then I come home to clean, feed my dogs and make my husband’s dinner. He works nights so he has dinner at lunchtime.

  63. LAMusing says

    LAMusing —  12/22/2017 At 03:15

    Honestly my morning rituals are mainly focused on the pets! They need fed and watered and the doggy needs a walk. And I get a big diet coke on the way to work, in lieu of coffee.

  64. Debbie B says

    Debbie B —  12/22/2017 At 11:25

    my morning routine includes a quick shower and getting ready for work

  65. Tamra H says

    Tamra H —  12/22/2017 At 12:09

    Walk the dog, finish the dishes from the night before, and wonder – “why didn’t I pack my lunch last night?!” 🙂

  66. kathy says

    kathy —  12/22/2017 At 15:09

    Get up do some stretches, check computer eat breakfast and off I go

  67. Vincent says

    Vincent —  12/23/2017 At 03:22

    A cup of coffee (or two), check the news, feed the dogs.

  68. Thomas Murphy says

    Thomas Murphy —  12/23/2017 At 19:59

    I have coffee and cereal every morning.

  69. Barbara Montag says

    Barbara Montag —  12/23/2017 At 20:49

    Morning rituals – coffee and stretching helps get my day going.
    thank you

  70. Annette says

    Annette —  12/24/2017 At 01:47

    Morning ritual:
    !. Take thryoid pill.
    2. Check Email
    3. Drink coffee

  71. Linda C says

    Linda C —  12/24/2017 At 16:18

    Brush my teeth. Make coffee and then make my honey’s lunch for work.

  72. Sert says

    Sert —  12/26/2017 At 10:41

    I enjoy going for runs in the morning and enjoying a cup of coffee