On the track to better health, it's all about the small steps. Remember that great cities such as Jackson weren't built in a day; it's a step-by-step process. Here are some small steps you can take each day to get healthy.

• If your goal is to lose weight, download a calorie-tracking app, such as MyPlate or MyFitnessPal. Let it guide you in your journey to eating healthier.

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Switch water for soda, but remember that when you drink juice or tea, those items can add calories and sugar.

• If you normally get chips or fries as a side item, get a salad instead.

• Get up early and go for a walk. It'll make you feel good for the rest of the day

• If you haven't already, go out and buy a Halloween costume—one that makes you feel good about yourself.

• Keep mints by your bed. Set your alarm clock early, and when it goes off, pop a mint into your mouth before getting out of bed. The minty flavor will help wake you up for your morning walk.

• Think of fruits as candy. They're often just as sweet, although eating a whole fruit is preferable to drinking sugary fruit juice.

• Buy a small plastic bin and begin keeping snacks such as nuts and granola in it at work or home. You'll be less likely to binge when mealtime comes around.

• Eat on a small blue plate. The size of the plate allows for less food, and the color makes you eat less.

• If you want to run but aren't that great at it, try the Couch-to-5K Running Plan, a program that helps you learn how to run by training you in easy-to-do intervals. For more information, find it on Facebook.

• In the morning, drink green tea with a little honey. It speeds up your metabolism.

• Eat a big breakfast and a small dinner.

• If your vice is one type of unhealthy food, try to make a healthier substitution. For example, instead of eating white bread, buy whole wheat; eat dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

• Know your superfoods (those considered to be especially good for health and well-being) and eat them. They include cocoa powder, blueberries and spinach.

• Bring a lunch instead of buying one.

• On your lunch break, walk or run around the block.

• Drink two glasses of water 30 minutes before a big meal. The water will give you a feeling of fullness, and you'll eat less.

• If you're hungry, try drinking water. Our brains often confuse thirst with hunger.

• Once you start drinking water, don't stop. You'll want it all the time if you stay with it, but if you stop, it's hard to get back on that train.