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Cody Conner

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July 6, 2025

Small Habits. Big Change: What Life Looks Like at 40%, 30%, 20%, and 10% Body Fat

Let’s clear something up right away—fat loss isn’t about chasing a number. It’s about building a life where you feel strong, energized, confident, and in control of your choices. That doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen—through small, consistent habits that add up over time.

So what does that journey actually look like?
Let’s break it down by imagining four versions of the same person—one at 40% body fat, one at 30%, one at 20%, and one at 10%—and what their daily life and habits might look like.

🧠 But First—Why Track Body Fat at All?

Tracking your body fat percentage is not about obsessing over a number. It’s about getting a clearer picture of your overall health.

Unlike the scale, which only shows weight, body fat percentage reveals what your weight is actually made of—fat, muscle, water, etc. That’s important because:

  • Someone can lose weight but still have high body fat (aka “skinny fat”).
  • Someone can gain weight but improve body composition (more muscle, less fat).
  • High body fat is linked to increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
  • Optimal body fat levels support better energy, hormone balance, joint health, and confidence.

Tracking body fat gives us context. It helps you know whether your efforts are building a strong, capable body—or just reducing the number on a scale. At Nerve, we use tools like the InBody scan not to judge—but to guide your journey with precision.

🔴 40% Body Fat: “I’m Tired of Feeling This Way”

This person is stuck in survival mode. Energy is low. Motivation comes in waves. Most meals are based on convenience, not intention. Sleep is poor, movement is minimal, and the scale feels like a constant enemy.

But they’re not lazy—they’re overwhelmed.

Small Habit Shifts:

  • Drink 60–80 oz of water per day.
  • Start walking for 10 minutes after one meal.
  • Eat protein with breakfast instead of skipping it.
  • Track meals one day a week to build awareness.

💡 These little moves don’t require perfection. Just intention. And they spark momentum.

🟠 30% Body Fat: “I’m Starting to Feel a Difference”

Now things are shifting. Clothes fit better. Workouts are happening a few times a week. Food choices are a mix of smart and indulgent—but there’s progress. Confidence is growing. Sleep improves. The spiral is slowing down.

Small Habit Shifts:

  • Prep protein and veggies twice per week.
  • Add resistance training 2–3x/week.
  • Cut out caloric drinks and replace them with water or LMNT.
  • Get 7 hours of sleep consistently.

💡 At this point, it’s no longer about what they’re cutting out—it’s about what they’re adding in.

🟢 20% Body Fat: “I’m in a Groove Now”

This person doesn’t just go to the gym—they train. Food choices are 80/20, meaning most meals are dialed in, and there’s room for a treat without spiraling. Energy is high, and people around them start to ask, “What are you doing?”

Small Habit Shifts:

  • Log workouts and set monthly performance goals.
  • Stick to 3 meals a day with minimal snacking.
  • Get sunlight every morning.
  • Use sleep as recovery—8+ hours when training hard.

💡 Now it’s about optimizing, not overhauling. Systems are in place. Habits feel natural.

🔵 10% Body Fat: “This is My Lifestyle Now”

This person is living in the refinement stage. They’re lean, strong, and focused—but still human. They enjoy meals out, stay consistent with training, and know how to self-correct without guilt. Their habits are part of who they are.

Daily Habits at This Level:

  • Weigh and measure food when goals demand precision.
  • Prioritize stress management (cold plunge, journaling, walks).
  • Track sleep and recovery metrics.
  • Plan training cycles with purpose and intent.

💡 It’s not restrictive—it’s just intentional living. Every choice is aligned with long-term health.

The Real Takeaway:

You don’t need to be perfect to change your life.
You don’t need to jump from 40% to 10% overnight.
You just need to start with one habit.

  • One walk.
  • One meal.
  • One workout.
  • One better night of sleep.

That’s where momentum is built. That’s where transformation begins.

So wherever you are right now, ask yourself:
What’s one small thing I can do today that my future self will thank me for?

Success doesn’t show up all at once.
It’s built—one consistent, ordinary, powerful habit at a time.

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