Technology has made life easier in many ways. It’s also made life busier, faster and more demanding, leaving very little time for a healthy lifestyle.

Ironically, however, it’s the times when we’re most stressed and overworked that our bodies most need exercise and good nutrition.

Here are 5 tips to help keep you healthy despite your busy lifestyle:

1. Prep meals: As unappealing as it is to have yet another chore on your schedule, preparing food ahead of time can save you lots of time and hunger pangs. Try to cook a few different items over the weekend, and divide it into different containers to grab and go during the week. Keep snacks like nuts, biltong and fruit in portioned-out bags as well.

2. Write a menu: Take 20 minutes to write out a menu with quick meals you would like to eat during the week. This means that when you shop for food, you buy what you need, and when it’s time to make dinner you already know what you’re making and have what you need.

3. Remember breakfast: A balanced and nutritious breakfast will set you up for the rest of your day and give you energy and keep your sugar levels stable. Opt for smoothies packed with fresh fruit and even some veggies, or even overnight oats made the night before if you’re short on time.

4. Eat and meet: Try to plan your meetings over lunch with clients or staff to make sure you eat at lunchtime. Even better, arrange to walk to the restaurant to get some fresh air and exercise. Avoid eating while you work at your desk, as the temptation to snack mindlessly and overeat is too great.

5. Keep hydrated: Keep a bottle of water on your desk and sip it throughout the day. Refill your bottle at the furthest water fountain for a short break and walk. Limit sugary energy or carbonated drinks, as these will cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, leaving you feeling lethargic and unproductive. They also add unnecessary calories to your diet – and if you are sitting at your desk most of the day, you won’t be burning those extra calories.

^{This article is provided through a sponsorship from Pfizer in the interests of continuous medical education. Notwithstanding Pfizer’s sponsorship of this publication, neither Pfizer nor its subsidiary or affiliated companies shall be liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the misuse of the information provided in this publication.}

^{Readers are advised to consult their health care practitioner for specific information on personal health matters as this is not the intention or purpose of the publication. Specific medical advice or recommendations on the clinical management of patients will not be provided by Pfizer. In this regard Pfizer does not support the use of products for off label indications, nor dosing which falls outside the approved label recommendations and readers must refer to the Package Insert of any product for full prescribing guidelines.}