With most of us living more fast-paced lives than those who came before us, it can be difficult to get the fuel that we need to get us through the day in a healthy manner. It's easier to pull the car through a fast food window than to take the time to prepare something at home and exercise to some people is walking from the car to the office. But, we should all recognize that taking the time to give our bodies what they need will only increase our productivity and make the day run more smoothly. And you don't need to get a chef, personal trainer, or spend the whole day at the spa to feel and look better. Here are a few tips to get you started on a healthier lifestyle.

The first thing that you can do is try and make healthy options when it comes to your food choices. Instead of heading for the burger joint at lunch, maybe you should check out a sandwich shop or head to the grocery store and get one of their pre-made salads. Being in a hurry is no longer an excuse for not eating right. There are several healthy options even on national fast food chains' menus. They may not be as high quality as you will get with a caterer, but it's better than a burger and fries.

If you don't have time to cook at home every night and don't want to spend the money eating out, consider making meals once a week and freezing them for times when you need to grab a quick bite. If you have a friend or relative that works in a restaurant, they can likely give you some tips on some great larger meals that you can split up into individual portions.

Fueling your body is not all about what you eat and drink. You also want to keep active and take care of yourself. If you're the type of person to let day spa gifts go to waste and never get your monies worth out of gym memberships, there are other ways to find relaxation and exercise. Walk instead of taking the car if you're going on a shorter trip. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Even these small changes can do a lot to improve your energy levels for the day.

Lastly, you want to make sure that you set aside some time for yourself. You can book an afternoon at a day spa or just shut yourself in your bedroom for an hour to enjoy a good book. This can make all the difference in how the rest of your day goes.