Living an active lifestyle will provide many benefits, including higher levels of energy. The calories we ingest from our food are converted to energy for our body to use. Following Canada’s Food Guide is the best way to ensure you are getting the required vitamins and minerals, as well as the right amount of calories to function at full strength. It’s recommended that adults take part in at least 2 ½ hours (150 minutes) of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week and that children and youth take part in at least 60 minutes per day.

If you’ve wondered about other ways to have more energy, keep in mind that a diet with inadequate amounts of daily vitamins can contribute to feelings of fatigue or low energy. For example, vitamin B12 – which is found only in animal foods and fortified products – helps your body use energy you consume from food. All Canadians need adequate amounts of vitamin B12. Vegetarians, vegans and senior citizens are at higher risk for absorbing inadequate vitamin B12. Those at higher risk for a vitamin B12 deficiency should speak with their health care practitioner about supplementation.

Additionally, sleep allows our bodies to refuel and provides time for the body to heal from any cellular damage accumulated over the day. Exercise not only helps us to break down the energy stored in fat but also provides a feeling of exhilaration from the release of endorphins.