If we can’t get that quick meal to revitalize our energy levels then the next best thing would be an energy supplement. One that will give you energy that will last you through the rest of your day.

All about energy

When do I have the most energy?

Ideally we should have the most energy in the morning when we wake up. But energy levels are dependant on what we have fed our body. According to Dr. Catherine Boome, if you have fed your body well and have had efficient energy- releasing food, you should have energy all day. Based on this, you should have a lot of energy after a gym session or any exercise due to the body using more oxygen and circulating your blood. Thus increasing your energy levels.

What depletes energy?

Your body's energy is depleted every day through a poor diet, pollution, stress, illness and a lack of sleep.

Where do I get energy?

Our energy comes from the calories which are found in the foods we eat; specifically, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Although most foods contain all three, there's usually a predominance of one of these. Carbohydrates include whole grains, legumes, pasta, breads and desserts. Meats, fish and cheese make up the protein family, and fats include oils and butter.

How does my body generate energy?

After digestion, breakdown products surge through the system. Cells take what they need and direct this fuel to all kinds of hard-labouring enzymes. Various internal compartments process each remnant into usable snacks that are resurrected as energy. Huge amounts of high-energy phosphates are also extracted and wedded to certain proteins that should ideally empower anything your body wants to do.

When do I have the least energy?

Depending on what you have fed the body, this leads to either high or low energy levels. If you haven’t eaten the right foods that will give you energy, your energy levels would be low. Some dieticians use the term “empty calories” Your body gets energy from the calories in the food we eat. Drinking coffee or taking quick fix energy boosters, will give your body a quick fix of energy, but because there are no real vitamins or minerals or any other energy releasing properties in caffeine, you are filling your body with an empty calorie. It gives you energy, but its not long lasting and has no real advantageous energy properties.

How to maintain energy:

• Eat well-balanced meals. Meals that are too heavy will make you sleepy. Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains.
• Use caffeine and sugary snacks sparingly to provide energy boosts when needed, but avoid relying on them too much. They can make your energy seesaw when you least want it to.
• Make sure you get good sleep. See the tips below.
• Establish the habit of sleeping and waking up at consistent, regular hours.
• Delegate responsibility if you feel overworked.
• Vary the assignments you're working on. Combine and intersperse mentally demanding projects with simple busywork tasks to keep yourself stimulated.
• Take a quick 10-minute break in your office with your eyes closed. Or take a break to chat and joke around with coworkers for an energy boost.
• Exercise regularly.
• Find a way to relax at home: Read a book, take a walk or try yoga.

Energy in Vitamins:

Our bodies can’t make all their own vitamins. There are some vitamins which we need to ingest, such as vitamin C and B complex. We definitely need to take some supplements in order to obtain the vitamins which our body doesn’t make and needs.

The B-complex vitamins are a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), pantothenic acid and biotin. The B vitamins are vital to a vigorous and energetic long life.