Brrrr...! We are now officially in the thick of Winter. The days are shorter, and we’re naturally spending more time inside, cozying up on our couches by the fireplace, doing our workouts indoors, and getting outside only when we need to. I love this cozy time of year, but it's also important to remember to get out in the sunshine for even a few minutes each day during the Winter months. One reason is because natural sunlight resets our circadian rhythms each day (especially when we're exposed to sunlight first thing in the morning), and allows us to keep our sleep and wake cycles in balance.
Even more importantly, however, is because the majority of us are lacking in one very essential Vitamin...
You guessed it: Vitamin D.
About half of our population is vitamin D deficient, with older adults, vegans/vegetarians, and those exposed to limited sun at an even higher risk. So why is Vitamin D important? Vitamin D is best known for its ability to strengthen bones and boost calcium absorption, but it is also involved in mood regulation, immune function, disease prevention, fertility health, and weight control. For those who are considering taking a Vitamin D supplement, make sure you consult your doctor on your own personal dosage needs.
That being said, there are many ways we can get healthy doses of Vitamin D through the food we consume, and again, by simply by spending more time outside. Some of my favorite food sources of Vitamin D are:
Salmon
Mushrooms
Sardines
Tuna
Oysters
Eggs
Shrimp
Vitamin D is fat soluble, so make sure you pair your food source with a healthy fat, or if taking a supplement, make sure your supplement contains oil.
Have a D-lightful Monday!