I think the answer is both. In January we were hit with some frigid temps and the snow kept piling up, the more I thought about sunshine the more I craved it. Ever since I was about 7 years old we went on a family vacation during the winter and it was the break I needed during those cold winter months. Each time I returned from vacation I felt energized and I’m pretty sure thats from the The Sunshine Vitamin!!

During some of my studies as a personal trainer/fitness nutrition specialist I have learned a ton about vitamins, minerals, & healthy foods.

I’m sure you are all familiar with Vitamin D but here are some quick facts:

• Vitamin D is needed to maintain strong bones
• Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium (from food/supplements)
• Vitamin D helps the immune system needs fight of bacteria & viruses
• Vitamin D helps our muscles function
• and the sun is our major Vitamin D source

There are a few sources of food that contain Vitamin D: fish liver oils, sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, and also a small amount in milk, eggs, meat, butter.

One of the easiest ways to get Vitamin D is from the sun. “Some vitamin D researchers suggest that approximately 5–30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen usually leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis” (NASM http://blog.nasm.org/nutrition/vitamin-d-the-sunshine-vitamin/)

“Individuals with limited sun exposure need to include good sources of vitamin D in their diets or consider supplements to achieve recommended intake levels.” (NASM)

Sometimes I am probably in the sun longer then necessary especially when I am vacationing at the beach, but I have learned to take breaks from the sun so that I can protect my skin from sun damage!

What are your thoughts about the sunshine vitamin?

Do you feel deprived in the winter months?