Like anyone who dislikes the cold, a lot of us would rather spend more time indoors than braving the cold and heading out during the winter months. When we do make the effort to go outside, we’re so bundled up that very little sun actually reaches our skin. This makes it hard to ensure we get enough vitamin D. While this vitamin is important, it doesn’t occur naturally in very many products. This is why going outside is essential for a healthy body.
Why is vitamin D so important?
It helps with the absorption of calcium. From all the milk commercials you saw growing up you know that’s good for bones and teeth.
One of the effects vitamin D deficiencies have is osteoporosis, which is when your bones develop pores, and become more fragile and brittle. Even though we’re young and think of osteoporosis as a “future me” problem, it’s still important to have good habits and take care of ourselves. How can you help yourself during the long winter months? With food.
1. Fish
It may seem strange since fish don’t see the sunlight either, but they actually have a ton of vitamin D. Specifically, fatty fish have lots of vitamin D. Think of fish like tuna, trout and salmon. Don’t feel like going through the effort to prepare it from scratch? Go ahead and make a tuna fish sandwich; the canned version is just as helpful for you to get some vitamin D.
2. Eggs
People who love eating eggs for breakfast probably won’t have to worry about getting enough vitamin D as long as they actually eat all of the egg. Next time you prepare eggs, don’t get rid of the yolk just because it has a bit more fat. It’s just as important as the whites since it’s the yolk that actually has the vitamin D.
3. Milk
If neither tuna nor eggs appeal to you, buy some fortified milk. If you’re lactose intolerant or would rather not eat animal products, you can buy soy or rice milk. Just be sure to check that it’s fortified with vitamin D and you’re good to go.
4. Finally, there are fortified orange juices as well. Just don’t buy SunnyD, since that’s actually more like pop, and wouldn’t help you at all.
During these long winter months, the easiest way to make sure you get enough vitamin D without the sun’s help is to treat yourself first thing in the morning to a delicious breakfast with eggs and milk. Have fun preparing those yummy meals!
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