12 Healthy Ways to Get Lean, Mean, & Gorgeous

Photo by: Designed by Naomi Abel, R29

May: Have A Sunny D

As of early last year, at least half of Americans were estimated to have insufficient vitamin D levels. Then, a few months back, guidelines were changed, reducing the recommended amount of vitamin D in our bodies. Confused yet? Us, too. And it's just one nutrient - so why all the fuss?

Unlike the regulatory and advisory groups, the benefits of this sun-powered vitamin are unflappable: it... more 

Photo by: Designed by Naomi Abel, R29

May: Have A Sunny D

As of early last year, at least half of Americans were estimated to have insufficient vitamin D levels. Then, a few months back, guidelines were changed, reducing the recommended amount of vitamin D in our bodies. Confused yet? Us, too. And it's just one nutrient - so why all the fuss?

Unlike the regulatory and advisory groups, the benefits of this sun-powered vitamin are unflappable: it has been shown to battle everything from depression, cardiac disease, and viral infections (possibly explaining why we tend to lose battles with common colds in the winter) to asthma, diabetes, and arthritis, which is quite a spread. To make sure you're maximizing on the benefits of vitamin D (and other key nutrients), get your levels tested and your doctor's recommendations for how much (if any) you might need to take supplementally when you report for your annual checkup.

Does this mean you need to toss your SPF on those first sunny days of May? Absolutely not - but a little sunshine (and D-rich foods such as cheese, eggs, and fish) can do the body good.
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