If you only know one thing about vitamin D, it’s probably that we get it from the sun – right? Right. But there’s so much more to the ‘sunshine vitamin’ and how it works in our body. Here’s how, and why, to get more of it this winter.
You don’t need to know much about science to understand the basics of vitamin D. We expose ourselves to the sun, the UVB rays trigger the production of vitamin D, and our body uses it for… Well, that’s the interesting part.
Vitamin D is involved in everything from calcium absorption and bone health to immune function and mood regulation. It’s super important, and very difficult to get from food alone.
No problem for Gold Coasters – we’re practically solar-powered. But when the cooler weather keeps us indoors, bundled in jumpers while shuffling from the office to the gym to the supermarket, that incidental vitamin D intake goes away, without us even noticing.
The signs of vitamin D deficiency can be easy to miss: persistent tiredness, low mood, susceptibility to sickness, brain fog. They’re not just the winter blues – and when they’re left unaddressed, they can snowball into something more serious. Chronic vitamin D deficiency has been linked to higher risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression and other serious illnesses and autoimmune conditions.
The good news is that the remedy is totally free – and a little bit of sunshine goes a long way. The Cancer Council generally recommends Australians get a few minutes of sun exposure to their arms and legs in the middle of the day during winter, while still observing the cardinal rules (slip, slop, slap, slide and seek).
If you feel like your winter routine needs a reset, try these tips for making the most of the sunshine.
Take your workout outdoors
Did you know the Gold Coast has a free program of outdoor workouts, happening all over the city on any given day? The Active & Healthy calendar is jam-packed with outdoor (and indoor) workout classes, from walking groups to sunrise yoga and beachside Pilates. If you’re looking for more, make sure you’re following She’s Spicy and Peachy HIIT, two local businesses helping us start our days the right way.
Bike, don’t drive
There’s no doubting the Gold Coast is a driving city – thanks to our coastal layout, it’s a long way from the north to the south. But if you’re staying local, or even scooting to the next suburb over, consider switching your wheels and opting to cycle instead of drive. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to get around (and how much better the view is from your bike seat). Just stay safe, follow the rules of the road and plan your journey ahead of time.
Swap supermarkets for farmers markets
Convenience may be king, but with a bit of extra planning, you could be soaking up the sun, supporting local suppliers and saving money during your weekly shop – avoiding the fluorescent lighting, air conditioning and bad radio of the big supermarkets in the process. There are plenty of morning markets to choose from, whether it’s a Thursday at Cooly or a Sunday in Surfers. And when you do need to shop at the big retailers, our outdoor malls are second to none.
Hang outdoors
The only thing that dwindles more in winter than our vitamin D intake is our social life – but that doesn’t have to be the case. Make the most of the shorter days and schedule late lunches (or early dinners) to catch the last light. Some of our favourite restaurants with outdoor dining include Costa Taco (Broadbeach), Moustache, Rick Shores, Bruce and Lucia.
