Although too much sunlight can be dangerous for your skin in the summertime, those days feel faaaar away for many of us in the middle of January. If you're missing your daily dose of sunlight, you're not alone - sunny days provide a vital source of Vitamin D, which sunlight produces in our bodies. 

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and cramps, bone pain, fatigue and mood changes (most particulary depression).  Read on below for a few ideas on how you can get some wintertime Vitamin D.

Head outside - even if it's cold
An adequate supply of Vitamin D plays a role in everything from bone and heart health to mood, blood pressure and more. Athough sunlight is often less accessible in the winter months for many, that doesn't mean it's nonexistent. Even a brief, 15-30 minute walk outside can provide around 800 international units of Vitamin D, which generates enough daily Vitamin D for one adult.

Stock up on seafood
While it may be difficult to increase one's seafood intake to a point where it supplies the entire daily need of Vitamin D, it's an excellent source (and healthy to boot). Seafood sources - particularly fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and tuna - are particularly rich in Vitamin D3, and are easily absorbable by the body. For more details on what types of fish are the best sources of Vitamin D, visit this National Institute of Health article. 

Looking for other foods high in Vitamin D? Consider the following suggestions: mushrooms, certain cheeses, beef liver, egg yolks, fortified milk, orange juice, yogurt and fortified milk.

Supplement with Supplements
Walking outside and adding Vitamin D-rich foods to your diet are both good ideas, but that doesn't mean it's not worth considering adding a daily Vitamin D supplement to your routine. However, a word of caution - supplements can come in a variety of forms and concentrations, and your doctor is the best person to help you decide what's appropriate for you.