Hello!

Just got back from my workout today! My goal today was to run 1 minute and walk 1 minute alternating for 20 minutes. Instead of working out on the treadmill in the stuffy gym, I decided to run/walk outside by Lake Michigan. The sunshine was amazing! I think I got a bit of a tan just from 20 minutes of sun exposure today. The importance of getting sun exposure is underestimated and often discouraged for fear of skin cancer (this concept likely has been made popular by sunscreen manufacturers, in my opinion). The truth is that human beings need the sun’s UV-B rays to manufacture vitamin D, an essential vitamin found in fatty fish (especially cod, herring, and catfish), eggs, and dairy. According to the U.S. News and World Report on Health, you need anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes in the sun in shorts and a tank top everyday – depending on how fair or dark your skin is. Sun through the window doesn’t count! (Glass blocks beneficial UV-B rays.)

This exposure will enable the production of Vitamin D, which prevents several diseases “including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon. What’s more, sunlight has other hidden benefits—like protecting against depression, insomnia, and an overactive immune system” (“Time in the Sun”).

Like most Americans (especially those living in the Midwest), I don’t get nearly enough sunlight. So, I felt really good about my 20 minutes of exposure today.

I’m on track with my workout this week so far, but unfortunately, it will be hard to stay consistent from Thursday to Monday because I will be travelling. I may have to change some things around, but I’ll keep you updated!