As a matter of fact, one study showed normal vitamin D blood levels improved insulin sensitivity by 60 percent — more than any antidiabetic drug on the market.

The problem with vitamin D, though, is we can mainly get it one of two ways: Supplements or sunlight. How much sunlight? Most research suggests just 15 minutes a day in the great outdoors — without sunscreen — should do the trick for most people. But more and more, we are hearing researchers also recommend supplementation.

A review of vitamin D supplementation needs in Science News states we need 1,000-2,000 IUs/day to glean the benefits of this vitamin.

Reference: “Vitamin D: What’s Enough? Many People May Need Much More,” Raloff J, Science News, October 16, 2004;166:248-249.

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The evidence is undeniable that vegetables are the way to go for weight loss, disease-fighting properties, and overall health and wellness. But it’s not always easy to get enough greens into your daily regimen, especially in today’s fast-paced culture. If you’re looking to give the green light to more veggies in your daily diet, try a few of these tips suggested by Judi Sheppard Missett, founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Inc.

• Try veggie finger foods. In our fast-food culture, it seems that the real “fast foods,” fruits and vegetables that just need a rinse in the kitchen sink, are virtually non-existent in most people’s diets. Try replacing your usual finger foods with some greens. Wash some celery, paste on a teaspoon of peanut butter, and enjoy!
• Add vegetables to your favorite stand-bys. Most pastas and soups are good candidates for a few veggie toss-ins. Include grated or chopped veggies, such as spinach, in meatloaf and casseroles.
• Set boundaries on your dinner plate. Use half of your plate for vegetables and the other half for meat and starches.
• Keep veggies handy. Once each week, cut-up some vegetables and place them in a see-through container in your refrigerator. Try cucumber slices or broccoli florettes.
• Order a veggie pizza on nights when you just can’t brave the kitchen.
• Eat salad as your main dish once or twice per week. Just go easy on the dressing, which can pack a serious calorie punch.
• Add vegetables into your smoothies. Blend a half-cup of romaine lettuce or a stalk of celery into your usual fruit smoothie. You will hardly notice a difference in the taste.
• Allow your children to help clean, peel, and cut-up the vegetables. They are more likely to eat what they have prepared themselves.

If the above-listed tasks seem daunting, then don’t pressure yourself to do everything at once. Incorporate just one tip each week. Before you know it, you’ll be sneaking more greens into your diet than Popeye himself.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world’s leading dance-fitness program with more than 7,200 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. – jazzercise.com

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