Are you getting enough sun? Gwyneth Paltrow's extreme low levels of Vitamin-D can lead to Osteoporosis.

It seems in the world of health you can never have too much of a good or bad thing and there will always be a heated debate of what is good for you and what isn’t. Such is the case with getting enough sun. Each year when winter takes its final bow and we’re introduced to the warm weather, the strict rules of applying SPF and staying out of the sun take effect. Millions develop skin cancer for venturing out unprotected, but what about those who suffer from a disease that is the total opposite?

Gwyneth Paltrow announced to the world on her blog GOOP that she is one of the unlucky few suffering from Vitamin D Deficiency. While most bring hats and umbrellas to the beach to shy away from the sun, the actress was ordered to get more sun or take a chance at developing osteoporosis.

Gwyneth writes: “I went on a prescription strength level of Vitamin D and was told to…spend a bit of time in the sun! I was curious if this was safe, having been told for years to stay away from its dangerous rays, not to mention a tad bit confused. “

We are too. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient and not enough has been linked to depression, heart disease, heart failure, infertility, bone loss, fractions and even cancer. Well, how do you combat the disease without frying in the sun like a slab of bacon?

Shine from Yahoo suggests getting at least 200 IU daily, and up to 800 mg. You can find Vitamin D in fortified milk, yogurt, eggs, salmon, or a multivitamin. What signs should you look out for? Signs of a D deficiency include muscle pain/weakness and bone pain. The only surefire way to know if you are D deficient is to get a blood test. Ask about it at your next physical.

Images Courtesy of Special News Online

There’s a lot to be said for chilling on a sandy beach, frosty drink in hand and umbrella overhead – but there’s also a lot that’s fun about more active vacations. Just think about the last trip where you skied your buns off. There’s nothing quite like feeling as though you EARNED those apres-ski cocktails and nibbles!

Fab active vacations don’t have to be limited to the winter, and summer is a great time to take advantage of sunny skies and picture-perfect landscapes to have fun and get in shape on your vacation. This month, we’re featuring a package from New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont.

This gorgeous Green Mountain getaway just opened for the summer, and to kick things off with a bang they’re offering Spa Week pals a great deal on an 11-Day Weight Loss Retreat.

Book an 11-night Weight Loss Retreat during and receive $200 off the total package or come any 11 nights for the $10 per night discount. Book your 2010 vacation by July 15, 2010 and receive $10 off single occupancy (per night) and $10 off double occupancy (per person/per night). The $10 off discount is valid any night, for any length of stay from now until October 3, 2010.

You get:
• All inclusive price
• Deluxe room
• Three meals a day
• All healthy snacks, water, tea
• Cooking classes
• One massage for every three night stay
• Hiking programs
• Fitness programs
• Evening lectures

Price Details: Regular all inclusive rates are $209-$249 per night. Discounted rates are $190 – $239 based on occupancy and length of stay.

Visit their website for complete information and restrictions, and happy hiking!

The American College of Sports Medicine released its list of the most fit American cities today – and Washington, D.C. topped the list as the healthiest city in the whole US.

The index considers all aspects of health, including disease rates, rates of obesity, consumption of fruits and veggies, outdoor exercise options, and more – and despite its undoubtedly high stress levels, the capital ultimately outraced all other cities thanks to low smoking rates, high numbers of community rec centers, running paths, and swimming pools, and lower than average rates of diabetes and obesity. Not bad for a little ol’ federal district!

The complete list of top 10 cities was as follows:

1. Washington, DC
2. Boston, MA
3. Minneapolis, MN
4. Seattle, WA
5. Portland, OR
6. Denver, CO
7. Sacramento, CA
8. San Francisco Bay Area, CA
9. Hartford, CT
10. Austin, TX

Check out the complete list here – did your city make it?

Tofu is the food that was a health food punchline before “health food” was a thing. If you were a girl growing up in the ’80s or ’90s (and who wasn’t?) you probably read your fair share of books in the Baby Sitters’ Club series. The requisite space cadet, Dawn was characterized primarily by being from California and being a militant, annoying health food nut – she was always eating tofu and making obnoxious comments about the other babysitters’ Snickers bar. Nobody likes a Dawn!

Luckily, tofu is neither annoying nor bland, and it’s packed with all the vitamins and minerals you can handle. While it can replace meat in any dish calling for protein, it’s delicious in its own right when you give it a starring role. Here are two ways to work tofu in your daily routine, and one way to give it a headline role at a holiday dinner!

Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu & Vegetables

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
2 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame oil
6 ounces frozen snow peas
1 (8 ounce) package firm tofu, cubed
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper and green onions and saute for 5 minutes. Then, add the 2 cups water, broth and soy sauce, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. In a separate medium bowl, combine the vinegar, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, cornstarch, 3 tablespoons water and sesame oil. Add this to the soup and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes, or until soup becomes thick and bubbly.
3. Finally, mix in the tofu, snow peas and water chestnuts, and continue cooking 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Lemon Baked Tofu

2 blocks firm or extra-firm tofu, well pressed
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp basil
1 tsp thyme
salt and pepper to taste

1. Slice your pressed tofu into 1/2 inch thick strips.
2. Whisk together all ingredients except for tofu. Transfer to a shallow pan or zip-lock bag and add tofu, coating well.
3. Allow tofu to marinate for at least 1 hour (the longer the better!), turning to coat well with marinade.
4. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
5. Transfer tofu and marinade to baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through and pouring extra marinade over the tofu as needed.

Homemade “Tofurkey” and Stuffing

5 blocks firm or extra-firm tofu, well pressed
2 tbsp fresh chopped sage
1 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 tbsp vegetable broth powder
2 tbsp poultry seasoning
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup red wine
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp soy sauce
approximately 2 cups prepared vegetarian stuffing

1. Working in batches as needed, process the tofu in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the tofu to a large mixing bowl, and stir in the fresh chopped sage, thyme, rosemary, vegetable broth powder and poultry seasoning, stirring well to combine.
3. Line a colander with cheesecloth or a thin towel. Place the tofu in the colander, and layer of cheesecloth or a thin towel on top. Place a weight on top of the towel to gently press the tofu. Place on a plate or towel and chill for at least 3 hours.
4. Once the tofu is chilled and firm, scoop out the tofu in the middle, creating a hole or a well, and leaving about 1 1/2 inches of a tofu “shell” in the colander.
5. Gently pat your stuffing into the “well”, then gently press the extra tofu on top.
6. Carefully invert your tofu turkey onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
7. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, red wine, Dijon mustard and soy sauce, and baste or brush the tofu generously.
8. Bake for about 90 minutes at 350 degrees, basting again every 15 minutes.

We think it’s great booking the most eccentric spa treatments you can find, but sometimes all it takes is a trip back to the basics. We sent Meieli Sawyer Detoni of Lime Life to Massage Envy in West Boca FL to experience more Spa Madness! She got out the kinks, aches and pains with an 80-Minute Deep Tissue Massage and you can do the same for just $50 during Spa Week April 12th-18th.

A deep tissue massage is the most basic of spa treatments; in essence it brings out what the spa lifestyle is all about: health, rejuvenation, and relaxation. The process of kneading one’s body from head to toe is designed to release toxins and soothe chronic pain. Did you know that toxins in the human body can cause serious health problems and even speed up the aging process? If you find yourself experiencing discomfort from sitting in one spot too long or from playing sports, then the deep tissue massage is for you. Get more of the indepth review at Lime Life.