Is there any way to obtain vitamin d from sunshine without exposing my skin? or are there was to get it from non-dairy food sources? i don't want to take a supplement for life.

No: The only way to get it from sunshine will involve exposing your skin and increasing your skin cancer risk. Vitamin d supplements are safe, cheap, and much more reliable than trying to use the sun as a source. There are non-dairy food sources though. Salman is good. Sun dried shitake mushrooms have a lot.

Yes and No: You have to be exposed to the sun rays for that. In 2008, the american academy of pediatrics revised its recommendations for vitamin d from 200 iu to 400 iu. Salmon, tuna, cod, mackerel, catfish and other fatty fish shrimp eggs soy, rice cereals that are fortified with vitamin d will give the amount you need.

You need the sun: You will need the sun for the best way to obtain vit d, however you only need 20-40 min of exposure most between 11-1 depending on your skin coloration, the lighter the less exposure the darker the more, it can be gotten in divided doses as its cumulative --supplements are one of the worst ways to get vit d --additionally foods can be added like brazil nuts but nothing beats the sun.

Non-dairy foods: Both rice milk and soy and almond milk are generally supplemented with vitamin d. Drink up.