In many parts of the country, it’s finally cooling off. Fall weather is just around the corner, and one of the most enjoyable and traditional fall activities is a visit to the pumpkin patch.
Instead of just walking around this year, why not take the opportunity to incorporate some fitness into your pumpkin selecting? Mix it up, have some fun and get your cardio in while having fun at the pumpkin patch!
- Run sprints to the farthest pumpkin. Walk back. Repeat.
- High knees to the scarecrow. Have a race with your kids.
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Summer is fun – especially going to the beach and other water events – but fall is my favorite season. Wearing jeans, watching football, and the crisp fall weather all comes together to create a delightful time.
One of the stand out features of the fall is the availability of fall produce – the cooler days make it perfect to turn on your oven and slow roast the heavier squashes and comfort soups for which the season begs. Try some of these terrific, tasty fall dishes that won’t break the calorie bank but will satiate your taste buds and warm you from the inside out.
Puree butternut squash in small batches in your blender to make this Butternut Squash Soup recipe from Elana’s Pantry. Top each bowl with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to lend depth of flavor.
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By Alison Lewis
Is there such thing as a healthy cocktail? I believe cocktails don’t have to be unhealthy, and with the right combination of ingredients, you can actually enjoy a slimming cocktail that is bursting with flavor. With the excitement of fall holiday parties, tailgating parties and Halloween parties upon us, these creative ideas and recipes are great examples on how to create “healthier” fall cocktails.
I recently created a survey on Facebook asking, “What are your favorite fall ingredients?” My social media friends’ answers included what you would imagine: cinnamon, cranberry, pumpkin, pomegranate, nutmeg, allspice, apple pie spice and ginger. Now, how fun to try them in some festive fall cocktails! These favorite fall ingredients can actually kick up the flavor of fall cocktails without adding fat and calories.
Fall Cocktail Pairings
Here are some great pairing combinations using fall flavors:
- Wine, limes, lemons, apples, oranges
- Champagne and fresh grapefruit juice
- Bourbon and apple cider
- Champagne and fresh fruit purees
- Vodka and low-sodium vegetable or tomato juice
- Brandy, honey and water
- Brandy, cider and cinnamon
- Rum, fruit juice and fresh fruit
- Vodka and light cranberry juice, apple, or pomegranate juice, light orange juice or fresh grapefruit juice (can you say Appletinis?)
- Brandy, Wine, cloves, allspice and ginger
- Apple cider and ginger
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By Jenilee Matz
Nowadays, many parents worry their children aren’t getting enough exercise. Too many electronic distractions, video games, social media, and too much screentime. With all the talk about the childhood obesity epidemic, it’s no wonder parents are concerned.
The good news is that you can help your children get moving. Active family day trips are great for everyone. Kids and parents alike will burn calories and enjoy each other’s company. Try one of these activities this weekend. You’ll all have so much fun that you won’t know you’re exercising!
Get in touch with nature. You don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to spend some quality time in the great outdoors. Visit a national park or local nature path. Traipse the trails with your family and stop to take breaks and enjoy the sights. See who can spot certain animals, insects, and plants.
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With the first day of school already taking place in some parts of the country, and plans starting to be made for Labor Day weekend, it’s clear that summer is about to give way to fall. Checking in with yourself at the start of fall can be a good idea. As active as summer can be, summers like this where the heat seems to break a new record each day can leave us sitting inside just trying to stay cool, never mind working out. With the kids back in school and you back in control of your schedule, there’s no time like the present to re-start your weight loss efforts.
We’ve identified seven programs that, so far this year, really stand-out as leaders, offering their customers healthful, balanced approaches to weight loss and healthful living. Consider these for your fall weight loss resolution.
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