Tag Archives: fall

Pumpkin Patch Relays and Other Active Fall Games

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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Posted on September 19, 2025 by Carmen

Healthy Fall Produce Recipes for Crisp Days

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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Posted on September 17, 2025 by Carmen

Cheers to Fall: Healthy Recipes for Festive Fall Cocktails

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 (more…)
Posted on September 16, 2025 by Health Buzz

7 Family-Friendly Active Day Trips for Fall

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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Posted on August 30, 2025 by Health Buzz

Get Fit for Fall with Popular Weight Loss Plans

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.

View 7 Weight Loss Plans Fit for Fall Slideshow

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Posted on August 17, 2025 by Health Buzz

Top 6 Tips for Running in Fall Weather

Many runners will say that their favorite time of year to hit the pavement is fall, and I’m no different. There’s just something about that cool (yet, not cold) crisp air that makes you just want to get out there and, well, run!

However, just like any time of year, there are a few quirks to running in the fall that you may not have thought of. Read on for six tips to make your next autumn run great whether you’re a seasoned jogger or new to the running game!

1. Dress in layers. I like to think of dressing for an autumn run like packing for a trip to San Fransisco — you can never have too many layers! This time of year the temperature can really vary from hour to hour and from in the shade to in the sun, so when in doubt, dress for colder weather with layers that you can shed as you warm up. One great tool for reference is Runner’s World’s What to Wear feature. (more…)

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Jennipher

6 New Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

Emily Fonnesbeck is the Registered Dietitian for the Biggest Loser Resort.

I love pureed pumpkin. It is such a tasty way to sneak in a vegetable and it just screams fall. It is loaded with vitamin A, fiber, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to health of the eyes. At just 40 calories for 1/2 cup, pumpkin is a very nutrient dense food. Here are a few ways I like to use it:

Pumpkin Yogurt: Mix plain non-fat Greek yogurt with pumpkin (I usually do equal amounts or slightly more yogurt) and season with vanilla and cinnamon. This can be used as a dip or as a base for breakfast with the addition of fruit, oats, cereal, and/or flaxseed.

Smoothies: Add a spoonful (or more if you’re daring!) to your regular smoothies. I recommend pumpkin, almond milk, banana, milled flax seed, cinnamon, vanilla and a scoop of almond butter. Blend together and enjoy a nice refreshing drink! (more…)

Posted on October 20, 2025 by GuestBlogger

Pick Pumpkin for Delicious and Healthy Fall Treats

If you’re like me, this time of year you have nothing but pumpkins on the brain. I’ve already been to the pumpkin patch to pick out my pumpkins, I simply can’t get enough of that Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks (I order it “Skinny”, though, and have it as the occasional treat, as it clocks in at 200 calories and 37 grams of sugar for a tall), and I’ve already made enough pumpkin smoothies to keep Libby in booming business. Good thing, because it turns out that pumpkin isn’t just tasty, it packs quite the nutritional punch.

Pumpkins come two ways: fresh or canned. While removing the flesh from your own pumpkin (perfect to do when carving Jack-o-lanterns) is obviously fresher, it can also be quite the chore. So, when it comes to baking and eating pumpkin regularly, canned is your more convenient option, and thankfully, canned pumpkin is just as nutritious as fresh. (more…)

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Jennipher

Pomegranate is Winter’s Perfect Produce

With the coming of winter, we’re faced with exciting and exotic produce to enjoy. Among the many to choose from is the pomegranate.

Although its health benefits are impressive, USA Today and the Federal Trade Commission remind us that pomegranate isn’t a cure-all. Consuming pomegranates will give you tons of great health benefits, but it certainly won’t provide any miracle cures.

Pomegranate seeds and juice provide ample amounts of:

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Theresa

Acorn Squash a Healthy Addition to Your Fall Diet

Acorn squash is a type of winter squash with astounding health benefits. Winter squash are so prized in Native American cultures, that they are often found in tribal cemeteries as gifts for the deceased.

The acorn squash is dark green with hints of orange on the outside, and has a pale, orange flesh with a nutty, sweet flavor.

Acorn squash is known for providing the following health benefits:

  • Cancer-fighting properties. Acorn squash contains a large amount of phytonutrients and antioxidants that have anti-carcinogenic effects on the body.
  • Men’s health. This particular squash may help reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
  • Immune system support. There’s nothing the acorn squash can’t do! Eat, and protect yourself from this year’s cold and flu season. (more…)
Posted on October 13, 2025 by Theresa

The Colors of Fall Point to the Healthiest Foods

Guest blogger, Vicki L. VanArsdale is a freelance writer, certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. By adopting a healthy and active lifestyle, she has lost 100 lbs. Her mission is to motivate and inspire people through her actions and words. Get healthy from the inside, out is her motto. Learn more on Vicki’s blog.

Fall brings cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage on the East coast, which is why it’s my favorite season. In addition, I love the food. Hearty and healthy soups and stews come to life and herbal teas bring comfort. Besides apples and squash, some of my favorite fall foods are figs, pumpkin and cranberries. Other fall favorites are beets, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. These are all nutritional superstars, which should be part of any healthy diet.  (more…)

Posted on October 6, 2025 by GuestBlogger