Weekend Wrap-Up

In preparation for the Halloween weekend, here's what we're reading now:

Trick-or-treaters' Halloween candy often picked off by parents - USA Today

Health Tricks for Your Halloween Treats - NYTimes.com

Which Workout is Your Best Fit? - Women'sHealth.com's Fit Coach

Halloween Health & Safety Tips - CDC courtesy of the DAC Blog

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Image courtesy of WomansDay.com.

Halloween Health & Safety Tips

In preparation for the upcoming holiday weekend, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined these tips for a safe and healthy Halloween:

All Content and Images Courtesy of the CDC

Trick or Treat: A Healthier Halloween

It's once again time for Halloween - a holiday seemingly defined by costumes and candy. Obviously, you can't overlook the fact that candy will be available, whether it's around the office or at home.

Here are a few survival tips for you (and your kids):

Don't buy Halloween candy early. Who can resist the lure of candy bags in the pantry? If you buy your candy early, chances are you'll be buying more before the holiday. Save money (and your waistline!) and buy any candy or sugary treats a day or two before you need it. Steer clear of purchasing your favorite candy, which will help you avoid eating it.

Eat before the event. Make sure everyone eats a meal before collecting candy or heading to the costume contest. This will reduce the urge to eat treats as you roam the neighborhood and may reduce the crankiness that accompanies a sugar rush and subsequent crash.

Limit candy collection time. Instead of making candy the focus of the holiday, involve your children in other activities. Participate in a neighborhood costume contest or attend a harvest festival with friends. The children will still get to dress up and enjoy the costumes, without the candy focus.

Enjoy a treat or two! Denying yourself a special treat now and then will only set you up to binge later. During Halloween, candy is perfectly sized for an individual treat, so pick your favorite and have a piece. Stash your children's candy allowing them to enjoy a piece or two every few days. You can donate or take the rest to your office to give to coworkers.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

DAC Weekend Wrap-Up

Here's what we're reading now:

Health Recipes: Comfort Food - Women's Health Magazine

Expert Q&A: How can I eat right on a business trip? - CNNHealth

Health Memphis: Adults should steer youngsters toward healthful choices - The Commercial Appeal

Maximizing Fall Fun - DAC Blog

Maximizing Fall Fun

DAC Trainers, Gene and Samantha Perepichay help their sons, Eli and Ethan, select pumpkins.

It's finally starting to feel like fall and so begins the three-month long marathon of holiday festivities. While unhealthy foods are abundant this time of year, don't forget to take advantage of the other seasonal treats and activities available.

To celebrate the season to the fullest, here are some tips for enjoying October (without a sugar crash):

Ethan Perepichay carries his pumpkin through the pumpkin patch.

• Visit the local pumpkin patch with your family to pick out a few pumpkins to carve. Walking around is great exercise and carrying a pumpkin will help burn extra calories. Enjoy carving the pumpkins together and don't forget to save the seeds for a healthy snack - rinse them, add seasoning and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until they're toasted (about 20 minutes).

• Take a tour of a nearby orchard. Fall is the perfect time to visit an orchard, especially if you're interested in enjoying the fresh fruits of the season. Plan ahead and schedule time for the family to pick apples or pears together.

• Do yard work, assigning age-appropriate tasks. Everyone can help clean up leaves, pick up sticks and decorate for the season. Don't forget to jump in the leaf pile when you're done raking!

• Host a healthier tailgate. Attending football games is a definitive part of the season, so ensure you have healthy food available. Black bean chili, grilled kabobs and fresh vegetables with Greek yogurt for dipping are all great options. Enjoy your beverage of choice, but have water between every full-calorie drink to stay properly hydrated. Don't forget to bring a Frisbee or football along to toss around with friends and family.

• Take your workouts outdoors. Cooler temperatures will allow you to push through and complete a more intense exercise routine outside. Fall is also a great time to join a running group or sign up for a 5K race.

DAC Weekend Wrap-Up

Here's what we're reading now:

The superfoods you need now - Health.com via CNNHealth

The Six Greatest Ab Exercises of All-Time - Men's Health

6 Ways to Keep the Weekend From Wrecking Your Diet - Health.com

Healthy Fats for a Healthier You - DAC Blog

Fall Sports for the Entire Family

School is back in session and you may find yourself shuttling kids to and from practices and cheering them on at sporting events. While it's always fun to be your child's number one fan, don't sit on the sidelines all season!

Instead of playing spectator all season, why not get in on the action by playing your favorite sports with friends and family? It's a perfect way to enjoy the fall weather, bond with your kids and have fun with your friends.

Here are a few ways to get back in the game:

Football: Lose the pads and helmets and opt for flags. If you find that your perfect spiral is a bit off, switch it up and play ultimate Frisbee. Like football, ultimate Frisbee still requires running and passing to keep you active throughout the game.

Tennis: It's not too hard to find a tennis court, whether it's at the local gym or park. So, grab your racquet and take advantage! If your hand-eye coordination isn't what it used to be, grab a bigger ball and use the court to play four square.

Volleyball: Playing volleyball requires jumping and squatting, making it the perfect workout for your thighs and calves. If you can't find a net, grab a partner and bump the ball back and forth.

Cross-Country: Take a break from the traditional long-distance run and incorporate some games to make it a group effort. Add sprint intervals or check-in points to add to the fun (and the workout).

Soccer: For this game, you need a soccer ball and some energy. If you're not up for a true soccer match, consider a fun game of kickball.