Eating Together Counts -- because we thrive together!

Autumn is such a beautiful season — the changing of the landscape, the crisp chill in the air, the fun activities, and the food. Oh, the food. Apple and pumpkin and…well, apple and pumpkin tend to be my two favorite foods of autumn!

With autumn come some great activities for families — going on hayrides, making your way through cornfield mazes, exploring pumpkin patches, apple picking (apple and pumpkin rearing their glorious heads again!), as well as raking leaves…which some might not find so enjoyable. However, that task can be less daunting if you turn it into a family activity — and it can actually be fun if you have little ones who like to jump in the leaves!

If you look at autumn that way, then you can strike a balance between the fabulous autumn treats — like apple and pumpkin anything (or everything!) — and the activities that get us moving and burning calories. Luckily for me, I have a 3-year-old niece who likes to take advantage of the cool weather to spend a lot of time outdoors, running around (literally running around) in the leaves, with me chasing behind her (OK, OK, I’m not really keeping up with her, but at least I’m moving!).

Did you know that October is “National Eat Better, Eat Together Month”? That’s once component of the notion behind Together Counts, a nationwide program that works toward inspiring an active (and healthy) lifestyle. The principle behind Together Counts is “Energy Balance” — a balance between the calories we consume and the calories we burn. One would think that’s not exactly brain surgery, but if we look around, we can see that’s not the case.

I know that’s not always the case for myself. And I can look at my own kids, who usually spend the majority of their day either in a desk at school or lying on the couch (or their bed), texting, on the computer, and watching TV. That’s certainly not helping burn calories! Especially since they aren’t eating an apple while doing so — more like junk food!

But autumn activities can help break that routine…and if we make an effort, together, as a family, to work on achieving an “Energy Balance,” we can expect to see positive changes — in our energy level, our weight, our health, and our overall sense of well-being. Don’t forget to grab an apple, while you’re enjoying those autumn activities!

Eating together as a family almost always means better food choices (and better food and fewer calories in general) — but it also is connected to better relationships within families and the overall well-being of family members. Gather around the table tonight (and whenever you get the chance) and see how much better it makes you feel! And, after dinner, consider doing something together…like taking a walk. Hint: It goes far in achieving your family’s Energy Balance!

Together Counts is a ground-breaking coalition that brings together approximately 200 retailers, restaurants, food and beverage manufacturers, sporting goods and insurance companies, and professional sports organizations with the same purpose — to get more families to eat together and be active together to achieve Energy Balance. Take the pledge…and learn how eating and being active together counts! At the Together Counts website, you will find great resources like interactive tools, activity sheets, and much, much more…all designed to help your family achieve your Energy Balance!

Don’t miss the Together Counts Twitter Party on October 17 at 8 p.m. EST.

Check out Together Counts on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for some great tips and ideas!

This post was written as part of a sponsored campaign from Global Influence. My opinions are 100% honest and 100% mine.