You got the costume. You decorated your home. You bought the candy. You’re all set for Halloween. Now those sweet, little treats keep haunting you to gobble them up. Just one, you think. Maybe two, you reason. Okay, three and that’s it!!! And somehow, over the course of a few minutes, hours or days, you’ve managed to eat more than your fair share of a “reasonable” amount.

All the hard work you do at the gym and the discipline you’ve had when it comes to your diet has been sabbotaged because let’s face it, Halloween is more than just a day…it’s practically a month-long temptation-riding spook that’ll come back to haunt you on your hips, belly, butt, and thighs!

Well, as scary as Halloween can be, there are some “tricks” you can do to avoid binging on those enticing treats.

Here are my Top 5 Tips to help you stay on the health and fitness track during Halloween season.

1.) Don’t buy the treats (or bake them!) until the last minute.

Retailers have done a great job of getting you to buy those candies a month – even two in advance. The shelves are stocked. The sales are on. If you wait until the last minute all the “good stuff” will be gone. Gimme a break!!! Have you ever seen how much candy is at the store on Nov. 1st? Simply put, if you buy early, you’re just asking to be lured into the temptation trap. Please Wait. Your waistline will thank you for it.

2.) Buy stuff you don’t like.

I got this tip from one of my clients. I couldn’t believe I didn’t think of this myself, but I think it’s brilliant! By buying things you don’t like, you won’t even go near that candy bowl.

3.) Hide it.

The chips, the chocolate, the candy, all of it. Put it out of sight and store it somewhere that’s not easily accessible! Sure, you can put it in the cupboard. You know, the one you open every day for coffee/tea or spices. NO, who are you kidding?! Do you think that’s really gonna work? You’ll see them every day! Make an honest effort to really keep them out of sight and reach until you actually need them…like an hour before the trick-or-treaters come.

4.) If you absolutely can’t resist and must have something, practice self-control.

Make the decision before you snack that there is a limit, (pick your number). If you do successfully manage to have only that amount, hooray to you! High FIve! You’ve actually mastered mind over matter. But do the following tip, just incase.

5.) Don’t throw out your wrappers right away.

Keep them in sight. What? Why? Well, most people I know have a hard time eating just one little treat. You know the drill. I’ll eat just one. But oh, that was sooo good, let me try another one. A different one. Oh look, I haven’t had these in years! Before you know it, you’ve gobbled way more than your good intentions reasoned with you. By leaving the wrappers in sight, you’ll actually SEE how MUCH you’ve eaten. And yes, those little, tiny chocolates do add up. Let it be a lesson learned. What’s done is done. Now down a huge glass of water, go brush your teeth and get on the elliptical/treadmill and PROMISE yourself you won’t make the same mistake again!

And just to be clear, having a workout after your binge will not make up for all those calories consumed. But it will make you feel better (because a sugar crash or energy lull is coming), and it will motivate you to get back on track.

Happy Halloween!!!

About the Author

Bianca Schaefer is a 360 Holistic Health who inspires a global community to take charge of their lives through nourishing their body, mind and spirit with delicious healthy foods, an active lifestyle and a mindset that believes anything is possible! Her mission is to help others realize their greatest potential and use their unique talents to be an inspiration to others. Find out more about Bianca on her personal website, www.BiancaSchaefer.com