Somehow, I have survived the Halloween season without picking up any extra pounds. On Halloween’s past, I would nibble here and there on candy corn, peanut butter cups and whatever baked goods are lying around all day but this year, I stood my ground and snacked on healthy alternatives. I blame Halloween last year for the extra 10 lbs that steadily increased the size of my bum and I swore that this holiday season would include a healthier and more confident girl. How did I make it through Halloween and maintain? Here are some tips to follow that work perfectly for a delectable Halloween season:

1. Take a bite and put it down!  I spent a great deal of my Halloween baking pumpkin cupcakes, chocolate truffles and pumpkin bread… trust me, this is not an easy rule to follow but it works!  I only allowed myself to try half of a cupcake, not the entire thing along with tasting the truffle mix, not having an entire truffle.  I made sure that I had a snack (like a VitaMuffin) that was a healthy alternative and I kept myself satisfied without any crazy, sugary sabotage.
2. Trade the snickers for the pretzels.  This might sound lame but if you stock up on healthier trick or treats, you will be saving yourself from the internal struggle that would surely ensue if you had chocolate covered heaven all over your house.  For one thing, it is probably cheaper and for another, the pretzels and popcorn balls aren’t that bad after all!
3. Burn some calories that day.  Sure you might plan on partying your butt off that night and walking all over the place but if you start the day off with a nice run or walk through the neighborhood, you are much more likely to have a healthier halloween than if you sleep in and mope around wondering what everyone is going to dress up as.
4. WATER IS GOOD FOR YOU….DRINK IT!  I am pretty sure that I include this in any article that I write but if you stay hydrated, the world and your body will be a better place.  If you plan on having a long night out with friends, make sure you drink your water!  You are a million times less likely to be hung over in the morning if you are hydrated and you will be more beautiful and your skinny pants will love you for it!
5. Last but not least, don’t buy a costume thinking that you are going to lose 10 lbs before Halloween so that you can fit into it.  It is like a wedding dress… NEVER buy smaller than what you are when you try it on.  It is much easier to pin some loose ends up than it is to try to make something bigger.  Trust me on this one.

I hope this happy helping of Halloween tricks helps you set some goals and guidelines for this holiday season!  Please remember to stay active and healthy this time of year.  People seem to get caught up in holiday festivities and lose sight of their long term goals, only to have to start from the beginning again in January.  So be safe and healthy and enjoy your Halloween!