Slim Down Secrets: 10 tips for a healthy Halloween

Halloween may be a time of tricks and treats, but that's no excuse to give up on your healthy holiday goals.

While there are sugary snacks lurking around every corner this time of year, there are simple tips to follow that will help you curb your cravings and avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain.

Two Valley nutrition experts are serving up their secrets to a healthy and happy Halloween.

Fitness and nutrition expert Tiffani Bachus says you can tackle the holidays and still have fun, but there are six things to keep in mind...

Avoid “banking” your calories. Start your day off right, without skimping on breakfast, lunch or dinner. By eating frequent small meals throughout the day full of good nutrients (e.g. vegetables, protein, fruit, small amounts of healthy fat and grains), you will stay satiated. This means you're less likely to overeat when the tempting treats are in front of you.

Keep the candy out of sight. Wait to open the bag(s) of candy until the treat-or-treaters arrive. It’s hard to resist when the candy is available and is an easy to access. Another key tip to help you keep from eating the candy while it’s in your home..don’t buy your favorites. Purchase healthy options such as raisins, fruit snacks, pretzels or tiny toys.

Move your body. Aerobic exercise is a fat burning activity that continues to help your body burn calories after your workout, plus it’s an appetite suppressant. Get in a good workout during the day and take a neighborhood walk with your kids, grandkids, or even your dog in the evening! It’s fun to watch the kids trick-or-treat while you get in a little exercise yourself.

Don’t deprive yourself. Vowing not to eat any candy maybe unrealistic. Rather than completely avoiding candy, pick out the healthier options like dark chocolate, which has less sugar and more antioxidants. Also try to not eat to excess. If candy is a trigger food, you may do best to have one piece and get rid of the rest. No matter what, enjoy the sweet fix without guilt. There is no reason to beat yourself up over a tiny indulgence.

Hydrate! Drink plenty of fluid throughout the day and into the evening.

Have FUN! Halloween isn’t just about candy and treats… it’s about the costumes, and spending time with friends and family. So, relax and have fun today!

Registered dietitian Michelle Dudash is also sharing her simple fixes that will keep you and your family happy this holiday season...

Keep it sealed. An unopened bag of candy takes more effort to get into than an open, easy-to-grab-from package. Wait to open bags of candy until the festivities begin, which will not only save you up to 100 calories per piece, but add to the specialness of the evening’s events.

Out of sight, out of mind. Keep candy for the trick-or-treaters hidden away until the night of. When it's not in plain sight you will be much less likely to go searching for it.

Have a pre-party dinner. A hearty, wholesome dinner leaves less room in everyone’s tummies for sweets later. Some nutritiously delicious ideas include a bean and lean beef chili bar with toppings such as shredded cheese, plain Greek yogurt, sliced green onion, diced tomatoes and avocado slices. Another warming option is silky butternut squash soup. For extra flair, serve it in scooped-out, roasted mini pumpkins.

Plan for the day after. After the big day, sort through the candy with your children and allow them to pick out their favorites. A reasonable amount per day could be one or two treats for the rest of the week. From there, donate candy to a dentist’s cash-back program, send to military troops, or take the rest to your workplace and share with co-workers so you won’t be tempted to finish it off yourself.

To learn more about Tiffani Bachus, go to www.urockgirl.com and www.totalbalancedbody.com , or you can follow her on Twitter @tiffbachusfit. For more of Michelle’s food tips, visit her blog at www.michelledudash.com .