My 10 Halloween Survival Tips

Halloween is here, and I thought I'd share a few things that I do to be able to celebrate and not feel all the post-Halloween guilt later. Life is about balance, after all! You can treat yourself, and still not completely de-rail all your efforts you have been putting in. Or at least not feel terrible tomorrow. These are also great ideas as we head into the Holiday season.

1) Drink water. Lots of it. Especially if you are going to be having some drinks later this evening. Not only will it prevent dehydration later, but you will also make better choices if you are not confusing hunger with thirst, or drinking your calories later.

2) Start off with a good breakfast. Fill up on protein, and limit the carbs. Eating a breakfast not only makes sure your metabolism is working, but it will set the pace for making sure you do not end up indulging too much later tonight.

3) Do not show up hungry. Eat small, protein packed meals throughout the day. And plan these ahead of time. The better you plan and prepare, the less likely you are to make a bad choice later.

4) Keep a food journal. When you see what you are eating, and track that, you will see all those little snacks you grab, those treats you finished of the kids, or for many of us, the LACK of food you eat during the day.

5) Exercise. For the healthy benefits and the stress relief. Get a good sweat session in, and earn those snacks later. Start with a lifting session and finish with some cardio, and you'll be burning extra calories all day long. I also like to workout right before a party or event, and then eat a good post workout meal. You will be feeling great during the party, you'll still have that post-workout serotonin rush, and be less likely to want all the treats.

6) Make good drink decisions. Not all drinks are created the same. Making a better drink choice can save you hundreds of calories. My favorite making a La Croix mixed drink (Lime La Croix with lime gin, and some lime juice and mint makes a healthier mojito option). Limit yourself! You'll feel better tomorrow, and be less likely to make bad decisions. (food and otherwise.)

7) Choose your treat. And then limit yourself. Find your favorite, and enjoy a small portion. Then stop. When you are done throw your plate away or get it away from you. If you have your plate in front of you it is so much easier to just keep eating.

8) Give yourself grace. You are human and it is ok to have fun and enjoy life! I believe in the 85% 15% rule. If you are taking care of your body 85% of the time, you are then giving yourself the ability to enjoy some treats without the guilt. This takes work, but it is worth it. If you are having lots of treats tonight, then that means you will not be treating the next week like it is also a party.

9) Have an accountability partner. Find a friend and ask them to join you in not eating ALL THE FOOD! Having someone else who will also be making healthy choices helps empower you to do the same.

10) Bring healthy snack options with you. Find a veggie tray, fruit salad, hummus or healthy drinks, and bring them along! If you want to eat it, then I'm sure others will as well.

I like the saying "One bad meal doesn't make you fat, and one healthy meal doesn't make you skinny." But, one bad evening can leave you feeling terrible the next morning. If we head into Halloween (and the holiday season) with a plan, we can enjoy and feel great at the same time!

#Halloween #SurvivalGuide #PartyTips #HealthySnacks