Halloween unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday feasting? season. And for anyone trying to watch their weight, this can be a real test of? willpower.? Like our shrinking?economy, candy bars have been downsized.??And while these fun-sized morsels may seem harmless, consuming them adds?nothing more than empty calories.

One snack-sized bar of chocolaty goodness contains 100 calories.? Multiply that by the number times you?dip your hand into the candy jar, and the numbers start to add up.??Before you know it, weight creeps up and things are feeling a wee bit?tight around the middle.

The way I see, the real challenge lies in not?succumbing?to the ?see food diet.?? Just?because it?s there, doesn?t mean you have to eat it.??According to Dr. Brian Wansink, a Cornell researcher and author of
Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think, “we eat more of visible?foods because it causes us to think about it more, and every time you see the?candy bowl you have to decide whether … you want a piece of candy or?not.?

Simply stated,?thinking?of?food makes us hungry.?And that urge?is magnified when we see or smell something associated with food.

So what?s a goblin to do???Here are a few tips to help you avoid overindulging in snack-sized?sweets.

Don?t buy candy you like. It?s easier to resist a snack attack if you don?t like what?s in the
cupboard. For most of us, that means staying clear of chocolate. Sour patch?kids, gummy bears, and hard candy are lower in fat, calories and typically not?candy we overeat.
Out of sight, out of mind. Before the festivities begin, see if you can get your coworkers to?agree to keeping the extras stashed in a cabinet.
Savor one piece of your favorite candy when the urge?strikes. Decide what you want and when you want it.??Then savor the moment.??Denial can lead to binging.??But remember, eating candy is like wearing perfume ? a little dab?ll do?ya!
Chew gum. Sugarless gum is low in calories and gives your mouth a burst of?sweet sensation.? According to?Lona Sandon, MEd, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic?Association, “Studies have shown that gum chewing can also help [you] relieve?stress, mentally focus on tasks, satisfy a sweet tooth, overcome the urge to eat?candy, and help manage hunger pangs to hold you over until your next?meal.”
Upgrade your junk food. Try a small piece of organic dark chocolate or enjoy your favorite?fruit for some natural sweetness.
Count the empty wrappers. It?s tough to moderate your intake when you?re not aware of how much?you?re eating.? Keep the empty?wrappers on your desk so you won?t lose track.
Avoid the hungry horrors. Eat breakfast and be sure to include some protein for sustainable?energy.?And don?t forget to pack a?few healthy snacks along with your lunch. Being prepared will help you win the?snack attack battle.

Happy Halloween Everyone!