If you have kids or are surrounded by young kids, chances are you'll be knee deep in sweets for the next week. And if you don't have kids, you'll have to deal with your own temptations.

Did you know that 1 really bad day of eating could increase your abdominal fat and cause you to gain 1-2 pounds?

Here are a few tips to help you to avoid gaining abdominal fat in the next few days.

Tip #1: Eat a balanced meal before going trick-or-treating!

Eating a balanced meal and feeding your kids a balanced meal is a great way to curb the sugar/ dessert cravings. Try to fill up on lean protein, veggies, and fiber before your first piece of candy.

Tip #2: Workout before going out!

If you workout or exercise before trick-or-treating, your body will be more sensitive to insulin. All this means is that your blood sugar will be lower and your hormones won't fluctuate as dramatically after you eat candy or desserts.

You body will digest sugar a little better if you workout before going out.

Tip #3: Eat a piece of fruit before you eat a piece of candy.

Before sitting down to a big bag of candy, eat a piece of fruit and drink 8 ounces of water. Eating fruit and drinking water has a significant role on satiety (the feeling of fullness). You'll likely eat much less candy if you start with fruit and water.

Tip #4: Give away the excess.

After Halloween, it's time to purge your kitchen and cabinets of the remaining temptations. Bring the extra candy to work or give it to someone else who can distribute it elsewhere.

You could always throw away the excess, but I know that seems wasteful. So try to give away the excess candy the day after.

Tip #5: Don't eat any candy at all!

I know this is a hard tip to follow. But, I want you to know that candy can be very addictive. Once you have 1 piece, you may feel like you need to keep eating until you're sick (I've been there.)

Do your best to resist temptation. We're all human, but if you can avoid eating a ton of sugar over the next days, you can avoid gaining excess abdominal fat.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Charles

P.S. Read more about low carb diet plans to lose fat.

P.S.S Reece's Peanut Butter Cups are one on my favorites, but I'm going to try not eating any.