]See the attached image?  This is my coffee table while watching TV. This is why I do NOT purchase my Halloween candy until the day before Halloween.  Although I do have self control and only had 2 or 3 pieces.  However, the kids came on Halloween night with pounds of chocolate and now I have all this tempting candy in my house.  The truth is….if it sits here, then it will be eaten by my hubby, my kids and me. So….this is my fool proof plan:

1.    Keep candy out of sight and reach at all times

2.    Let the kids eat two pieces of candy after they get back from trick or treating.  Yes, that   correct….only two pieces.  I implemented this rule when they were toddlers, so they don’t even think twice about it.

3.    For two days, give them ONE piece of candy in their lunch to bring to school, ONE piece after they get home from school AFTER a healthy snack and ONE piece after a well-balanced dinner. 

4.    On the third day, throw the candy away or give it away to a dentist candy “buy back” program, or donate it to your local school/church to send over to the troops.

YOU are in control…do NOT let Halloween be the first day of you holiday season downward spiral!  NO EXCUSES!