So, here’s the goal if you’re already at a healthy weight: Do not gain any weight!  And if you’re overweight and you want to get to a healthier weight, THIS is your month to lose it!  It’s a great time to make a healthy lifestyle change.  If you choose to accept this challenge, you can prevent the inevitable weight gain brought on by the festive foods of the fast approaching holiday season… apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cheese cake, maple walnut fudge…YOU know what I’m talking about!!  Now that Halloween just passed, it’s important to make sure that any of that leftover candy is eaten in moderation…or not at all if you’re really being careful!

When I was in the process of losing my weight a couple years ago, I lost 4 pounds during “No Gain November.”  I’ll take that!!  That’s an average of a pound a week, which is a slow, steady, safe amount to lose.  It wasn’t easy, obviously, because you are constantly surrounded by tasty baked sweet treats and calorie-laden delights.  You’re also wearing those big cumfy-cozy sweaters which seem to hide “muffin tops” perfectly!  But THAT is what makes this “No Gain November” a real challenge.  If you can lose or maintain your weight during THIS time of year, then you can do it ANYTIME!  Go for it!  Recruit a friend, roommate, coworker, sibling or spouse to join you.  Just think how much better you’ll feel (and look) by the time 2014 rolls around!

So make this month count!!  During November I’ll be doing a series of special posts that relate to this goal.  I’ll share some of the tricks I’ve tried to help me avoid fattening foods and I’ll post some healthy snack and dessert ideas that I love.  And please feel free to add some of YOUR favorite ‘healthy holiday options’ so that we can all do this together!

So, put aside that bowl of brightly packaged Halloween candy.  I know my mom’s elementary school collects the leftovers to send to soldiers oversees who give it to children in orphanges over there.  And some dentist offices do the same thing.  They need it a lot more than we do!

Good luck guys, and Happy No Gain November!