Halloween Candy: The beginning of the end

photo courtesy of Flickr

Halloween can mean the beginning of winter weight gain. You start with the leftover candy, segue into fall baking, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cookies and candies, the grand Christmas feast and finish it off with a Superbowl party.

But, Halloween candy can be okay if you watch what you're doing.

• Eat Tootsie Pops instead of Tootsie Rolls. I know those cute little rolls only have 13 calories to a pop's 60. But realistically the pop will last lots longer. And who are you trying to kid? You'll never eat just one Tootsie Roll.


• Eat Peanut M&M's instead of regular M&M's in the Fun Pak size. You'll save 50 calories a bag.


• Choose Milk Duds over a fun size Milky way and save 50 calories.


• Have a treat size of Twizzlers instead of raisins and you'll save 55 calories.

Don't take this as permission to sit and snack as you write. I you're going to splurge just have one or two servings after that, step away from the pumpkin. I also advocate purchasing candy that you don't like (Skittles, YUCK!) and not overbuying just because it's a bargain. With a little planning you can put off the weight gain until the PTA Bake Sale!

10 Minute Workouts for Writers

If you're a writer chances are you spend most of your time at your desk, the dining room table or down at your local coffee shop pounding away on your computer. Even if you do make it to the gym three times a week it may not be enough to counteract all the time spent sitting. So why not give ten minute workouts a try? If you'll do them throughout the day you'll be more alert and productive throughout your workday.

These are my top 5 ten minute workouts for writers:

1) If the weather is nice take a ten minute walk. Just walk as quickly as you can for five minutes and then turn around and come back.

2) Take a ten minute dance break. Put on your Boogie Shoes and Do the Hustle or the Achy Breaky Heart. You'll have a smile on your face and have energy to spare.

3) Do ten minutes of yoga. Pull up this YouTube video for a ten minute session of standing balance poses.

4) If you have something more strenuous in mind try this 10 minute interval training video also courtesy of YouTube.

5) Dust off your treadmill/elliptical/mini-trampoline and go for it in ten minute bursts. Who said you can't use it if you're not working out for an hour?

If you're not inspired by any of these options there are some great 10 minute workout videos available. You can check them out at my Amazon store or click the links below. Whatever you do make sure to take a 10 minute workout break at least every couple of hours.


10 Minute Solution: Blast Off Belly Fat

10 Minute Solution: Fat Blasting Dance Mix

10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates

10 Minute Solution: Tone Trouble Zones

The Biggest Loser: 5 tips for WAHM's to Compete

All around the country office workers are setting up their own version of The Biggest Loser and the pounds are flying off. But what about us Work at Home Moms and Dads? Well you can do it too, even though you're usually flying solo. Here are 5 tips to get you started.

• People who work at home have networks of friends and family the same as everyone else. Send out an email to all of your contacts and ask people to participate.
• Either decide on a diet that everyone will follow or ask each individual to outline what lifestyle changes they'll be making.
• Go to Qlubb.com or Yahoo groups and set up a site for all participants.
• Have everyone to post measurements and weight. (Measurements are crucial because the inches may fall off faster than the pounds.)
• Set a time frame for the competition.

There you go, you're own Biggest Loser competition and you didn't even have to leave home!