π The Frightening Truth About Fall (and the Holiday Weight Creep)
Oct 16, 2025- Ahhh, Fall in Michigan — the air turns crisp, the trees put on their fiery fashion show, and pumpkin spice everything hits the shelves faster than you can say “sweater weather.” Kids are giddy about Halloween, plotting their costumes and candy routes like mini sugar-fueled strategists.
Now, I’ll be honest… I’m not a huge fan of the creepy side of Halloween — skeletons, blood, and things that jump out at you in the dark? No, thank you! Give me cute pumpkins, cozy sweatshirts, and caramel apples instead. (Okay, maybe *half* a caramel apple π). But hey, to each their own — if fake spiders and fog machines are your thing, rock on!
But here’s the scary part that *isn’t* make-believe: the Fall season marks the beginning of what I like to call “The Holiday Weight Gain Gauntlet.” π From Halloween candy raids to Thanksgiving feasts and endless Christmas cookies, it’s a slippery slope of sneaky snacks and stretchy pants.
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π» Trick #1 – Be Mindful, Not Mind-Full
Now is the perfect time to put a few fundamental “tricks” into play to save yourself from the dreaded holiday weight creep.
Those innocent little “grabs” — a piece of candy here, a handful of candy corn there — might not seem like much, but they can easily sneak in an extra 200–500 calories before you’ve even touched the leftover cupcakes from the office party.
Here’s the cold, sticky truth:
π¬ One small handful of candy corn packs about 110 calories of pure sugar.
π¬ Each piece of Brach’s candy corn clocks in around 8 calories and 2 grams of sugar.
π¬ That’s 100% carbs (sugar), 0% fat, 0% protein — basically, Halloween’s way of saying “Gotcha!”
This is where your food journal becomes your secret weapon. Writing down what you eat isn’t about punishment — it’s about power. When you track it, you own it.
You’ll think twice before grabbing that extra handful, because let’s face it, writing “ate 17 mini Snickers” doesn’t exactly scream goal-getter energy.
π Remember, if you eat it, lick it, taste it, or chew it — it counts! (And yes, that includes those “broken cookie pieces” that “don’t really count.” Nice try, though π.)
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πΈοΈ Trick #2 – Balance Treats with Physical Activity
Now is not the time to abandon your workouts because you’re “too busy” during the holidays. Actually, it’s quite the opposite! The holiday season is exactly when your body and mind need exercise the most.
Let’s be honest — there’s always something going on. But if you can find time to scroll Amazon for matching family pajamas, binge Hallmark movies, or “sample” the cookie dough (for quality control, of course π), then you can find time to move your body.
Exercise is your built-in stress-relief system — your real-life magic potion that combats the holiday demons: stress, anxiety, depression, and weight gain.
And the benefits? They’re better than any Black Friday deal:
β¨ Lowers stress levels (and trust me, it’s cheaper than therapy and far more effective than yelling into a pillow).
β¨ Lessens depression and anxiety.
β¨ Increases energy and self-esteem (which you’ll need when facing the office cookie tray or those family photos under fluorescent lighting π ).
β¨ Both relaxes and invigorates you — think of it as a mood-boosting double espresso for your soul.
β¨ Promotes weight loss or at least sustainability, because holding steady through the holidays is a major win.
β¨ And most importantly, it gives your immunity a boost — helping you stay strong and healthy through cold, flu, and fruitcake season alike.
Your workouts don’t have to be long — they just have to be consistent. Even 10 to 20 minutes of intentional movement can do wonders for your body, energy, and mindset. Take a brisk walk after dinner, dance while you’re cleaning, or sneak in a Trainer Girl “10 & Again” workout before your morning coffee.
So yes — exercise is key. It keeps you grounded, glowing, and guilt-free through the chaos.
π Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup — so refill it with movement, energy, confidence, and strength… not sugar.
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π Trick #3 – Create a Plan
Planning isn’t about perfection — it’s about preparation. And right now is the perfect time to make your game plan before the holiday madness kicks in.
Decide in advance which treats you’ll indulge in and how you’ll balance them. When you allow yourself a set number of “treat” calories, you remove the guilt and deprivation that often lead to overeating. You’re in control — not the candy bowl.
Just remember, those treat calories don’t disappear into thin air (though wouldn’t that be nice?). They still have to be accounted for! You can balance them by eliminating calories elsewhere in your day, increasing your activity level, or — better yet — doing both.
When you plan ahead, you’re not “missing out” — you’re simply mastering moderation. You’ve taken control of the situation, stayed focused on your goals, and prevented that wicked sugar witch from sneaking up to cast her weight-gain, low-energy, lethargy spell on you.
Bottom line: planning is key. Your calendar might get crazy, but your choices don’t have to.
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π§ Trick #4 – Hydrate Before You Hibernate
Before you reach for another cookie or candy cane, ask yourself — am I actually hungry, or just dehydrated?
Dehydration can play some wicked tricks on your body. It can make you feel hungry when you’re really just thirsty, zap your energy, slow your metabolism, and even dull your glow.
Drinking enough water keeps your metabolism humming, your digestion moving, your energy steady, and your skin sparkling brighter than a holiday light display. Think of water as your body’s best defense — it flushes out toxins, reduces bloating, and keeps you feeling your best through all the festivities.
A good rule of thumb? Half your body weight in ounces per day. Add more if you’re working out, sweating, or sipping on dehydrating holiday cocktails.
Try these Trainer Girl hydration hacks:
π§ Start your day with a full glass of water before coffee.
π§ Carry a cute water bottle with you — because when it matches your outfit, you’ll actually use it.
π§ Add lemon, cucumber, or berries for a little festive flavor (and fewer excuses).
Hydrate, glow, repeat — because no one wants to start the new year feeling like a shriveled snowflake. π
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π The Fab 4: Your Holiday Survival Tricks
There you have it — your Fab 4:
1οΈβ£ Be Mindful
2οΈβ£ Balance Treats with Physical Activity
3οΈβ£ Create a Plan
4οΈβ£ Hydrate Before You Hibernate
These aren’t just “tips” — they’re your holiday survival strategy. They’ll help you stay focused, feel amazing, and roll into the new year strong, not stuffed.
So this Halloween season, it really doesn’t have to be a trick or treat. With a few healthy tricks, you can enjoy a few treats — without the fear of holiday weight gain. Balance is key.
Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not endured. You can still celebrate, indulge a little, and live fully — without losing your progress or your power. It’s all about mindful choices, movement, planning, and hydration — your Fab 4 foundation for staying fit, fabulous, and in control through the most tempting season of the year.
β¨ Invest in yourself — you’re worth it. β¨
