Halloween is the start of the holiday eating season, but it doesn't have to result in extra pounds that linger into the New Year. It's possible to enjoy the treats of the season without blowing your diet. One of the best tactics is to buy candy that you don't like so that you're less likely to indulge. {relatedarticles}Wait until the very last minute to buy candy to hand out - the longer it sits around, the more tempted you'll be to eat some. But most parents admit to pinching their kids' candy, so what's to stop you from picking out your favorites when they bring it home? Parents should always screen kids' bags for loosely wrapped or unwrapped candy, and throw those away. If what's left is too tempting, then put another adult in charge of it or put it somewhere you won't think about it.

Freezing leftover candy is a great way to make it last and to use it sparingly. Carve up those miniatures into shavings for a glam dessert garnish, or chop up candy bars for frozen yogurt topping. Leftover chocolate can be melted and used as fruit dip.{relatedarticles} Chop and add to fruit breads or whole-grain pancakes for a more healthful treat. If you're worried about the kids' sugar intake, then allow them a few pieces after trick-or-treating and for a few days after the holiday. Then use a barter system to rid them of the rest of the candy. Small toys, stickers or even cold, hard cash is hard to refuse in exchange for a few pieces of candy. With some creative thinking, Halloween doesn't have to spook your diet.