It is that time of year again, where the Halloween candy is still lurking in bowls throughout the house, calling our name. Not to mention, it's leading us right into the most caloric holiday in our country, Thanksgiving. The wonderful aromas of pumpkin and apple spices fill the air. While both are not bad for you, the permission to allow yourself to go into a season of overeating is by all means detrimental. I overhead a friend of mine say the other day, “Well, I guess it does not even matter since we’re going right into the holidays, so I will just eat what I want now and worry about it in the new year.” My response, “Is it really worth it? Do you really want to deal with an extra five to ten pounds? Not to mention, how sluggish and miserable you will feel?”

Please, please, please, I beg of you, say “no” to Mr. Reese's or your health and well-being will fall into pieces. Ignore Mr. Snickers or he will have the last laugh. And that ever so conniving couple M&M may melt in your mouth but not off your hips and thighs. Freeze, give away, or donate your candy to the troops or dare I say throw it out! If you deny yourself the permission this very week to overindulge in these “not so worth it” treats, you will have conquered a vulnerable time in the American Eating Calendar. Get through this and you will be stronger, when Mr. Turkey comes gobbling to your front door with all his tempting trimmings and not so humble pie friends.

So, you also have roughly seven weeks until Christmas. This is a perfect time to set some goals for yourself. What about a fabulous new cocktail dress for Christmas Eve? I know you want to look great on New Year’s Eve. Find something that will help you kick-off the New Year as a new you! Make the change now, so you’ll shine and be a step ahead of the rest of society. Think Vegas, South Beach or another warm destination where you want to look and feel your best. Plan your trip for New Year’s or January, so you will work towards that goal. If a trip is not your thing, find something that is close to your beautiful heart that motivates you. Remember, you’re worth more than a peanut butter cup!

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.