Almost every season holds tempting environmental challenges that could lead us astray or cause us to stumble into seemingly unavoidable situations.

There will always be birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, family get-togethers, movies, baby showers, graduations, funerals, lunch at the office, potluck dinners, the fourth of July, and the fifth of May.

How about the bakery around the corner, the local "fried chicken" drive thru, and the "hot" donut sign on the way to work. And just when you think you have made it through the grocery store unscathed, there's a whole rack of goodies around the last corner.  

We can eliminate unnecessary distractions as best we can, however, we can't control everything in our environment. But we can control our response to temptations. Therefore, we must be prepared to confront the things that we can't eliminate. 

Autumn is my favorite time of year, but temptation seems to start early in October. I've had to discover creative tricks for replacing unhealthy habits and excuses to bring unwanted ills into my environment by closing the door to temptation. 

I can't usually avoid trips to the grocery store for months, but I can do things that help me control my appetite before I go and while I'm there. I eat before I go shopping, or I sometimes grab an apple on the way into the store. (I pay for it, of course.) I sometimes pay a visit to the coffee shop and treat myself to a "skinny latte" on the way. This time of year, with candy displayed on every aisle, I can limit my visits, steer clear of the candy aisles, and avoid bringing bags of seasonal candy into the house.

Due to my personal spiritual convictions, I choose not to celebrate Halloween. Over the years my family's diversion has been to create our own traditions—we close the door, turn out the lights, eat dinner by candlelight, (or candle lit pumpkins) play games, read stories, or watch a movie.   

For those of us eating bariatric style, we dont' have to miss out on the tastes of the season, we can treat ourselves to any number of healthier alternatives such as:

• a sour apple clear liquid protein drink (for liquid food phase)
• a warm cup of coffee with whipped cream (full liquid food phase)
• a chilling chocolate protein shake (full liquid through regular food phase)
• a warm butternut squash soup (puree' and soft food phase)
• an egg soufflé (soft food phase)
• a Stuffed Pumpkin surprise dinner (regular food phase)
• or these delicious Dark Chocolate Dipped Apple Slices (regular food phase)

(You'll find these and other recipes under the recipe sections and bariatric food phases)

If you choose to hand out treats at the door, why not choose healthy snacks such as raisins, or non-edible treats such as crayons, pencils, or post it notes! Or at the very least, purchase items that don't tempt you to over-indulge. 

Don't be tricked, instead, prepare ahead. Find creative alternatives that fits your lifestyle—treating yourself (and others) to health. Enjoy the holidays—Yes, you can. You have many more miles to go!