Halloween is just around the corner! Pumpkins are on porches, skeletons hang from doors, Halloween candy is everywhere, and you’re still trying to decide on the perfect costume for a Halloween swap, date party or that weekend of going out. But don’t be scared, you still have plenty of time to decide what you’ll dress up as.

I think one of my favorite parts about Halloween is the candy and other related food that come with the season. From orange Kit Kats and Oreos to candy corn, Jack-O-Lantern pretzels, pumpkin cookies from Panera Bread and tons more, there’s ample amounts of opportunities to get your sugar fix. But it’s also the hardest part for me; if you can’t already tell, I have a major sweet tooth.

Halloween kickstarts the long period of months filled with fun and time well spent with family during holidays. With Thanksgiving and Christmas not too far ahead, the sugary treats and possibility of over eating continue until late December. There are tons of holiday parties, eating while watching football games on TV and, yes, more candy. My sweet tooth has once again kicked in.   

So the question is, how does one avoid all the sugar alongside the possibility of gaining the “freshman 15” over these next few months? My response, don’t avoid it. These holidays only come once a year, so don’t feel guilty for having an extra handful of candy corn or Christmas cookie, for I know I will. YOLO. But one thing I do suggest is not waiting 'til January 1st to make healthier choices and work out everyday to lose those extra pounds gained from the holidays season. It may sound silly, but if you start that healthy mentality now, it will be much easier to control your portions and not feel guilty when eating six Christmas cookies down the road (knowing you are working out regularly).    

Freshman, if you think the Turner Center is busy now, just wait until you get back from Christmas break. The amount of people in there now will probably double that first month back, then slowly drop until it's time to start working on your beach bod for Spring Break. But if the Turner Center is your thing, go for it! You’re working out and that’s what counts. But if you’re like me and hate the crowds at the Turner Center, here are a few other options you could try to help kickstart your healthiness before the holiday season approaches.

There are tons of local gyms in Oxford such as Anytime Fitness, Ice Core Fitness, and Oxford Crossfit. On the Square there is Pure Barre and PureRyde too. If the gym life isn’t for you, try Lamar Park or Whirlpool Trails. Both are great for walking, running, or biking. I’m a personal fan of Whirlpool Trails, as I tend to run there a few times a week. Whirlpool has multiple trails, so you never feel like it's overcrowded.

Working out will keep you physically and mentally in shape. It’s a nice break time during a hectic week or a method of stress relief from exam studying. My goal for this article was not to scare you away from the holiday treats that are already filling the stores and probably sorority houses. I have seen so many people get angry with themselves over their weight gain during the holidays, and trust me, I’ve been there too. So in hopes of avoiding that, find a fun and an enjoyable way to work out these next few months.  Start early and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re trying to fit into that tight sparkly dress for New Year's Eve.