Diets that advise you to eat a low amount of carbohydrates have gone part of way to increase awareness of differences of carbs. The Glycemic Index has also helped us to determine that all carbs are not created equal. Some kinds of carbohydrates help promote health, but others actually increase risk for diseases like diabetes and coronary heart disease.

What should we eat?

The general rule is that highly processed carbs are not as good for us as natural carbs. How can we get away from highly refined foods - it's everywhere you look!

Here are some techniques for buying food:

1. Educate yourself. learn to read backs of packages of food and know difference between a processed food and a natural food. (However, if it's packaged in a box, bag, or can - chances are it's processed.) 2. Go to store with a list. 3. Do not go to store hungry. 4. Do not go to fast food restaurants. instead try out diners or restaurants that boast home cooked meals. 5. Get your fruits and vegetables from farmers markets or farm stands whenever possible. Not only will you save money, you will also be getting better quality produce.

Read more about The Glycemic Index: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates.html

Need help counting your carbs? http://www.NutriCounter.com The NutriCounter is right device for helping you monitor your carbohydrate intake. It stores and tracks nine nutrients including calories, total fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, cholesterol, sugar, and fiber. It's available in Palm OS and Pocket PC software or as a hand held unit.

Renee Kennedy is the editor of the monthly ezine NutriCounter Update. Come and visit the NutriCounter web site at http://www.nutricounter.com/news.htm for an extensive selection of articles on health, nutrition and exercise.

Take any leftovers from candy or party to office, or (heaven forbid!) throw them out!

If your kids do go out to collect treats, have them hide those treats where you won’t find them. And suggest they ration treats out over several days so candy doesn’t fill them up and prevent them from eating healthier fare.

If you don’t have children, consider leaving your lights off (the signal in most communities that you’re not inviting trick-or-treaters) and go out for evening. Go see a movie, or wear a costume to a zany restaurant where it would be appreciated!

Rake leaves by hand to burn calories (be sure to wear work gloves to avoid blisters!) It will help undo some candy munching. You might also chop and stack firewood, trim back shrubs, or do other yard work in crisp autumn air.

When Halloween is over, start planning your healthy Thanksgiving meal. Look at cookbooks, magazines, newspapers and web sites for lower fat, lower sugar versions of some of your holiday favorites and get ready to enjoy a day of relaxation, or at least a day with family and friends even if you’re working hard in kitchen (at least you’re not working at office!) Focus on warmth of relationships and fireside, and stuff turkey only!