Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls, oh my! With that first chill of autumn air, candy and costumes take over the streets, and Halloween is here once again.

But if you’re not one to gorge yourself with sugary Halloween treats crammed with fat, there are many ways to maintain a healthy diet during the Halloween season. There’s nothing scarier than a belly bulge topping off your jeans.

Believe it or not, there are many nutritious alternatives to the candy you collect from your neighbors. Small bags of pretzels, trail mix, or even a granola bar are treats worth the dig to the bottom of your candy sack. If you’re the one passing out the treats, nuts, dried fruit, or 100-Calorie Snack Packs are all nutritious options.

Instead of snacking on the container crammed with chocolate, bring your own snack to this year’s Halloween party. Bugs on a Stick is always a crowd pleaser. Cut up small pieces of celery and spread peanut butter on the top. Place a few raisins, or the bugs, on top of the peanut butter, and voila! A healthy treat is born.

Unfortunately, most people don’t have the best self control when a bowl of M&M’s is sitting right in front of them. For those who can’t resist sweets, they should stick to the fun-sized or mini versions of their favorite candies. Health teacher Tess Gauthier believes that people’s main concern at Halloween is sugar consumption.

“You can choose to stick to low-fat or low-sugar treats at Halloween,” Gauthier said.

Senior Megan Cullip, who is diabetic, knows all about watching her sugar intake. Eating too much candy could raise her blood sugar, which would have serious effects.

“If my blood sugar is high for too long, it could deteriorate my organs,” Cullip said.

Candies are available in sugar-free options, a healthy recommendation for all treat-seekers.

“The sugar-free Reese’s Cups are my favorite,” Cullip said.

When temptation takes over, nibble on candy that takes more time to eat, such as a lollipop, to ultimately consume fewer calories. One lollipop will set you back 50 calories, two Hershey’s kisses are 40 calories, and York Peppermint Patties Miniatures are 50 calories each.

Also, look for jelly beans and candy corn. Small chewy candies like these will fill you up faster,  and you’ll eat less.

Halloween only comes once a year. So, while you should keep your health in mind at the end of October, you shouldn’t deprive yourself.

Gauthier says that it’s not good when people deny themselves of sweets. As long as portion control is in check, feel free to snag some chocolate this Halloween.

“We all know what the day is. It’s a day of treats and candy. Just have fun,” she said.

Polakoff can be reached for comment at [email protected].