October traditionally kicks off the holiday season—Halloween rolls around at the end of the month, holiday decorations roll out in stores (if you can believe it!) and Thanksgiving isn’t too far behind. But the healthy habits you’ve been working so hard on since last January don’t have to be put on the back burner.

That’s why I corralled these fantastic tips from October magazines that will help you keep portions under control, make exercise seem for fun and more!

• Nutrition experts have been telling us for years to reach for smaller plates and bowls to subconsciously serve ourselves less and still feel satisfied. But the same rule apparently doesn’t hold true for your utensils: Mini forks influenced study participants to eat 10 to 12 percent more, FITNESS reports. Big forks mean big bites, which helps give you a visual hint that you’re chowing down and may want to consider slowing down. So mix your 9-inch plates with the larger batch of utensils if you want to try to trick yourself into eating a bit less.
• Another simple ways to cut calories? Whip up your meals at home rather than dining out or ordering takeout! Ladies Home Journal suggests bringing your lunch to school or work to save money and fat. Here are a couple of my favorite swaps (so you’ll barely notice the difference!):

• Skip: Chipotle chicken burrito (with rice, beans, sour cream, salsa and veggies): 915 calories, 31 g fat
• Pick: One large whole-wheat tortilla (like La Tortilla Factory) with 3 ounces grilled chicken, 1/4 cup black beans, 1 tablespoon plain 0% Green yogurt, salsa and veggies: 390 calories, 5 g fat

• Skip: Arby’s Roast Turkey and Swiss Market Fresh sandwich: 710 calories, 28 g fat
• Pick: Two slices whole-wheat bread, one wedge Laughing Cow Light cheese, 2 ounces deli turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion: 270 calories, 5 g fat

Psst…Make-your-own each of these meals just once each week rather than heading out for fast food and you’ll drop a pound in less than a month!

• Find some fitness motivation by simply choosing an activity that you enjoy. That’s right, it may be wiser to opt for exercise that you find fun rather than one that promises the biggest strength or endurance return (or calorie burn), SELF says, because you’ll stick with it 25 percent longer than someone who felt like they “had to.” Make it a “want” not a “must” by trying new activities (for example, try dance lessons, golf or tennis if you’re not a fan of running or spinning) until you find one that you look forward to! 
• Stepping outside is another simple way to make fitness more fun. Study participants who ran on an outdoor track instead of a treadmill said the workout was more pleasant and maintained a steadier speed, a study noted in Women’s Health found. Luckily, since we’re transitioning into fall and the weather may not cooperate for fresh air workouts, similar effects can be found by distracting yourself in the gym (perhaps with good music, a football game on TV or a goofy neighbor who’s auditioning for American Idol during their run. I’m not the only one who’s run next to the karaoke fans, am I? :) )
• If you know me, you know I love my core work. But did you know that the bicycle move is the most effective stomach exercise around? Your abs and obliques are both challenged—possibly two to three times more than during a basic crunch, according to research mentioned in Redbook. See how to do it here!

Photo via Flickr user hajj2006

Do you have a favorite core exercise?