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Quit Smoking and Weight Gain

A great number of smokers are afraid to quit because of the fear of gaining weight. Some may even think that the health risk they would face by gaining some weight would be greater than to continue to smoke. This cannot be farther from the truth. In fact, one would have to become 125lbs overweight to attain the same risk factor as smoking just one pack a day. It will also interest you to know that 23 percent of quitters actually lose weight on a long term basis after they quit smoking.

The plain truth is that most smokers who quit smoking do gain a little weight after they quit smoking. On average, between 50 to 60 percent of smokers who quit smoking, will only gain approximately 5 lbs on a long term basis.

The reason that smokers sometimes weigh less is because that smoking reduces the appetite for certain foods. Non smokers or people who quit smoking, have a normal appetite and may eat a few more calories. There is also the psychological effect that smoking a cigarette symbolizes the end of a meal for a smoker. This might prevent some people to have an extra helping after they smoke a cigarette.

Here are some helpful tips to help you prevent some weight gain when you decide to quit smoking:

Don't think about it
Quit smoking anyway and don't think about your weight. Quitting smoking is stressful enough that you don't have to add any unnecessary stress by counting every single calorie you eat. If you do gain a few pounds, don't worry, it is much easier to lose a few pounds after you have regained some lung capacity and energy than it is to quit smoking.

Get up and exercise
After you quit smoking, your fat burning furnaces called your muscles, will receive more oxygen and become more efficient at burning fat. Increasing the amount of exercise you do in a day by just a little may easily take care of any extra calories you may be eating. It would be better if you already had an exercise program before you quit smoking as it would not an other simultaneous change to your lifestyle when you decide to finally quit smoking. Exercising will also help you get through those cravings.

Watch what you eat
I know I just said to ignore it. However, common sense does apply. In no way am I suggesting that you starve yourself or go hungry. It may be as easy as the types of food that you are eating. Examining what you are eating may disclose to you that cutting out or replacing a few sweets or fatty foods may just be what is needed to halt a weight gain. Drinking more water will not only help you lose weight, but it will also help expel nicotine and other toxins from your body. Smaller portions of fatty or sweet foods replaced by bigger portions of fruit and vegetables will also help you lose weight all the while keeping your stomach full.

Article written by SAM
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