Quit Smoking Without Gaining Weight

Many smokers who want to quit, fear possible weight gain that happens after quitting. Gaining weight can lead to a new set of health problems. Those who fear gaining weight, usually fail in their efforts to quit smoking.

It seems easier to continue smoking than to get rid of the extra pounds. To avoid the weight gain after quitting smoking, we need to look at the underlying reasons why ex-smokers put on the extra weight.

Probably the primary reason for the weight gain is that nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant and a stimulant. Your metabolism increases slightly when you smoke. Once you quit, your metabolism slows down and your hunger increases. You tend to eat a lot more than before.

Also, when stress levels are high for smokers, lighting up a cigarette to calm their nerves is typical. For those who quit smoking, eating becomes the substitute stress reliever.

When a smoker decides to quit, cravings are common. To pacify these cravings, food is usually the substitute. High calorie, high sugar foods such as candy are most often the replacement because they are easily accessible, quick to eat and give a slight buzz.

However, the calories do add up, the metabolism has slowed and, sadly, weight gain is inevitable. To keep from gaining weight when you’ve decided to quit, you have to conquer the destructive habits that cause you to gain weight.

If you feel a craving coming on, go for a long walk or listen to relaxing music. Read a book or start a low stress project to keep your mind occupied. Whatever you do, keep busy. When an overactive appetite becomes a problem after you quit smoking then consider snacking on healthier foods.

Have carrot sticks instead of potato chips or dried fruit instead of cookies. Low calorie/sugar free snacks have come a long way and, in some cases, are just as good as their junk food counterparts.

Healthier choices for snacks will stop the scale from tipping over. If you start an exercise program right away, you can avoid gaining more weight and it can help lose the few pounds that have crept up since you quit smoking.

Drink lots of water in between meals to help fill you up so you feel fuller and avoid the urge to eat more tempting foods.

Smoking can be a habit of the past without replacing it with bad food choices. Eating healthy, keeping busy and exercising will help you quit smoking and keep those extra pounds off. A strong mind will produce a stronger and leaner body without the weight gain.