Quit Smoking and Keep off the Weight
A lot of smokers go through bouts of wanting to quit, but they fear the possible weight gain that may occur. Gaining weight can lead to a whole other set of health problems. Those who fear gaining weight abandon their thoughts of quitting their smoking habit.
They figure it is better to be a smoker and thin than to be a non-smoker and over-weight, so they decide to not quit. There are simple reasons why people gain weight when they quit smoking and in the following I will explain some of those reasons and how to avoid them.
Nicotine, which is what hooks you on cigarettes, is a stimulant and an appetite suppressant. What this means is, when you smoke you don’t get as hungry and you naturally burn more calories. When you quit smoking, you get hungry more but your metabolism slows down so you aren’t burning as many calories as you were when you were smoking.
When you get stressed, as a smoker, the first thing you do is light up. When you quit smoking and you get stressed, the first thing you do is head for the vending machine or fridge. Stress plays a huge role in whether you control your weight gain or not; so stay active and keep you mind busy.
The main type of food one picks to substitute for smoking is usually something with a lot of fat or sugar; to give you that “sugar high”. It’s a quick fix, but often doesn’t last long and it takes more and more to satisfy the cravings for a cigarette.
But, since you aren’t smoking and your metabolism has slowed down, that sugar rush candy bar you just ate is being stored into fat cells. That is why you gain weight when you quit smoking. You have to understand the behaviorisms behind the habit of smoking and the substitution of that habit with something such as food.
If a craving comes 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.
Some alternatives to sugar snacks are things like vegetables, fruit, dried fruit, and low calories types of food. Cherry tomatoes are a great snack to keep around. Dried fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth as well, with its natural sweetness.
Quitting smoking is a three-fold venture; you quit smoking, you learn to eat right, and you get into the habit of an exercise program. All these thing combined will add years to your life and make you feel better about yourself.
Drink lots of water in between meals to help fill you up so you won’t feel too much of an urge to eat tempting foods. Smoking can be a habit of the past without replacing it with tons of food. Eating sensibly, keeping busy and exercise will help you quit smoking and keep those extra pounds off. A strong mind will produce a strong body.
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