WEIGHT CONTROL WHILE QUITTING SMOKING

WEIGHT CONTROL WHILE QUITTING SMOKING

Some smokers refuse to quit smoking because they are afraid they will gain weight. Other people have quit smoking, only to start again after gaining some weight. We sometimes tell ourselves that we are better off smoking. The truth is we are never better off smoking. We can quit smoking and control our weight, as well.

Some of the reasons we might gain weight when we quit smoking:

* many smokers increase the amount of food they eat when they quit smoking, because food looks and tastes better

* we snack more frequently in order to deal with the stress of quitting smoking and

* many of us develop a craving for sweets after quitting smoking

Knowing why we might gain weight will help us plan ways to avoid or, deal with, weight gain. Most people who quit smoking only gain an average of 5 to 10 pounds. It is possible to stop smoking and still maintain a desirable weight.

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS FOR MINIMIZING WEIGHT GAIN WHILE STOPPING SMOKING:

1. Make breathing clean air your first priority.

2. Eat well-balanced meals three times a day. Be sure to eat breakfast and avoid snacking late at night.

3. Snack on healthy, low-calorie foods, such as raw veggies, plain popcorn, and fruits. Drink plenty of water or low-calorie drinks.

4. Eat slowly. Wait at least 20 minutes after eating before you decide you are still hungry.

5. Deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and aerobic exercise are all excellent ways to deal with the stress of quitting smoking.

Being pregnant is a very important reason to quit smoking. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about a proper prenatal diet.

Controlling your weight along with quitting smoking is not an easy thing to do. But it can be done.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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