The most important components of preventing weight gain when you quit smoking are: Physical activity To prevent weight gain at this time, you need to become more physically active. But changing too much too quickly can increase the stress you feel as you try to quit smoking
Drink less caffeine; although you may think it will make you feel better, caffeine can worsen the jittery nervous feeling that may accompany nicotine withdrawal. This can cause extra stress that can lead to extra snacking, especially over the holidays when more food is around, or relapsing back into smoking to cope with the stress. If you can distract yourself for 5 minutes, the craving will usually pass. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activities on most days, even if it is in a few shorter increments.
These can help prevent a relapse, and nicotine gum has been shown to reduce weight gain. – never let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. A. If you can distract yourself for 5 minutes, the craving will usually pass.
Positive attitude As you focus on quitting smoking and healing your body, your exercise and eating goals will become easier.
Make a list of when and where you are most tempted to smoke, and list healthy activities you can substitute when you have the urge. Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both cigarettes and food.
Physical activity does not have to be planned exercise; it may include taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, or playing with children. Try not to do things that tempt you to smoke, such as drinking or socializing in a bar, or tempt you to eat when you're not hungry, such as bringing a bag of chips in front of the television.
Positive attitude As you focus on quitting smoking and healing your body, your exercise and eating goals will become easier. Even if you do gain weight when you quit smoking, the health risks of smoking are far greater…you would have to gain over 150 pounds to make your health risks as high as when you smoked. Healthy eating Improving your eating habits gradually can help prevent weight gain, as well as help you feel better as you quit smoking.
If you are struggling or anxious about trying to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement such as nicotine gum or a nicotine patch. Beginning to increase your physical activity before you quit smoking may remind you how much smoking slows you down, when you have trouble breathing or start to cough during exercise.
Article Source: How to Stop Smoking
