DEALING WITH WEIGHT GAIN

 

A lot of people put off stopping smoking because they believe they will put weight on, though it can happen it’s not inevitable.

Putting on Weight from quitting smoking can have a number of reasons.

For many it’s a natural response, the craving for nicotine may effect different people in different ways. Snacking is main culprit especially when you first quit smoking, once you get over the nicotine craving you may find you have put on several pounds.

Exercise (that dreaded word) coming off a long term habit the effects of all that smoking may linger on. Fatigue, shortness of breath don’t disappear overnight. It’s tough enough for most people to start an exercise program, for those who have just quit smoking, the change is even harder.

Physiological Effects

When you smoke the heart rate increases, this stimulating effect plays a small role in keeping weight down. The build up of fatty deposits in your arteries by smoking will out - weigh  that.

The combination of snacking and little or no exercise is the main reason for putting on those unwanted pounds.

Though the problem is easy overcome. At the beginning of you stop smoking program, begin other lifestyle changes, switch to a healthy diet and slowly begin an exercise program.

Like all lifestyle changes, they quickly become habit (like your smoking did) just stick to it. Have a piece of fruit, it really does help! Don’t go for those high calorie snacks.

The first two weeks can be difficult as you flush out all those nasties that smoking has left behind in you body. Those first two weeks are the danger times for weight gain, so, fruit, light exercise and drink water.

Drink lots of water

This can show up as weight gain on your scales, but its easily flushed out later with all those nasties, so its not a permanent situation. Plus many other benefits from drinking water – a zero calorie way to react to cravings.

Commitment to a long term goal.

Sure the first two weeks can be a struggle but as smoking is a habit, lifestyle changes are also only a habit a habit that you know you must achieve. Visualize looking and feeling better, how healthier you will be BUT be prepared to find out how much smokers stink once you have quit, so you can stop smoking without weight gain.