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Weight Gain and Quitting Smoking

The Myth of Weight Gain

Weight gain is a fear that has needlessly deterred thousands from quitting smoking. Some people gain weight after giving up smoking because they start to burn calories a little slower without the nicotine stimulation.

Adjustment takes place to a healthier and normal condition. Food also tastes better and with its enjoyment a little overeating may take place. Good eating practices are important with and after adjustment. Notice your personal habits and if you are just substituting food for something to do with your hands, make a point to find something else to do.

Remember, some extra weight is safer for your health than the consequences of smoking. Although there is no inevitability about putting on weight when one quits, it is understandable that after having been in the habit of putting a cigarette in and out of your mouth about 400 times a day (if you were an average smoker), you will, without realizing it, be putting something else in your mouth .... most likely now it will be food. Soon that food can turn into several pounds, especially if the substitute for cigarettes is food that is heavy in carbohydrates (flour and sugar). The most important foods to avoid are sweets .... candies, cakes, cookies ... and such because they can increase your urge for cigarettes.

Eating sweets will cause most people to gain weight when they stop smoking. Instead, drink lots of water. Water helps to flush the nicotine poisons out of your body. Learn to eat correctly and healthy .... eat carrot and celery sticks .... eat salads, veggies and fruit .... chew on swizzle sticks or toothpicks .... find something to do with your mouth and its habit of oral stimulation other than sweets and cigarettes. In a few weeks, at most, you will have gotten rid of the urge to have something in your mouth. By following these common sense suggestions, you will have gained no more than two or three pounds, if that much. The trade is good health, energy, vitality and personal pride at your success.

Also, now that you start to breathe better and don't get "winded" as easily, you'll find yourself wanting to be more physically active. What kind of exercise is best? Walking is perfect! Start taking longer walks and brisker ones. Work up to two miles in 45 minutes. Increase your participation in swimming, biking, jogging, aerobics .... anything brisk and steady that you like and can do for at least 10 minutes at a time .... then 20 minutes .... then 30 minutes. Do it at last three times a week. This activity will more than offset any slight weight gain you might experience. Remember, use your intelligence and that great reservoir of power in your subconscious to make your decision work! You made the choice .... stop smoking .... you have done it .... keep your commitment and your faith.


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