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. Water retention may cause a deceptive weight gain of up to 5 pounds in the week after quitting smoking, but this is not a real weight gain, and your body will go back to normal. 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. Remember H.
Physical activity does not have to be planned exercise; it may include taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, or playing with children. But changing too much too quickly can increase the stress you feel as you try to quit smoking. L.
When you quit smoking, you can breathe and get around more easily, and nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables taste better when you are not smoking. Remember H. Positive attitude As you focus on quitting smoking and healing your body, your exercise and eating goals will become easier. Replace smoking with other activities that occupy your hands and your mouth Becoming physically active will not only help you control your weight, but will also give you more energy, improve your health, take your mind off smoking, and help relieve the stress and moodiness that may occur as a result of withdrawal from nicotine. 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. If you can distract yourself for 5 minutes, the craving will usually pass. Reduce tension by meditating, taking a walk or a bath, or taking deep breaths. 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. Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both cigarettes and food.
If you need more guidance, talk to your doctor or dietitian. Get support and encouragement; talk to a friend when you get the urge to smoke; talk about something other than smoking. Healthy eating Improving your eating habits gradually can help prevent weight gain, as well as help you feel better as you quit smoking. 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. A craving only lasts about 5 minutes.
Article Source: How to Stop Smoking
