The important thing is to quit smoking!

The minute you quit, you’ll be starting a much healthier life. Remember: Smoking is much worse for your health than gaining a few pounds.If you try to lose weight at the same time that you try to quit smoking, you will probably have a harder time quitting. So deal with quitting first, and worry about weight gain when or if it happens. While you are trying to quit, focus on eating healthy foods and being more active.

What is the connection between quitting smoking and gaining weight?

The main reason that people gain weight when they quit smoking is simple: They eat more. Why? Nicotine curbs your appetite and perks you up when your energyis low. When you quit smoking, you may feel hungry more often and eat more as a result. Nicotine dulls your taste buds. When you quit smoking, food tastes better and you may want to eat more. Without cigarettes, you may turn to food as a replacement, to keep your hands and mouth busy at times when you used to smoke. Nicotine makes your body burn calories faster, so when you quit, your body isn’t burning calories as fast as it used to.

Avoiding weight gain

Think positive, and keep temptation away: Don’t quit smoking during holiday periods. You’re more likely to eat more during the holidays. Stay away from alcohol. Alcoholic drinks have a lot of calories, so avoiding them will help you control your weight. Drinking can weaken your willpower, especially if you usually smoke when you drink. Consider getting professional help. Nutritionists, fitness instructors, and therapists can all help you control your weight when you quit smoking. Make regular activity part of your life. Try walking or exercising with a partner or group. Weigh yourself at least once a week so those extra pounds won’t “sneak up” on you

A big reason people gain weight is that they reach for food instead of a cigarette after they quit

When you have a craving for a cigarette or food, remember that cravings usually last only a few minutes. Do something else instead. Instead of eating candy or other food to replace the cigarettes, chew on a toothpick, or coffee stirrer. If you need something sweet, eat fruit, sugar-free gum, or candy. Keep your hands busy so you don’t use them to eat. For example, take up knitting, crossword puzzles or Sudoku. People often turn to food at times of tension or stress. Find other ways to deal with those times. Go for a walk, call a friend, call a former smoker who has been through all the ups and downs of quitting. Finally, know that you can add years to your life and life to your years by becoming a former smoker!