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. Replace smoking with other activities that occupy your hands and your mouth. Eating a variety of foods each day is a good start, and eating regularly so you never get too hungry. Remember H. A. But changing too much too quickly can increase the stress you feel as you try to quit smoking Keep your hands busy with doodling, crossword puzzles, knitting, or twirling a straw, pen, or pencil. L.
Positive attitude As you focus on quitting smoking and healing your body, your exercise and eating goals will become easier. Snack on fruit or chewing gum to satisfy any sweet cravings. 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. Get support and encouragement; talk to a friend when you get the urge to smoke; talk about something other than 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. Try to stay positive, and try not to panic about modest weight gain; if you do gain weight, your healthy habits will help you lose the weight once your body gets back to normal. A craving only lasts about 5 minutes. Not everyone gains weight when they stop smoking, but the average weight gain is about 10 pounds. 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. 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. 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. Be confident that you are making a healthy choice! Your whole body will thank you!. T. Healthy eating Improving your eating habits gradually can help prevent weight gain, as well as help you feel better as you quit smoking.
Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both cigarettes and food. Get support and encouragement; talk to a friend when you get the urge to smoke; talk about something other than smoking.
Article Source: How to Stop Smoking
