Stop Smoking Without Gaining Weight

There are many people who believe they couldn't stop smoking without gaining weight. Therefore, it is worth investigating to ensure that it doesn't happen to you.

The first thing to understand is that nicotine is a stimulant, because of which it does increase your metabolism to some extent. So, when you quit smoking, and no longer consume nicotine, your metabolism slows down a little. But, by a little, please realize that really does mean, not by very much. Not nearly sufficient to induce you to significantly put on weight. In any event it is only a temporary situation, and there are steps you can take to ensure it does not become a problem.

Step 1 - Drink Plenty of Water

People who wish to stop smoking without gaining weight, should realize that smokers are often dehydrated, which encourages the body to retain what water it does have. A sure way to ensure your body releases excess water is to drink plenty of water! Although this may seem contradictory, your body will more readily release retained water when you keep yourself topped up. As a guide 64 ounces per day is recommended, with a corresponding increase if you are overweight to start with.

Step 2 - Watch Your Diet

If you are temped to snack on salty foods and sweets, such as crisps and chocolate, it will be more difficult to stop smoking without gaining weight, so try to avoid the temptation. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables instead, and stick to lean protein and healthy fats. Avoid fried food, but try snacking on small amounts of seeds, pulses and nuts, which really are quite enjoyable, and convenient. Don't overdo it though, and try to make do with an ounce or two at a time, which you will find are as satisfying as the bag of chips you might otherwise have gobbled! Reduce alcohol and caffeine to a minimum, and avoid sugary soda pops completely. All that is being suggested, is that you take sensible steps to avoid putting on weight, as you continue to stop smoking.

Step 3 - Healthy Exercise is Important

Inactivity is a major cause of putting on weight, whereas healthy exercise achieves the opposite. Activities such as swimming or brisk walking, will not only assist in keeping your weight in check, but will also assist you to quit smoking. Healthy exercise of this nature will also assist in diverting your attention away from smoking. Depending on your level of physical fitness, which can only get better when you stop smoking, there are many other pleasurable pursuits to follow. There is fishing, hiking, badminton, tennis, walking, bird watching, gardening, and so many others, any combination of which will assist you to stop smoking without gaining weight. Furthermore it can all be financed out of what you used to spend on smoking!

A word of warning, don't be surprised if your lung capacity has substantially diminished after smoking for several years. Unfortunately it is not always reversible, although if you stop smoking there is every chance that you will stop its rate of progression. If you are able to walk, even just a little bit further when you break the smoking habit, you will feel better for the experience. Fortunately, there are many smokers who are not so seriously affected. Possibly because they haven't smoked as long, or are just plain lucky! Just remember that the longer you smoke the greater the likelihood of serious and sometimes incurable illness. There is really only one time to quit smoking, and that time is NOW.

Step 4 - Don't Swap Addictions

If you are aware of this trend you will be in a better position to avoid it. There is not much merit in stopping smoking to become an obese chocoholic! The main objectives of stopping smoking are to improve your health and to look better. As far as the latter is concerned, please refer to the home page of this web site, as not everybody realizes how smoking can damage their looks. So if you feel the need to snack, when you stop smoking, do so on fresh fruit and dried fruit, celery sticks, small amounts of pulses and nuts, or whatever else is recommended in the myriad of diet articles appearing almost everywhere. This is the way to stop smoking without gaining weight.

Step 5 - Don't Worry

Don't worry, even if you do put on a few pounds when you stop smoking. It is likely to be a temporary issue that will disappear if you are sensible about diet and exercise. Remember that the new, more dynamic, non-smoking you, can see off any challenge. Say, there's a new affirmation there somewhere! Don't be put off on your road to recovery because that's what it is really. You are recovering from a deadly, pernicious, poisonous habit, so rejoice and be proud of yourself.