Weight gain is more likely when someone has smoked for 10 to 20 years or smokes a pack or more a day. Not everyone gains weight when they stop smoking, but the average weight gain is about 10 pounds. Positive attitude As you focus on quitting smoking and healing your body, your exercise and eating goals will become easier. A craving only lasts about 5 minutes. Drink less caffeine; although you may think it will make you feel better, caffeine can worsen the jittery nervous feeling that may accompany nicotine withdrawal. If you can distract yourself for 5 minutes, the craving will usually pass. Get support and encouragement; talk to a friend when you get the urge to smoke; talk about something other than smoking. T 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.
These can help prevent a relapse, and nicotine gum has been shown to reduce weight gain. 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. Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both cigarettes and food. A. Be confident that you are making a healthy choice! Your whole body will thank you!. 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. To prevent extra snacking as a result of quitting smoking, do not try to quit smoking during a stressful period. 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. 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. Physical activity does not have to be planned exercise; it may include taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, or playing with children.
Article Source: How to Stop Smoking