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Quitting Smoking and Weight Gain

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Quitting Smoking and Weight Gain- Educate Yourself About the Connection

Much to the dismay of so many people, quitting smoking and weight gain have an undeniable link.

You have probably heard plenty of horror stories from former smokers about how much weight they put on after they gave up smoking. In fact you may know people who are afraid to give up smoking for that very reason. Perhaps you are one of those people!

Being worried about putting on extra weight is perfectly understandable, especially if you happen to be pleased with your current weight. On the other hand if you presently wish to shed some pounds then the thought of giving up smoking and the acquisition of new pounds developing around your midsection might have you ready to run for the hills. All of these things can seem to be a deterrent to butting out.

It is so important however to realize that pounds can come and go but your lungs and your heart are yours for life. FOR LIFE!

Blame it on Metabolism

You can put the blame on your metabolism in terms of why quitting smoking and weight seem to be partners in crime. A smoker's body does so much more than clear out all of the accumulation of years of smoking gunk from the lungs once the habit is brought to a close.

Yes, the bad news is that you may experience some weight gain once you stop smoking. However it should be only mild gain, such in the area of 5 to 10 pounds. That you can handle, am I right?

Gaining a few pounds over the first couple of months after smoking cessation is often a normal occurrence and is not something you need to fret over too much. In fact if you do not alter your eating habits for the worse and continue to eat a healthy and well balanced diet then taking a walk of at least 30 minutes per day should be enough to say goodbye to those post smoking pounds.

The good news is that you have taken an important step in improving your health and overall well-being by giving up smoking. You will survive and in the long run you will be healthier and happier for having made this decision of seismic proportions!

Why Oh Why!- What Does Quitting Smoking Have to Do with Weight Gain Anyway?

The presence of nicotine in the bloodstream on a regular basis affects your rate of metabolism. Your metabolism is raised when you smoke and lowered when you quit. Once the body is no longer being supplied with a daily dose of nicotine, metabolism takes a nose dive and gaining some pounds can often to the chagrin of those who experience it, be the result.

Nicotine works as a kind of suppressant for the appetite. If you are a person who smoked a lot then you would have burned in the area of 200 calories on any given day. This means that your rate of metabolism was higher than that of a person who had just given up smoking or someone who never smoked to begin with.

Many people suddenly realize that they are much hungrier once they stop smoking. This is because your sense of smell and taste is returning so foods have a more rewarding and delectable quality to them. You notice that the texture of food, the temperature and even the color will probably seem richer and more appealing overall.

A renewed interest in eating is often a part of quitting smoking. The body goes into its own brand of shock when it is use to nicotine and suddenly does not have any. This lack of the nicotine fix affects the body in a number of ways. You need to be patient with yourself and give your body time to calm itself and get use to the new no nicotine status quo.

Bear in mind as was discussed above that cigarettes work to suppress the desire for food. Many smokers smoke between meals so they will not be tempted to snack. As well some even smoke between one course of a meal to another to ensure that they consume less food! This seems extreme but it happens!

How does it work exactly? Well nicotine is a stimulant which means it acts to stimulate and excite the body. It also affects the work of a hormone you have probably heard of time and time again- good ole insulin.

Insulin is the hormone that controls the amount of sugar (or glucose) that is in the blood. If it is not allowed to do the work nature intended then the person in question can develop a mild case of hypergylycemia. This happening then triggers a reaction throughout the body and the brain. Insulin is then produced in smaller quantities and will affect how hungry a person gets (or doesn't get).

The Comfort of Cigarettes and Now Food

You have quit smoking and now your pants seem a little bit tighter. Cigarette smoking was probably a comforting habit to you but now you are enjoying eating more. Giving up an addiction to nicotine is uncomfortable at the onset. This is true for everyone whether they are willing to admit it or not.

The desire to enjoy a cigarette is often frequent when a person first gives up the habit. It is natural to look for a replacement for cigarettes that will offer the same comfort. Food is often one of the first things that non-smokers turn to. Food can provide emotional comfort and helps to ease the symptoms of withdrawal.

What to Do When it Comes to Quitting Smoking and Weight Gain

So what do you do now? You have given up smoking (smart move!) but the pounds are beginning to show. It is time to look carefully at your lifestyle and make changes where applicable. Some changes may only be minimal but remember that life is different now that you are a non-smoker. You have to think like someone who no longer has a dependence on cigarettes. You are free! Now get yourself back on track!

First Things First- Take a Close Look at Your Eating Habits

Food is food. It is not your enemy but it is not your best pal either. The desire to snack is likely to occur once you quit smoking. Prepare for this by stocking the refrigerator and cupboards with healthy snacks that appeal to you. Some examples to get you started include celery sticks and carrot sticks, fat-free popcorn, fat-free popsicles, fresh fruit (in particular berries are full of antioxidants) and low fat yogurt. You might also want to keep hard candies on hand to suck on when you feel a craving coming on.

Drinks can also constitute healthy snacks. Water is Mother Nature's cocktail and should rate high up on your list. Always drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated. If you find water a little boring for your tastes then add a twist of lemon or some lemon juice to it.

Hot cocoa with non-fat milk is a tasty treat for those who adore the taste of chocolate. Herbal teas are also a good bet. If you are new to the world of herbal tea then experiment with the selection of teas that are available to you. You are sure to find one that suits you just right. Add a little bit of lemon or honey to it but steer clear of sugar.

If weight gain is a serious worry of yours then make sure you get rid of any foods in your home that are high in fat or sugar. Get rid of potato chips, ice cream, chocolate bars, cake, cookies or cupcakes, etc. that are lying around the kitchen. Whatever you do steer clear of these items when you are grocery shopping. Drive your cart in the opposite direction!

Make Physical Activity a Part of Your Daily Schedule

Find enjoyable ways to increase the amount of exercise you get on a day-to-day basis. Once you stop smoking, the rate at which your metabolism works will slow down (as we have previously mentioned) and that is why getting as much exercise as you possibly can will help you to ward off the potential for post smoking pounds.

Aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity, five days a week. The more you can fit into your schedule the better. You do not have to play sports or strenuously work out at the gym on the exercise equipment in order to get the physical activity you need.

A walk or bike ride around your neighborhood or the local park can be good for the body, as well as the mind. Aim for 10,000 steps a day if you choose to walk. You might want to invest in a pedometer that clips onto the waistband of your pants and measures your steps. This is an excellent motivator!

Keep in mind as well that exercise is an excellent way to fight a craving for a cigarette. Put on your sneakers and then get moving. Exercise is an excellent way to help you to relax, gain perspective and clear your head of negative thoughts of smoking.

Watch Your Alcohol Consumption

Avoid alcohol as much as you can. Alcohol is often a catalyst for smoking and you absolutely do not want to do anything that will break your resolve and the progress you have made up to this point in time. You are at a greater risk of relapse if you give yourself permission to drink- and that includes on special occasions.

In the same way, alcohol is very high in calories and can cause the pounds to appear almost out of nowhere. Remember the quitting smoking and weight gain have a close knit relationship. Do not provide any fuel for the fire!

Be Kind and Patient during Transition

Weight gain when you quit smoking is not something that you want to have to cope with in light of everything else you are dealing with now that you have quit smoking. After all you are in a transitional period. It is important to not dwell on this one aspect of your life but instead to acknowledge what a life changing decision you have made and be as kind to yourself as possible. Accepting yourself for who you are and being patient with yourself goes a long way too. Be good to you!

Quitting smoking and weight gain is a truth of life that no one can deny. However the concern over gaining a few pounds should not deter you from working hard each and every day to be the best non-smoker you can be!

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beccas90

My passion is researching and writing about alternative health and therapies. I specialize in yoga, hypnosis and meditation. You can find more of my writings... more »

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