Saturday, September 13, 2008

QUIT SMOKING WITHOUT GAINING WEIGHT

As soon as person thinks to quit smoking the biggest threat he has is to gain weight. However, the gain of weight is only up to 5-10 pounds. People get frustrated because they think that they replace their one bad habit with excessive weight gain.But everybody doen't gain weight.
The reason behind your weight gain is Cigarettes activate your metabolism.You burn about 250 calories if you smoke a pack a day. So when you quit and your metabolism slows down, your body has these extra calories it has to deal with, and many people gain weight.
Once you’ve congratulated yourself for quitting smoking (and given your body a few weeks to settle down), it’s time to work on replacing your bad habits with some good ones.
Conquer your smoking triggers. For example, if you were used to smoking after a meal, get up from the table and brush your teeth instead.
Sidetrack that oral fixation. Experts recommend chewing celery, carrots, sugar-free gum or candies, or playing with a straw or toothpick.
Try cognitive-behavioral therapy. This can help you focus on taking care of yourself—quitting first and then working on weight control.

And consider this core advice for controlling your weight, whatever the situation.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to increase your metabolism and avoid getting so hungry that you overeat.
Eat high-protein, high-fiber foods because they fill up your stomach more (and because they’re better for you).
Exercise. Instead of going to smoke or grab a high-fat snack, take a walk or go to the gym. Keep in mind that moderate exercise, such as a walk during lunch, will actually decrease your appetite, because as you exercise fat breaks down and enters your bloodstream. The extra muscle mass you gain by exercising will also help increase your metabolism, not to mention that exercise helps you deal with stress, boredom, and tension.

There is another misconception that if you have gained two pounds in a week after quitting smoking, then you will keep on gaining every week. This is wrong at the most upto the second week you'll gain weight after that nothing is gonna happen.

Quitting Time
When it comes time to quit, here are a few tips to minimize cigarette cravings and weight gain:

  • Drink more water. Shoot for eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day, says Purcell. This will keep you hydrated, help you feel full, and give you something to do with your hands.
  • When a craving for a cigarette strikes, be prepared. If you want certain snacks around, make sure they're handy and healthy. Have water around. Take a walk, have a soda. Think these things through so when an urge hits, you are prepared. It's all about careful planning.
  • Keep up the physical activity and the healthy eating. This will help you quit smoking as well as trim your waistline.

Motivation and a good support system are key.

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