How to Quit Smoking Without Gaining Weight

Be honest, when you think about quitting smoking cigarettes you are also probably worried about gaining weight. How to quit smoking without gaining weight is not as hard as you think; you just need a little determination and moxie. Don't use gaining weight as an excuse.

When you quit smoking you will experience physiological and psychological nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Many people use food to battle those symptoms but that is not the answer.

Why you gain weight when quitting smoking

Nicotine speeds up your metabolism and when you quit smoking and take that nicotine out of your system, you tend to gain weight because your metabolism is no longer artificially boosted. Even if you don't over eat once you quit smoking, you can still gain weight.

Another reason people gain weight is the obvious reason - they fill the time and energy they used to spend smoking with eating. In order to avoid this, you can do two things: One, start an exercise regimen, and two, eat healthier foods during snacks and meals.

How to quit smoking and not gain weight

Here are some simple lifestyle changes for how to stop smoking and not gain weight.

Exercise

Exercise not only helps with controlling your weight but it also gives you something to do and gets your mind off of cigarettes and food. Exercise also helps with reducing stress, improves your mood, gives you confidence and, obviously, enhances your physical and mental condition – just think you don't have to huff and puff while climbing the stairs! Once you start you may be surprised at your poor physical condition. This should add to your motivation. 

Change your diet

Changing your diet can also help. Drink as much water as you can handle. Avoid all fast-food restaurants and sugar-filled foods. Start adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try bringing dried fruits and nuts to work and have them for a snack instead of what's available in the vending machines.

Quit Smoking Without Gaining Weight

Once you get into a flow and get used to your new lifestyle you will feel healthier and better about yourself. Just think you can be smoke free and in top physical condition within a few months. Yes it is hard work but with dedication and determination you can change the way you look and feel.