Avoid Weight Gain When You Quit Smoking

• One benefit of quitting is that as your body realizes the benefits of not smoking, your energy levels will increase, and you will begin to feel better physically. A moderate increase in physical activity can keep weight gain to a minimum.
• Try not to satisfy the oral fixation of smoking by snacking. Wait to eat until the urge to smoke subsides, so that the smoking activity is not replaced psychologically by eating.
• Exercise daily. A daily moderate workout not only distracts you from smoking, but also helps reduce tension and stress. Endorphins released in the brain during exercise actually make you feel better. Exercise also increases metabolism, helping you burn more calories.
• Eat square meals based on sound nutrition, and keep track of what you are eating, how much and why. Many smokers reward themselves with food instead of cigarettes, leading to weight gain. Some resume smoking to lose the weight they've gained, only to have to try and quit smoking again thus repeating a difficult cycle.
• Weigh yourself weekly and keep track of your weight. Don't wait until your clothing is tight to realize you've put on a few pounds.
• Remember that the ultimate goal is to stop smoking. Do not try to lose weight while quitting smoking, but instead monitor your current weight. Getting caught up in losing or maintaining weight may distract you from your primary goal of quitting smoking.