A lot of smokers believe that they’ll pile on the pounds if they quit smoking. It’s also not uncommon for a smoker to use that excuse as their reason for continuing smoking! We all know that smoking is a very bad habit, as it can plague us with nasty illnesses such as cancer and asthma. That’s as well as the bad breath, yellow teeth, and smelly clothes and hair! Quitting smoking is one of the best things you’ll ever do. So, to ease your concerns, here’s how you can avoid piling on the pounds after kicking the habit:
How To Avoid Weight Gain After Quitting
There are a few simple things you can try to limit your weight gain once you’ve kicked the habit. Nicotine isn’t all ex smokers can crave, they often feel the need of putting something in their mouth and that’s why they turn to food. By making some clever choices on the food you actually put into your mouth, you can avoid gaining weight. Here are some foods you can try:
-
Sugar-free chewing gum.
-
Carrot sticks (hummus optional).
-
Celery sticks.
-
Sweet peppers.
-
Boiled eggs (occasionally).
-
Fruit like grapes, berries, apples, strawberries, bananas (try to limit yourself to 2-3 portions per day because of all the natural sugar).
-
Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and brazil nuts (a small handful per day).
-
A teaspoon full of coconut oil (a healthy fat, helps to give an energy kick and you can use it for healthy cooking too)
-
Almond butter (good for sweet cravings – try with a banana or an apple!).
All of the foods listed above are very healthy and perfect for when you’re craving a snack. Oh, and don’t forget to drink lots of water and green tea!
Some smokers who quit claim that they experience more of a sweet tooth, so have your fruit on hand to help you through the craving. Whatever you do, you should avoid crash dieting as this will only make you pile on more weight in the long run (and probably feel terribly unhappy while doing so). The best thing to do, if you don’t already, is eat healthy, wholesome food and partake in regular exercise. Plus, you probably won’t be able to stand the thought of smoking after getting fitter and healthier!
Distract Yourself
If you need to distract yourself from smoking but are afraid you’ll do that with food, you’ll want to try to take part in activities that make you feel positive and help you to forget about everything else that’s going on. Here’s what you should try:
-
Watching your favourite film or TV program.
-
Go to visit a friend (who doesn’t smoke).
-
Read a good book.
-
Enjoy the great outdoors by going on a walk or run.
-
Invest in an e-cig if you are really struggling, as these are nowhere near as bad for you! You can even buy electronic cigarette liquid that’s flavoured to help combat sweet cravings.
Try not to get too down if you do happen to put on a few pounds after quitting. Remember, you’re adding years on to your life and making sure it’s happy and healthy rather than spent in hospital or on medication. Good luck!
