Weight Gain and Stopping Tobacco

Studies show that ex-smokers are prone to gaining weight after they quit.  Just how much?  An average of 20 lbs. the first year.  But this is for people that didn't know what to expect.  If you know that you are going to be tempted to eat more, you must place yourself on a schedule.  Also, increasing you activity level with help in off setting your increase caloric intake.   However, sticking to a set of eating rules will help avoid this weight gain.  If you are going to eat, it is a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes to eat from the onset of your impulse to eat.  This is putting you in control over you impulses.  These impulses are what nicotine acted on in the first place. 

• No eating 2 hours before bed time *

• Avoid meals with large quantities of carbohydrates or processed sugars

• Snack on items such as Mini-Shredded Wheats ™ instead of candy or junk foods.

• Drink 8 glasses of water a day **

• Have 6 small  meals a day instead or 3 large meals with no snacks in between.

  * Unless medical conditions necessitate

** Unless you suffer from kidney disease or congestive heart failure

Home