Making Weight: Avoiding Weight Gain After Quitting Tobacco
You might worry that quitting smoking or chewing means you’ll have trouble making weight. But you don’t have to pack on the pounds just because you put down those cowboy killers. Studies show that three out of four people do not gain weight after they stop smoking. And the fact is, being overweight is nowhere near as dangerous as using tobacco. In fact, smoking puts you at as much risk for health problems as someone who is 100 pounds overweight!
Those who do gain weight only add 5 pounds on average. And some people actually lose weight after quitting. Many people who quit tobacco have more energy and exercise more—a great way to keep extra weight at bay.
What’s the link between quitting smoking or chewing and gaining weight?
You know by now that the addiction to nicotine is strong. As you give up nicotine, you might find yourself drawn to food. For example:
- Some people crave sugary foods.
- Some people have a hard time breaking the habit of needing to put something in their mouth, and so they substitute food for cigs or chaw.
- It’s easy to mix up the desire to smoke or dip with hunger pangs.
How can I keep my weight under control?
- Move more. Even if you do eat a few more calories while you’re quitting, you can burn them off by being more active. Take the stairs, go the long way, walk around a building before you enter it, take the dog for a long walk, and park far from where you’re going.
- Drink water. Water is so good for you at this time—not only does it flush gross stuff out of your body, but it will help you feel full.
- Make healthy food choices. Keep handy some low-calorie foods that you like so you can have an alternative to junk food.
- Resist the temptation to chow down on candy. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lollipops instead. Fruits, veggies, and popcorn are great healthy snacks that also help to take the place of the hand to mouth action. Or, have a little licorice or a few peppermints.
Remember, it’s a whole lot easier to lose a few pounds than it is to quit tobacco...again!