Many smokers worry about weight gain when quitting smoking. Use these tips to snuff out weight gain when you quit:
Eat smart
- Drink plenty of water to help you feel full
- Limit high-fat, high-sugar snacks which will pack on the pounds
- Snack on as many fruits and veggies as you want. Choose crunchy snacks like air popped popcorn or carrot sticks or apples to keep your mouth occupied
- Include low fat or fat free dairy and whole grains to help you stay full
- Distract your mouth with sugar free gum
- Don’t go too long without eating
- Eat slowly and listen to your body — it can take up to 20 minutes for your stomach to signal that you are full. Before, during and after a meal use this scale to help you know your hunger and fullness cues.
Move more
- Go for a walk at lunch or during your break time
- Sign up for a new yoga class and ask a friend to join you
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Reaching for a cigarette? Reach for your sneakers instead and start moving more
Reduce stress
- Get back to your favorite hobbies – take some time to do something you love
- Read a book
- Exercise – move more to get your blood flowing and calm your nerves
- Breathe. Practice deep breathing by filling your lungs with fresh, clean air