Ways to Stop Smoking Without Weight Gain

Article By: Elisabeth Easther

It's amazing how many people want to stop smoking - but use the 'but I'll gain weight' excuse to put it off. Yet look around you. Do you know overweight smokers? Do you know slim non-smokers? It's almost guaranteed that the answer to both those questions is 'yes' - which means it's safe to deduce that smoking doesn't make people slim. Eating well and taking some exercise are what help people maintain a healthy shape.

Hand to Mouth
Although many people fear gaining weight after they quit smoking, weight gain is usually modest, and the health risks of smoking are much greater than the risks of putting on 5-10lb. Some changes can also be made before quitting to help combat weight gain, including increasing physical activity and gradually adopting healthy eating habits. Snacking on nutritious foods like fruit or crudités and houmous or low calorie items such as sugar free gum and sucking sweets are good options after deciding to quit.

But the Only Time I Get to Leave My Desk is When I Have a Cigarette…
If you don't leave the office unless it's to huddle round the outdoor ashtray (how very glamorous) why not continue to take your regular smoke breaks but, instead of lighting up, go for a brisk walk outside. Not only will you benefit physically from four or five invigorating ten minute strolls during the working day, you'll also find they may help to clear and sharpen your mind and ease the stress of working life.

I Find it Easy to Skip Meals With a Cigarette
Any nutritionist will tell you, missing meals can make long term weight control even harder because, when you finally eat, you run the risk of overeating or picking the wrong foods. This is because your body stops being rational about choosing food because you are overly hungry.

Spin Offs

When you stop smoking, exercise may be more pleasurable and can really lift your mood and energy levels. And there's no need to join an expensive gym either. Taking the stairs instead of the lift or walking part of the way to work is a great way to start increasing your activity.

And Finally…
There's never been a better time to quit smoking than now so get with the programme! Free yourself from the shackles of cigarettes and make 2007 the year you look back fondly on for being the one in which you stopped smoking (and didn't put on any weight!).

For more info on giving up smoking have a look at click2quit.co.uk or givingupsmoking.co.uk. Find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service by:

Calling 0800 169 0 169
Texting GIVE UP with your full postcode to 88088