Smoking Cessation and Weight Gain
By David Falken
Many people who decide to quit smoking cigarettes are often hesitant at first because of the fear of gaining a few pounds. What they don't realize is that putting on a little weight is not nearly as bad for your body as smoking is; not even by a long shot.
There are a few reasons that people gain weight when they give up cigarettes. The act of smoking a cigarette in itself actually burns and average of about 200 calories per day. The more calories a person burns, the higher their metabolism is going to be. So when this is cut out of someone's daily routine, naturally their metabolism is going to decrease slightly.
Nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes, is actually an appetite suppressant. It is quite a shock to our bodies when they are suddenly deprived of this substance. To account for this shock and to curb the cravings, people often resort to eating more than they ever did while they were smoking. This effect is temporary, but it is not uncommon for people to put on 5 to 10 pounds in the first few weeks of cessation.
To avoid the inevitable weight gain associated with quitting this terrible habit, making a few simple lifestyle changes will help anyone succeed in their goal of kicking this habit without fear of weight gain. A brisk thirty minute walk a few times a week should keep the calories at bay, and in the process will make your heart healthier in general. Avoid the foods and beverages that make you want to smoke cigarettes and replace them with healthier foods such as fruits, nuts, or even popcorn. Most of all, be patient and never give up!
Still having trouble quitting smoking? Check out http://www.help-you-quit.com, an interesting and informative site about an alternative way to quit smoking. Good luck to you, and remember to keep a positive attitude!
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