If you are thinking about quitting smoking and weight gain is a concern of yours you are not alone.
One of the main reasons smokers have for not trying to break the habit is their fear of gaining weight.
However, it is possible to quit smoking without putting on extra pounds.
There are a few reasons why people gain weight when they stop smoking.
Believe it or not smoking actually burns calories, upwards of 200 calories a day for heavy smokers.
This causes metabolism to be slightly increased in smokers.
Nicotine also can act as an appetite suppressant causing smokers to eat less.
Food is also used to comfort the urge to smoke.
When you quit smoking it is normal to put on 5 to 10 pounds in the first few months but do not let this discourage you from quitting smoking.
There are a number of things you can do when you call it quits to avoid gaining weight.
Exercise-Even a small amount of exercise can help to avoid weight gain.
Take a brisk 390 minute walk after dinner to burn off extra calories.
It can also help to remove cravings.
Eat Healthy Snacks-When the urge to smoke hits then hit the healthy snacks.
Keep some nuts, sunflower seeds, fruits and veggies around.
Remove the unhealthy snacks from your home so you won't be tempted.
Try a quit smoking program that helps to reduce the urge to smoke-The most effective way to avoid weight gain when quitting smoking is to remove the urge to smoke.
There are some new stop smoking programs available that can help you when you are quitting smoking and weight gain is a fear you have because they remove the urge to smoke.