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You’ve just swapped your cigarettes for better health, but now you’re reaching for food instead and you're worried about your weight.
It’s easy to feel despondent when you’ve taken such a big step and you’re getting weight gain in return. Before you reach for your
smokes again, there are ways to quit smoking and maintain your figure too.
Can quitting make you gain weight?
People who smoke are less efficient in converting food energy for physical activity and may store more fat. The good news is that for many people this is a temporary phase that will balance out as you up your exercise.
Weight watching
- Start cutting down on sugar and fatty foods. Stick to an energy-reduced diet that's rich in fruit and vegetables and low in fat. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day.
- Physical exercise is the best way to speed up your metabolism so that you can burn fat. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day doing exercises like skipping, brisk walking, and swimming or running.
- Are you really hungry? Whenever you feel the urge to eat, ask yourself whether you are hungry or just craving stimulation. Try a cup of tea this time, instead of another snack.
- If you're busy getting lost in a new novel, hiking with friends or building a difficult puzzle, food will be the last thing on your mind. By filling up your day with activities, you'll be less likely to snack mindlessly or binge eat.
