Losing Cigarettes Without Gaining Weight

Sadly, the myth that smoking is a good way to lose weight has lured many people, especially women, to start this deadly habit. Smoking can decrease your appetite. It also dulls your taste buds so you may indeed eat less, but the dangers of smoking far outweigh the benefits of losing a few pounds. In fact an average sized person would have to gain 100 pounds to have the same risk of early death as a smoker. Besides, who says you have to gain weight when you quit? Don’t panic, exercise a little more, eat healthy foods and begin enjoying life as a non-smoker.

• Eat a healthy well balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. If your diet is less than ideal right now work on slowly improving your food choices before you stop smoking. Making too many changes at once may be overwhelming.

• Take time for daily exercise, such as walking, jogging, playing sports, or visiting a gym. Even simple actions like parking your car far away from the entrance will help keep you active.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water to help you feel full and cut cravings.

• Set yourself up for success. Plan your quit day away from holidays and exams, times when the temptation to eat high-calorie food and drinks may be too hard to resist.

• Chew sugarless gum.
• Brush your teeth immediately after meals.
• Chew on toothpicks or straws if you need something to put in your mouth.
• When you need a snack try berries, frozen fruit bars, air popped popcorn, cut up veggies, 1/2 bagel, or gummy bears.

For more help quitting smoking stop by the Student Health Center to talk with a health care provider and receive a free quit kit.