When a smoker stops smoking, there may be a slight weight
gain of five to ten pounds, or even more depending on the
individual. While this is not predictable, it is common.

There are numerous causes of weight gain while on a stop
smoking program.

This is a normal response to the cravings of nicotine
withdrawal, for many people. Food is often a substitution
for smoking a cigarette. Eventually you will gain weight,
if you increase the amount of calories you consume, since
these snacks do add up.

Individuals coming off a long-term habit of cigarette
smoking most often do not immediately begin a daily
exercise program, since the effects of smoking linger on
for some time. These signs of shortness of breath, fatigue
and other conditions common to smoking do not just
disappear within a short time. It is tough for anyone to
begin a serious healthy exercise program; however, for
those who smoke it is more considerable.

Keep in mind that there are physiological effects involved,
since smoking at low doses will elevate the heart rate.
This is a stimulating effect, which plays its role by
keeping off weight. Eventually however, long-term use of
cigarettes influence the building up of fatty deposits
within the arteries as well as other factors.

What does put on the pounds is a combination of little to
no exercise while increasing the calories of food
consumption.

To solve this problem, as you begin a stop smoking program,
you should begin other changes in your lifestyle, such as
outlining an age-appropriate exercise program and planning
a healthy diet.

Like any other thing in life, willpower is a requirement
for a stop smoking program. To decrease your cravings for
nicotine, grab a piece of fresh fruit rather than something
laden rich in calories. You can always balance your
calories out by cutting down in other areas, to make up the
difference. Do your very best to resist the urge to consume
foods that are high in calories or large portions while
attempting to compensate the strong desire for nicotine.

This may be a difficult task during the first two weeks as
the compounds associated with smoking are flushing from
your body. This is an excellent time to plan your diet and
exercise program. Only a small weight gain is likely at
this time.

Remember to drink plenty of water during this time, but
keep in mind that it will show up as extra weight. However,
this will easily flush away as you begin to taper off; it
is not a permanent effect. Water is beneficial, since it
aids the body to remove the contaminants from smoking,
quickly. Water provides a zero calorie intake, which is a
great way to respond to your cravings, since water is not
fattening.

Maintaining your long-term goal commitment can be a
struggle for anyone concerned with his or her health and
diet. You can use visualization and positive affirmations
to help reach your goal. Increase your willpower by
visualizing yourself feeling and looking better.

You will be healthier. To encourage you keep in mind that
soon you will enjoy not being short of breath from either
smoking or obesity. Think positively about accomplishing
all your goals and increasing your level of energy.

You can successfully stop smoking, without gaining extra
weight, when you stay on track with your stop smoking, diet
and exercise programs.

About the Author:

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quitting, now is the time to do it.