T. Reduce tension by meditating, taking a walk or a bath, or taking deep breaths. Make a list of when and where you are most tempted to smoke, and list healthy activities you can substitute when you have the urge. Replace smoking with other activities that occupy your hands and your mouth. Eating a variety of foods each day is a good start, and eating regularly so you never get too hungry.
Keep your hands busy with doodling, crossword puzzles, knitting, or twirling a straw, pen, or pencil. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activities on most days, even if it is in a few shorter increments. Water retention may cause a deceptive weight gain of up to 5 pounds in the week after quitting smoking, but this is not a real weight gain, and your body will go back to normal. Physical activity does not have to be planned exercise; it may include taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, or playing with children.
Be confident that you are making a healthy choice! Your whole body will thank you!. If you are struggling or anxious about trying to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement such as nicotine gum or a nicotine patch. The most important components of preventing weight gain when you quit smoking are: Physical activity To prevent weight gain at this time, you need to become more physically active. A craving only lasts about 5 minutes Healthy eating Improving your eating habits gradually can help prevent weight gain, as well as help you feel better as you quit smoking. Eating a variety of foods each day is a good start, and eating regularly so you never get too hungry. This can cause extra stress that can lead to extra snacking, especially over the holidays when more food is around, or relapsing back into smoking to cope with the stress. If you can distract yourself for 5 minutes, the craving will usually pass.
Even if you do gain weight when you quit smoking, the health risks of smoking are far greater…you would have to gain over 150 pounds to make your health risks as high as when you smoked.
Article Source: Stop Smoking Program
