Another frequently-repeated rationalization for the cigarette habit is: "I'd like to stop smoking, but every time I do I gain weight. And it's worse to be overweight than it is to smoke."
It isn't the fact that a person has stopped smoking that may cause him to gain weight. It's the fact that he substitutes the habit of overeating for the habit of smoking.
The good news is, not all smokers who stop smoking gain weight. Even if weight gain was inevitable, the average gain is only between 6 and 8 pounds. Not too much of a big deal now, isn't it?
In the belief that he needs something tangible to relax tension (which he previously achieved by the mechanical movements of lighting a cigarette) a "reformed addict" may take to eating candy bars or nibbling on sweets . . . something to do, anything to do, in other words, to take his mind away from the pressing problems, and to get back some of those old, familiar gestures that are part of the habitual pattern of smoking.
The gesture of reaching for something, and picking it up, and then placing it in the mouth. The gestures and muscle movements of the lips, mouth and jaws: as many of the gestures of smoking as can be achieved, in other words, without a cigarette. You'll soon see that this isn't necessary either.
Do moderate intensity exercises on a regular routine. Examples are to go swimming, jogging, playing a sport or aerobics.
Cut down on unhealthy snacking. If you feel like munching, grab something healthy like a diet bar or a fruit.
Avoid alcohol or limit yourself to 1 drink a week. Alcohol can make you fat at the wrong places.
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Quit Meter
$188,137.13
Amount Saved
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Quit Meter
Days: 7100
Hours: 4
Minutes: 37
Seconds: 46
Life Gained
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Quit Meter
45609
Smoke Free Days
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Quit Meter
684,135
Cigarettes Not Smoked
