Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both cigarettes and food. 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 Positive attitude As you focus on quitting smoking and healing your body, your exercise and eating goals will become easier. But changing too much too quickly can increase the stress you feel as you try to quit smoking. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activities on most days, even if it is in a few shorter increments. These can help prevent a relapse, and nicotine gum has been shown to reduce weight gain. 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. Keep your hands busy with doodling, crossword puzzles, knitting, or twirling a straw, pen, or pencil. 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. If you can distract yourself for 5 minutes, the craving will usually pass. Beginning to increase your physical activity before you quit smoking may remind you how much smoking slows you down, when you have trouble breathing or start to cough during exercise. T. When you quit smoking, you can breathe and get around more easily, and nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables taste better when you are not smoking. Drink less caffeine; although you may think it will make you feel better, caffeine can worsen the jittery nervous feeling that may accompany nicotine withdrawal. Replace smoking with other activities that occupy your hands and your mouth.
Find something that will replace smoking as a way to relax and do it consistently. Eating a variety of foods each day is a good start, and eating regularly so you never get too hungry.
Get enough sleep; when you are tired, you are more likely to crave cigarettes and food. Becoming physically active will not only help you control your weight, but will also give you more energy, improve your health, take your mind off smoking, and help relieve the stress and moodiness that may occur as a result of withdrawal from nicotine. Physical activity does not have to be planned exercise; it may include taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, or playing with children. Healthy eating Improving your eating habits gradually can help prevent weight gain, as well as help you feel better as you quit smoking.
Article Source: Stop Smoking Program
