You deserve a big round of applause and congratulations because you decide to quit smoking! It is yet the start of a new challenge especially that you are worried about the possible weight gain effect associated with quitting smoking. A lot of people who decide to quit smoking experiences weight gain because they resort to eating or carving food as a replacement for cigarette smoking. When you quit smoking, you can prevent gaining weight through healthy practices and diversion techniques. You can prevent gaining extra pounds after quitting smoking by getting the right amount of exercise and watching what you eat. Pay attention to your dietary intake by eating a lot of fruits and vegetables to help in detoxifying your body so you can recover from the effects of smoking, and to keep you full and prevent weight gain.
When it comes to your diet, you have to cut on salt and sugar because these are the ones that can cause weight gain and other health issues. Fill up your diet with healthy fats like avocados and olive oil and these can also help in reducing weight and keep you full for a longer period for you to avoid cravings. If you can't help taking snacks, then purchase healthy snacks such as granola, fresh-popped popcorn, nuts, fruits, vegetables, or sugar-free candy. For instance, instead of a burger or french fries, you can just eat celery or carrot sticks, as well as fruit or vegetable salad with healthy sauce. An effective weight control method after you quit smoking is eating five to six small meals a day instead of three large meals. Another method is using e-cig or vape with e-juice if you need a nicotine fix after eating rather than taking one or two sticks of cigarette a day. Never skip your early morning breakfast because it will only make you hungry all throughout the day which will allow you to eat more. Eating early breakfast helps you fill up your energy requirements throughout the day so you are alert and energized.
Make sure that you are adequately hydrated so watch what you drink to ensure that you are not taking too much sugar. Water must be consumed at least eight glasses a day to keep you full and prevent cravings. Take a mint flavor and sugar free gum instead of smoking to give your mouth a distraction against smoking. If you are suffering from nicotine withdrawal symptoms, you can just chew a nicotine chewing gum to alleviate any discomfort. Don't forget to exercise at least twenty minutes a day by walking, stretching or jogging.