Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both 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. Replace smoking with other activities that occupy your hands and your mouth. 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. Eating a variety of foods each day is a good start, and eating regularly so you never get too hungry. To prevent extra snacking as a result of quitting smoking, do not try to quit smoking during a stressful period. 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. Find something that will replace smoking as a way to relax and do it consistently. Reduce tension by meditating, taking a walk or a bath, or taking deep breaths. 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. 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. Weight gain is more likely when someone has smoked for 10 to 20 years or smokes a pack or more a day. Physical activity does not have to be planned exercise; it may include taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, or playing with children.
Snack on fruit or chewing gum to satisfy any sweet cravings. These can help prevent a relapse, and nicotine gum has been shown to reduce weight gain. But changing too much too quickly can increase the stress you feel as you try to quit smoking. 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.
Article Source: How to Stop Smoking
