When What Happens When You Quit Smoking Doesn’t Seem like Much of a Reward
Some people who smoke say they don’t want to give up smoking because they know they will put on weight. Is this 
true? Well it can be as many ex smokers will testify and the reason for that is increased eating habits and not the healthy kind either. It is always best to discuss any issues you may have with your doctor who will be able to help you establish a healthy eating plan and exercise regime as part of your addiction-kicking process.
When you have been smoking tobacco products for any number of years it alters your body chemical makeup. When you stop and remove the nicotine factor, then your body produces cravings, which can be staved off by eating something. Some people actually mistake these for hunger pangs, when they are not at all. Many believe that smoking changes the body’s metabolism and that changes the way the body absorbs fats and other foods. Whilst they may be true to a certain extent, it is not completely true. If it was then all smokers would lose weight – and that is not the case either. The body naturally releases a substance called seratonin and when you stop smoking this is affected. The body tries to compensate with this reduction by putting out cravings for carbohydrates, which will bring it up to the level it is used to. Clearly we all know people who are quitting smoking and we are all too familiar with their mood swings and irritability. Well that is down to serotonin levels. However, eating more carbohydrates will increase your weight without a doubt. So what can you do?
The best way to address this is to fill your time with something useful or absorbing. This then keeps the mind busy. It will not completely take away the cravings but it will stop you reaching out to fill yourself up with food that will add to you weight. After all you do not want to swap one health hazard for another one. Stopping smoking does not just happen and you need to motivate yourself into the regime. Do not be tempted to eat sweets every time you feel like you want a cigarette. You can, of course, eat a carrot stick or some celery if you feel the need to put something into your mouth and this is infinitely healthier for you and will not add to your weight.
If you are considering stopping smoking then you do need to be aware that this can happen but having the tolls to arm yourself against the cravings will help you succeed.
If you do feel like a sugary snack you can get sugar-free products, such as gum, sweets, snacks, etc but to be sure the healthier options are vegetables or fruit. Try to increase your exercise and you will find you think about smoking less and less until it has completely gone.
