Increased metabolism? 

Weight Gain

Giving up smoking does not automatically lead to weight gain.

And even the latest studies seem to confirm this.

In a large study in the UK involving over a thousand  women giving up smoking - no clear picture emerged.

Some women gained weight, others experienced no change whatsoever while other women actually LOST weight!

However, in regard to the women who gained weight - the average gain of  between 5 to 10 pounds over a number of months was generally attributed to metabolic alterations i.e. the change in their metabolic rate.

Let's look at this carefully as a lot of people, especially women STILL use this as an excuse not to give up smoking.  

The effects of smoking 

To help us, let's try to understand the effects of smoking on your weight........  

First of all, smoking DOES burn calories, up to 200 a day in a heavy smoker. Thus smoking can increase your energy expenditure or metabolism.

What does this mean? 

It means that quitting smoking can cause slight weight gain (unless we take appropriate action!)  because the body begins to work more efficiently and the body's metabolism slows and food is digested more efficiently. This can also cause insulin levels to increase, which enable the body to process more sugar for energy.  

Is this bad news? No. it's not. 

Consider this.....

Let's show you how you can easily outsmart the pounds.......

But first, get it clear in your mind.  

When you give up smoking  and do not RUN AWAY FROM or NUMB your cravings by EATING, YOU WILL NOT GAIN WEIGHT when you stop smoking.

The only weight gain some of our readers should be aware of is a slight weight gain of up to 5 pounds due to the change in their metabolic rate. 

However, you can EASILY  even avoid that by taking the FOLLOWING SIMPLE ACTION. 

Here's how to.... 

Outsmarting the Pounds

To ward off gaining ANY extra pounds when you quit, follow these simple steps and improve your general health at the same time

·  To burn an estimated 200 calories used by smoking, for example, walk briskly for 45 minutes or swim laps for 30 minutes each day.

·  Eliminate 200 calories of food intake, and you've used up the extra calories from not smoking. What does that translate to?

• 2 lite beers (220 calories). 
  
• 20 regular potato chips (220 calories). 
  
• 4 chocolate sandwich cookies (213 calories). 
  
• 2 tablespoon of butter (200 calories) 
  
• 2 oz. of cheddar cheese (220 calories). 
  
• 1 small order of McDonalds fries (210 calories). 
  
• 1 hot dog and roll (250 calories). 
  
• 2 frozen waffles (240 calories). 
  
• 1/2 cup macaroni and cheese (205 calories). 
  

·  One benefit of quitting is that as your body realizes the benefits of not smoking, your energy levels will increase, and you will begin to feel better physically. A moderate increase in physical activity can keep weight gain to a minimum.

Here are more helpful hints

·  NEVER try not to satisfy the oral fixation of smoking by snacking. 

Wait to eat until the urge to smoke subsides, so that the smoking activity is not replaced psychologically by eating.

·  Exercise daily. 

A daily moderate workout not only distracts you from smoking, but also helps reduce tension and stress. Endorphins released in the brain during exercise actually make you feel better. Exercise also increases metabolism, helping you burn more calories.

·  Eat square meals based on sound nutrition, and keep track of what you are eating, how much and why. 

·  Weigh yourself weekly and keep track of your weight.

Don't wait until your clothing is tight to realize you've put on a few pounds.