How to Stop Smoking and Stay Healthy

One of the difficulties most people have when they stop smoking is that they begin to gain weight. The average person will put on about eight pounds when they stop smoking. This is due in part, because the smoking habit usually curbs your appetite. However, there are a few tricks that you can do to stop smoking and still keep from gaining weight.

Stop Smoking and Stay Healthy With Your Toothbrush
A common tip that many people use to lose weight is to brush your teeth right after every meal. This tip usually keeps you from snacking in between meals. It also helps your resist those smoking cravings as well.

Stop Smoking and Stay Healthy with Good Snacks
For anyone who is trying to lose weight, snacking can be their enemy. Take the time and prepare your snacks by making sure that they are healthy ones. Give yourself five or six low-calorie snacks for each day, so that you won't be tempted by the vending machines when you have hunger cravings. Try stocking up on celery sticks, carrots, or maybe pretzels.

Stop Smoking and Stay Healthy with a Friend
The best way to stay on a healthy plan is to involve a friend with you. Find someone who wants to workout with you a few times a week. If you commit to them, they should commit to you to keep the routine going. Working out will distract you from smoking and give you a chance to blow off stress and boost your energy. The effects of exercising have been found to block the beginnings of nicotine cravings in most people.

Stop Smoking and Stay Healthy by Clock Watching
We are all creatures of habit and many of us had certain times when we wanted to smoke. Sometimes it is right after a great dinner or just before your lunchtime. Since many people replace smoking with eating, those will be the times you will want to grab food instead. Knowing that these will be those times, distract yourself by doing something different. Get out and go for a walk instead, or schedule a meeting with a co-worker. Do whatever it takes to break the habit of eating at those times.

Stop Smoking and Stay Healthy by Sucking
Most smokers will eventually have some sort of oral fixation. You will have a need to have something in your mouth all the time. This is why those who quit smoking are usually replacing it with food. Replace that food with something that is less fattening. Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on some sugar-free lollipops instead.