If you can distract yourself for 5 minutes, the craving will usually pass Snack on fruit or chewing gum to satisfy any sweet cravings. Reduce tension by meditating, taking a walk or a bath, or taking deep breaths. 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. Drink less caffeine; although you may think it will make you feel better, caffeine can worsen the jittery nervous feeling that may accompany nicotine withdrawal. 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. 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. Even if you do gain weight when you quit smoking, the health risks of smoking are far greater…you would have to gain over 150 pounds to make your health risks as high as when you smoked. Replace smoking with other activities that occupy your hands and your mouth. These can help prevent a relapse, and nicotine gum has been shown to reduce weight gain. 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. Physical activity does not have to be planned exercise; it may include taking the stairs, mowing the lawn, or playing with children. Try not to do things that tempt you to smoke, such as drinking or socializing in a bar, or tempt you to eat when you're not hungry, such as bringing a bag of chips in front of the television. – never let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. L.
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. But changing too much too quickly can increase the stress you feel as you try to quit smoking
Not everyone gains weight when they stop smoking, but the average weight gain is about 10 pounds. L.
Article Source: Stop Smoking Program
