What About Gaining Weight?

Weight gain varies from person to person. The average person gains less than 10 pounds.

The weight gained is a minor health risk compared to the risks of smoking.

Exercising, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and pasta, avoiding a lot of fats, and getting enough sleep can help.

Nicotine gum appears to help prevent or delay weight gain. (Your doctor may prescribe this to you if you are under the age of 18)

Looking good is a lot more than how much you weigh. Smelling clean and having your clothes free of smoke, having fresh breath, and feeling healthier and good about yourself can make you more attractive.

Focus on quitting before worrying about possible weight gain.

OTHER TIPS

Pop something non-caloric in your mouth--gum, hard candy, dietetic candy, pencils, etc.

When the urge comes instead of reaching for candy or rich food, reach for a seasoned carrot stick. I cut crisp raw carrots into strips and sprinkled them lightly with garlic salt. The carrot sticks are long and slim and you can go through the motion of reaching out.

Brush your teeth frequently to get rid of the tobacco taste and stains

Visit your dentist after you quit and have your teeth cleaned to get rid of the tobacco stains.

After you quit, start using your lungs. Increase your activities and indulge in moderate exercise, such as short walks before or after a meal.

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