The will to quit smoking has to be strong to overcome the cravings due to nicotine addiction. If you are a smoker and want to adopt a healthier lifestyle your success will be greatly enhanced if you seek help and advice prior to stopping. Guidance is vital if you are going to succeed, as many people have gone before you and can provide help in staying on course.
One well documented problem you’ll face is weight gain because your appetite will increase. Nicotine stimulates metabolism according to smoking cessation therapists. It is estimated that a smoker requires an additional 250 calories for every 20 cigarettes smoked each day.
When you quit, your metabolism slows down and those extra calories lead to you gaining weight. Some people gain 2 pounds in 2 weeks and tend to resume smoking to prevent further weight gain, or at least use this as an excuse.
This is generally a short term event and your metabolism will soon adjust to your nicotine free lifestyle, so just stick with your decision to quit. Typically, smokers only gain 5-7 pounds throughout the process of quitting. When you think about the advantages of having a healthy, smoke free life, it’s well worth the effort. You will soon begin to feel the benefit inside and out and the weight can be removed with a little extra physical activity. Your vital organs like the lungs, heart and arteries will be free of the toxins and will start to regenerate new cells once free from the effects of nicotine.
Gradually your physical appearance will improve. Your skin, now free from stress will appear to be fairer and smoother and those yellow nicotine stains on your fingers and fingernails will vanish. Your mouth will also feel fresher, the smokers breath will disappear and your teeth and gums will be healthier too.
To reduce the cravings and minimize weight gain, drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and to flush out toxins. Substitute healthy high fiber food for cigarettes, but don’t snack on junk foods. Try to increase your exercise to improve your metabolic rate and cardio-vascular system.
If you feel the need, join a therapy group with like-minded people as this often helps you to stay focused. Above all use a form of nicotine replacement therapy from the outset as reports suggest a significantly higher success rate when you do.
Above all stick with the program and you will achieve your aim to quit smoking.
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