Tobacco

Health Topics

Tobacco

Thinking About Quitting?

Tips to Prevent Weight Gain

Eat Well, Get Active, Keep Weight Off

Don't let the fear of gaining weight stop you from quitting smoking. When people gain weight after they quit, it's often because they are eating more. They replace cigarettes with food and try to quell the nicotine urge with snacks.

With a little planning you can keep your weight under control. But even if you do gain a few pounds, you'll soon feel so much better that it won't seem like as much of an effort to get active.

Try These Tips:

Drink lots of water - Not only will it help you flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of the system but it also satisfies the oral craving for a while. It's healthy to drink six to eight glasses of fluids a day and water is the best choice because it has no calories.
Do something different - If a cigarette at the end of a meal signals a meal is over, you need to change your routine. Immediately after your meal is finished get up from the table and work on a hobby or read. Sitting at the table will only encourage you to pick at food to try to satisfy your craving.
Be wary of alcohol and coffee - They are often associated with smoking. Using alcohol can reduce your willpower to stay smoke free. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and colas can also make you feel anxious. Cut down on these until you are confident and comfortable being smoke free.
Follow Canada's Food Guide - Eat one dark green and one orange vegetable each day, make at least half of your grain choices whole grain and limit foods and beverages high in calories, fat, sugar and/or salt.
Get active - Physical activity is a great way to get your mind off smoking and eating. Try to increase the level of activity in your day by walking, taking stairs instead of elevators and go to the gym. Soon after you stop smoking you'll find it easier to breathe and that's a great incentive to keep it up.
You can get more information to help you quit smoking by calling Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 or Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.