The healthiest decision a smoker can make is to quit smoking. However many smokers, women in particular, due to the fear of gaining weight, continue to indulge in the harmful habit.

Weight gain, after quitting smoking, is quite common but luckily, it is avoidable. On average, most people gain about 2 pounds during the initial weeks after quitting, and around 8 pounds in total. There is a second group of people who don’t gain weight at all and still others who even slim down.
Weight gain that comes with quitting is related to increased appetite. Furthermore, the stomach begins to more fully absorb the food. Nicotine has the property of suppressing the appetite and once the body is devoid of its regular dose, people may feel excessive hunger. Moreover, smoking activates the metabolism. A pack of cigarettes per day equals to 250 calories. When a person quits, his or her metabolism inevitably slows down.
The right approach to avoid packing on pounds is to stick to a healthy diet and regular physical exercises. Once a person kicks the habit, he or she may often experience an urge to lit a cigarette, especially in the first few days. A glass of water and a selection of healthy snacks, such as apples, dried fruits, sugarless gum, or air-popped popcorn, is a great way to deal with the cigarette cravings.
In order to avoid unwanted pounds, it is essential to opt for a greater variety of fruits and vegetables and to increase the number of meals (4-5 small portions per day). Moreover, non-smokers-to-be should include larger amounts of protein – milk, eggs, fish, and chicken, along with carbohydrates such as whole grains, pasta, and rye bread.
Studies reveal that quitting smoking is easier when a person is engaged in some form of physical activity. Walking, jogging, and yoga are some excellent options. In addition, there is a breathing exercise which helps to reduce the appetite and the need to smoke: rapid breathing. Once you feel hungry or you have the urge to lit a cigarette, start to breathe more quickly as if after a long run. Do it for a couple of seconds, and you will feel relief.
All of the above come as handy tools in the fight against weight gain related to smoke cessation. And if you gain an extra pound, stick to your new lifestyle. The trade-off is worth it.