Diet and Exercise to Help You Quit Smoking
Many people are concerned about gaining weight when they quit smoking. But with a healthful diet and regular exercise, this weight gain can be prevented. Also, adopting these healthful lifestyle factors will make you feel better and help you keep from smoking again.
Diet
All of us should strive for a healthful diet, whatever our specific goals are. But when you are quitting smoking, it is especially important. A healthful diet can help prevent weight gain and can help your body to recover from the damage that smoking can do. In addition, adapting your eating habits gives you something to focus on other than smoking. For example, when you have a craving to put something in your mouth or do something with your hands, reach for some carrot sticks or air-popped popcorn instead of a cigarette.
When you eat better, you will feel better. And this will help reinforce the good thing that you are doing for your body by quitting smoking and adopting other healthy lifestyle habits.
Exercise
Regular exercise is a great way to keep those pounds from creeping on and to lose a few as well. The longer you are smoke-free, the easier it will be to breathe when you exercise. You'll want to start slow, but the key is to get into a routine of exercising regularly—start with 3-4 days per week, even if you only do 10-20 minutes of exercise each day. Gradually increase the time spent each day. Also, by exercising regularly, you'll be less likely to start smoking again.
If you don’t have a regular physical activity routine see your doctor before starting to exercise.
For more information on starting a regular exercise program, click here .
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Healthy Living Unit (Public Health Canada)
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
Chiolero A, Faeh D, Paccaud F, Cornuz J. Consequences of smoking for body weight, body fat distribution, and insulin resistance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(4):801-809.
Guide to quitting smoking. American Cancer Society website. Last updated January 12, 2009. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Guide_for_Quitting_Smoking.asp?from=fast. Accessed January 17, 2009.
Taylor AH, Ussher MH, Faulkner G. The acute effects of exercise on cigarette cravings, withdrawal symptoms, affect and smoking behaviour: a systematic review. Addiction. 2007;102(4):534-543.
You can control your weight as you quit smoking. Weight Control Information Network. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Last updated January 2007. Available at: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/smoking.htm. Accessed January 17, 2009.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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