Smoking has a choke hold on smokers. The drug nicotine hooks users. But even when smokers quit, they suffer withdrawal, metabolism slows, weight grows, and some feel better off back on the habit. But it's OK to gain some weight while quitting. For many, it's a small price to pay.

Quit Smoking Without the Weight Gain!

Its hold amazes non smokers and causes smokers an intense battle of will, how to quit smoking?  If you have ever tried to stop smoking, you know how difficult it can be. As someone once said, “It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it a hundred times.”

Why does this happen? How can someone not simply choose to stop smoking? The answer behind the inability to quit relates to the nature of the drug. Nicotine has almost no outward effect as far as a benefit on a smoker that an onlooker can perceive. Unlike other abused substances which cause euphoric states such as heroine, cocaine and alcohol, nicotine is seemingly empty of modifying how we feel or behave.  In truth, nicotine is small doses actually causes an increase in metabolism as well as a lift in mood. Experts say nicotine is just as or may be more addictive than heroin or cocaine. It would make sense that the more a drug does for us, the more alluring it would be. But if this is true, how can we explain nicotine, which hardly seems to have any noticeable effect and yet, to judge by its number of users, is easily the world's most addictive substance. 

Smokers often complain they cannot quit because of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms like intense cravings, anxiety, and depression. But another and possibly more impacting reason is the fear of gaining weight. This is especially true for women. A surprising study found that two-thirds of women who quit smoking during pregnancy take the habit up again. The average weight gain after quitting cigarettes has been estimated at five to ten pounds. There are several theories explaining why this weight gain occurs.

Smoking affects a person's metabolism which means:

 Smoking burns extra calories each day
 Smoking boosts metabolism
 Nicotine is an appetite suppressant

Quitting smoking makes people eat more because:

 Smoking cessation causes the body to go into shock which results in increased appetite
 They used the cigarettes as appetite suppressants and without the smoking, are turning to food
 Food brings emotional comfort which balances the discomfort from the withdrawal of the nicotine

How can I avoid regaining the weight once I make the decision to quit smoking?

 Exercise - Quitting smoking slows the metabolism, getting some form of daily exercise is very important. To combat excess weight, shoot for at least a half hour of exercise, 5 days a week. It doesn't have to be a high intensity aerobic workout - a brisk 30 minute walk around your neighborhood will work wonders. Exercise is also a great way to beat cravings to smoke. If you're having a bad day, get out for a walk. It'll clear your mind and improve your attitude.
 Keep healthy snacks handy – making sure you are armed with an assortment of healthy snack choices helps when the drive thru is calling.  You know the cravings are coming, so meet them head on with raw veges, nuts, fruits and yogurts.
 Eliminate alcohol from your diet – Alcohol is often associated with smoking and is a trigger for many. I hear people say, “I only smoke when I drink.”  Cut out the trigger. 
 KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid – Instead of deciding to overhaul your entire life, start with one thing.  Quit smoking then start a new diet or job or exercise routine.

In reality, if you do happen to gain a few pounds while going through the process of quitting tobacco, it’s okay. The benefits of letting go of the habit will affect your life as well as those who love you in more ways than you can imagine. Don't let the fear of weight gain keep you chained to an addiction that will kill you, given the chance.
Weight can be lost, lungs cannot.

By Christina Leon, Staff Writer