i quit smoking about 9 months ago and now im gaining weight fast?

Question

lucky for me i was skinny beforehand because ive gained 30 pounds in 9 months which brings me to about average id say, i definatly eat more now because ive replaced the habit of smoking with snacking but i dont eat MUCH more then i ever did, so why am i gaining weight like this? and will it level out on its own or do i actually need to think about what im eating!? ive never had to do that before.

Answer 1

Congratulations on giving up smoking! You have made a wise choice for your body and longevity.

Gaining weight often results after giving up smoking. This is often because you are used to putting something into your mouth and could be eating more as a result of boredom.

The best way to prevent becoming overweight is to seriously consider what you eat and drink. Eating refined sugars such as sweets or drinking soft drinks filled with carbohydrates [as most are] can quickly cause the accumulation of fat within the body. Did you know that you need to walk 3,904 steps to offset the intake of carbohydrates from a can of soft drink?

A chocolate bar needs 7,173 steps to walk off the excess fats and a fast food burger takes a staggering 12,464 steps.

Snack to your heart's content. Don't be afraid to snack several times a day on low-fat foods, such as yogurt, fruit, vegetables [carrots are great], bagels and whole-grain breads and cereals. As a matter of fact, evidence points to lower cholesterol levels in people who eat small meals several times a day. Eating often keeps hormones like insulin from rising and signaling your body to make cholesterol. Just make sure your total intake of calories doesn't go up when you eat more often.

Remember, to keep up the exercise as well. About 30 minutes throughout the day is considered to be best. This does not necessarily mean a workout in the gym but could involve taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking to the store instead of driving there in your automibile.

By the way - the consumption of alcohol can quickly increase your waist line.

Good luck with your new lifestyle. Your body will appreciate it and so will your wallet, if the experience that my father had when he stopped smoking is any indication.

Answer 2

Hi, Ki: I, too, was underweight when I quit in 2003. The bad news is that the weight gain continued over a couple of years. The good news is that, for me, it wasn't horrific. My metabolism slowed (and yours may not) and that's the worst of it. And, yes, it slowed over a long period of time. So I jumped a size, big deal. Am I happy with my new shape? No, but I am happy that the pulmonary disease I'm stuck with for the rest of my life won't be getting worse. I really rejoice when I see someone quit, especially before they do permanent damage. God bless your efforts to keep the weight off. Walk, walk, walk. The treadmill is your best friend! Love and best of luck, cmw EDIT: I was reading some of the answers and some misinformation. You need to know that smoking actually burns calories, so even if you did not eat more food, you'd gain weight. And that's other than the metabolism slowing part. Only 10% of people gain over as long as 5 years, so your odds are good. It does not have to be a nightmare. Stay positive.

Answer 3

Natural Quit Smoking Magic

Answer 4

I've heard that you gain weight when you stop smoking naturally. However, if you have never paid attention to what you were eating before, then you may not realize how many extra calories you are consuming when you are "snacking." A decent handful of peanuts has anywhere from 300-500 calories. I know it can be a pain, but start paying attention to the calories you are consuming. You don't need to count everything, but it's a way to be aware of what you are putting in your mouth so you know what kinds of things are healthier snacks.

Answer 5

Even though you quit smoking wich will make you gain weight by itself. As we get older our bodies metabolism rate slow down. You may need to watch what you eat, if the weight gain is a bother to you.

Answer 6

That happens most of the time, I think. Try switching to chewing gum or the end of a pencil to keep your mouth busy. I don't know if it levels out.

Answer 7

Try sugar free hard candy to satisify the craving. Works for me. Luck to you!

Answer 8

I think it does level out... but the older you get the slower your metabolism gets... try sugarfree gum, and drink lots of water. that will make you feel full..

Answer 9

alot of europeans smoke because it supresses your hunger by speeding up your metabolism thats y europeans are skinny and americans are morbidly obese

Answer 10

Congrats on quitting!

When you quit, your metabolism slows down.

Exercise instead of eating.