How to Be Successful Ex Smoker and Not Gain Weight

You have probably realized by now that what you put into your body has a definite effect on your well-being and the efficiency with which your body operates.

You need not worry about gaining weight when you stop smoking if you recognize a few basic principles. 

First of all, when you stop smoking, two things begin to happen immediately. Quitting smoking will allow your body's metabolism begins to work more efficiently. This means that your body will be utilizing your food more effectively.

On the other hand you will find that your food tastes better. Your taste receptors, drugged by years of constant exposure to nicotine, will once again begin to function as they should. And so, because you feel better and because your food tastes better, you will be tempted to eat more than usual.

In addition, for years you have been used to having something in your mouth. This makes it all the more tempting to indulge in between-meal snacks. 

Understanding these facts, you can choose to establish new patterns which will bring you greater health and a longer life.

Here is a list of nine health tips suggested by specialists. 

1. Eat a good breakfast. 

2. Eliminate between-meal snacks.  

3. Remove empty and refined calories from the diet as much as possible.

- Eliminate or cut down drastically on all visible fats (cooking oil, margarine, usual salad dressings).
- Eliminate or reduce use of free sugar which includes usual desserts (ice cream, chocolate, cake, pie), jams or jellies, common sweetened cereals or sugar on breakfast cereals (substitute raisins), soft drinks or fruit drinks (may use fruit juices).
- Use fresh fruit rather than tinned fruit. Use unrefined cereals. Use brown rice rather than white rice, whole wheat bread rather than white bread even though enriched.
- Use cooked cereals for breakfast in preference to dry cereals. Don't consume alcoholic drinks. 

4. Reduce drastically the intake of animal fats. 

A. Eliminate fatty meats (fish may be an exception). 

B. Eliminate dairy fat (use skim milk or buttermilk in place of whole milk; use no cheese except skim-milk cottage cheese; use no butter). 

C. Select proper non-fattening spreads for bread, and use these in small quantities only. Use some avocado, special margarine, or peanut butter in place of butter or regular margarine. 

D. Beware of all baking goods - most are high in fat and/or sugar. E. Use only three eggs a week or less. 

5. Eat a light fruit supper or none at all. 

6. Get regular and moderate exercise. 

7. Get adequate rest, fresh air, sun- shine, pure water. 

8. Have regular medical checkups.

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