Will I gain weight if I quit smoking?
Eating healthy and being physically active can help you when you are quitting smoking.
Not everyone gains weight after quitting. Since food tastes better, some people
find they eat more. As well, their metabolism will go back to their normal, slightly
slower rate which may result in some weight gain. Others may use higher calorie
foods as a way to deal with cravings or stress.
You may want to focus on quitting and staying smoke-free before tackling eating
and physical activity. That’s fine. Keep these tips in mind when you are ready to
focus on eating and physical activity or choose one to two ideas you feel you can
start now. These ideas can help control cravings too.
- Follow Canada’s Food Guide.
- Eat regularly–every three to four hours–to avoid becoming too hungry.
- Eat when you are hungry and stop when you feel satisfied.
- Move more–physical activity can also improve mood and reduce physical tension and
personal stress.
- Keep tempting high calorie foods out of the house.
- Keep your mouth busy-sip on water or chew on sugar-free gum.
- Ask for support from family and friends.
- Avoid situations that would have triggered you to smoke.
Remember that you don’t need to make a total lifestyle overhaul all at once. Your
goal is to quit smoking and stay smoke-free. Use these healthy eating and active
living tips to help you while you quit, but know that one day of being off track
is not a failure. Your eating pattern and activity level over time is more important
than just one meal or day.