For some of us the compulsive fear of putting on weight after putting out the last cigarette is so overpowering that we are incessantly postponing the moment. Others simply utilize the “mandatory” weight gain as an excuse to continue partaking in this unhealthy vice, even though deep down they realize that the actual reason is their inability to discard the nicotine addiction. Whichever the case, one thing is certain: tobacco cigarettes as well as the other tobacco-based products like pipes, hookahs and cigars pose incredibly high risks for your health.
Are you suggesting it’s OK to gain weight?
I’m not denying the fact that obesity is a huge problem – no pun intended – in the US and it is also starting to manifest visibly in the rest of the world as well. Yes, obesity is almost equally dangerous and yes, the statistics that indicate that the prevalence of the problem avoids smokers. However, there is a fine line between putting on a few pounds and becoming morbidly obese, wouldn’t you say? Keep in mind that for smokers, the slim figure does not necessarily imply a fit and well-shaped body that comes as the natural result of eating healthy and exercising. How many of your smoker friends do you see going to the gym regularly?
Then how can you explain their “slenderness”?
The reason why smokers don’t really put on so much weight is a bit more complex than it appears at first glance. First of all, you need to know that the nicotine’s effects on the organism is twofold: metabolism stimulant and appetite suppressant. In other words, not only does a smoker’s body manage to burn calories faster, but the craving for food is considerably diminished.
The obvious result is an unhealthy, chaotic diet which typically leads to an excessively skin and bones figure. Of course, in addition to the health issues caused by inhaling the tobacco smoke, that person is also likely to develop digestive tract disorders, iron/calcium/magnesium/vitamin deficiencies. It’s a rather high price to pay to stay slim, isn’t it? Also, there is no guarantee that you will actually lose weight, as it was advertised in the 1920′s commercials.
So when you give up smoking, you start eating more?
Eating more frequently is perceived as the easiest way to obtain the missing “oral gratification” that you used to get by smoking. At the same time, studies indicate that the “sweet tooth” cravings start manifesting more often. However, you shouldn’t eat a whole box of chocolates every time you feel like it.
You can avoid putting on weight by selecting less fattening aliments to satisfy the yearning for sweets. This includes sugar-free gum and candy, carrots, celery, artificially sweetened beverages, etc. Low-calorie food constitutes the best way to get the oral gratification without gaining an excessive amount of weight. Another helpful trick is to distract the body from the cravings via activities that can capture your interest. In other words, rather than eat whenever you feel the need to smoke, why not do something fun? From social interactions to volunteering for a cause you support, from reading a book to visiting a museum, anything goes! But since that doesn’t always work and sometimes the stress generated by the nicotine cravings can become overpowering…
What! What do you do then?
Since I am generally a rather pragmatic individual, I will admit that distraction-based solutions and improper substitutes don’t work every time. Nicotine addiction as well as the imbedded smoking gesture are hard to beat. But what if you weren’t actually forced to renounce either of them? Indeed, I’m talking about the electronic cigarettes, one of the latest aids available on the market. Their primary advantage resides in the fact that the smoker is able to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes without the associated cancer and circulatory disease risks.
And, since we are discussing potential weight gains following the smoking cessation and we have already established that the nicotine is the primary factor that influences your post-smoking eating behavior, I would go as far as to state that electronic cigarettes constitute the most viable solution. The typical cartridge can have 7, 14 or 21 mg of nicotine – you can also purchase nicotine free versions if you like – so the behavioral modifications proprietary to the nicotine withdrawal symptom become non-issues. No weight gain, no stress, no health risk, I’d say it’s a win-win situation.
Hey, I’m Chad and I want to share with you my experience with the excellent electronic cigarettes I have purchased from optimacigs.com. No weight gain whatsoever!