At lot of people that come to see us at Quit Smoking in 60 Minutes in Capalaba are worried that they will put on weight when they quit smoking.
When you smoke sugar is released into the bloodstream quickly and as this is food smoking can be an appetite suppressant. However if you change your diet to having a small amount of sugar there is no reason to put on weight.
People get worried that they will turn to eating when they are bored as they smoked when this happened. There is no need to smoke when you are bored as we build into the program that you will look for something else to do when bored. This something may be to exercise, read etc but there is never a suggestion that you eat more.
People can put on weight when they quit smoking but this is usually because of their eating habits. Sugar is one of the biggest things for putting on weight and we suggest that you try and remove sugar from your diet. People say that they only have a glass or two of wine every day; this is packed with sugar and destined to put on weight. Foods to avoid as they have high sugar content are: refined grains such as white rice, white bread, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
All this does not just apply to people that have given up smoking, it applies to everyone. Cut down your sugars and have a moderate amount of exercise and there is no reason to put on weight.
