Giving up smoking can be very tough, and you may find that you put on weight after quitting. This can be due to a number of reasons, including the fact that nicotine acts as an appetite-suppressant and can speed up your metabolism, making you burn calories quicker. You may also see food as comforting, and it can act as a substitute for cigarettes. However, if you know the right steps to take, not only can you avoid weight gain after smoking, you can actually burn fat fast.
Step 1
Follow a healthy nutrition plan. To work out roughly how many calories you should consume each day to lose weight, multiply your body weight in pounds by 12. Plan meals to fit your schedule, and base your meals around lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also add in small amounts of good-quality fats, dairy and grains.
Step 2
Switch your drinks to green tea and water. Green tea may help you burn more fat by increasing your metabolic rate, and drinking a glass or two of cold water helps you to feel full and can aid in beating cravings. These are also both 0-calorie beverages, unlike sodas, juices and many coffee shop coffees.
Step 3
Exercise intensely at least three times per week. Exercising will take your mind off smoking and speed up your fat loss. Perform a combination of resistance training using free weights, kettlebells, resistance bands or even your own body weight and cardiovascular exercise, such as running, cycling or playing sports.
Step 4
Add in some extra low-intensity cardiovascular exercise at least once every day to burn a few extra calories. Try to go out for a brisk walk before breakfast every morning, as, according to natural bodybuilder and strength coach Tom Venuto, this can help to boost your metabolism and burn fat faster.
Tips and Warnings
- Plan one or two meals every week where you let yourself eat a little of whatever you want. This can help break the monotony of dieting and give you a welcome mental and physical break. It also gives you something to look forward to, and you can use it to reward yourself for sticking to your diet the rest of the time. Put some craving-beating strategies in place. From time to time, you may suffer from cravings for cigarettes or food. This is perfectly normal and easily beatable. Whenever cravings strike, drink a large glass of cold water or chew a piece of sugar-free gum to make yourself feel temporarily full. You could also try going for a walk or performing some simple tasks to take your mind off the cravings.
References
- NHS Choices: Will I put on weight when I give up smoking?
- My Weightlifting: Calorie Intake to Lose Weight: Fat Loss Made Easy
- "Harvard Magazine"; The Deadliest Sin; Jonathan Shaw; March-April 2004
- MikeRoussell.com; Green Tea Upregulates Fat Burning Genes; Jan. 2011
- Lee Hayward: Should you do cardio first thing in the morning before eating?; Tom Venuto



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