Studies confirm that 70 percent of current smokers think, plan or attempt giving up smoking, but more than a half of these people fail to give up, because of several strong deterrents. Fears about weight gain are one of such deterrents.

Bearing in mind the images of slender Hollywood celebs teenage girls and young women become obsessed about their weight. According to recent surveys, women associate giving up smoking with gaining additional weight, and that is one of principal reasons for continue puffing.

Well, the truth is that nicotine indeed partially assists in weight control, and the greater part of former smokers virtually put up 5-10 pounds after they give up their nasty-smelling habit. But, scientists admit that former smokers can stay thin after getting rid of smoking by controlling their food consumption and going in for sports.

So, let’s see the major causes of gaining weight after giving up cigarettes and ways to remain thin:

Stress-related food cravings – it is proven that many people, including non-smokers usually cope with stress by eating something. They state that food helps them lift their mood. At the same time, Kicking down smoking is definitely a very stressful process because smoking is a powerful addiction. So, for this group of people, it is rather difficult to overcome addiction and stress and stay away from food, as they inevitably feel food cravings.

Nevertheless, the cravings could be overcome by avoiding thoughts about having something to eat. You can find yourself a useful activity, for instance, drawing, or even jogging or swimming. This will definitely put you in good mood because during these activities, endorphins, mood enhancement hormones are released to brain. If you consider this advice as too easy to be effective, simply try it and feel the difference.

Metabolism – According to numerous studies, it was proven that Nicotine accelerates the metabolism rate and helps the body get rid of calories faster. Averagely, up to 200 calories can be burned each day by means of nicotine. Thus, former smokers have to found efficient ways to burn calories without the help of nicotine. You can burn those 200 calories by 30-minut walk, 10 minutes of jogging or 20 minutes of swimming. Such basic physical activity will help your body burn calories, remove toxins and enhance your mood and health.

Excessive eating – Shortly after you had given up smoking, you will be feeling you are hungry. It is not surprising, since nicotine is also known for its appetite-suppressing features. Thus, when you quit smoking, your appetite simply returns to the normal level, in comparison to the one that was artificially reduced by nicotine.

As our market is flooded with genetically modified products and junk food, it is essential to control what you eat, than how much you do it. For example, many former smokers who put up additional pounds after giving up smoking, said that lack of nicotine is responsible for weight gain, but admitted they have been eating snacks, chips and other junk food instead of healthy food.

The scientists say people can eat as much as they want, but only healthy food, like vegetables, food, and this can help them control their weight and stay healthy.