Kicking the Smoking Habit-Part Two

Whenever women think about quitting, they fear that if they stop smoking they will gain a lot of unwanted weight. But the average weight gain for ex-smokers is only about 5 pounds. That less than what you gain by eating an entire cheesecake during that time of the month! After you quite, choose more foods lower in calories and boost your physical activity level, this will help prevent weight gain. And if you do gain more than a few pounds, you can work on losing them after you have become comfortable as a non-smoker. When the weather gets warmer you can take up jogging and chase after all the good-looking men in your neighborhood (only if you're not married). But seriously, when you think about the enormous health risks of smoking, the possibility of putting on a little extra weight is not a reason to continue smoking.

Getting Ready To Quit

Once you decide to stop smoking, you'll need to set a target date for quitting. Choose a time when you won't be under a lot of stress. To help yourself stick to your quit date, write "I will quit smoking on (fill in the date)" on a piece of paper, have someone you believe will give you support, sign it with you and then place somewhere you will always be reminded of your quest. Now you have a contract. Also list on your contract how you'll reward yourself for each week and month of not smoking, not with food. Maybe a day at the spa, a gift for yourself, something that you can show others just in case they ask, "How's your quest for quitting going?"

If you fill yourself balancing on the fence between smoking and not-smoking, here are a few reasons that may encourage you, to quit: I will greatly lessen my chances of having a heart attack or stroke. I will greatly lessen my chances of getting lung cancer, emphysema, and other lung diseases. I will have fewer colds or flu each year. I will have better smelling clothes, hair, breath, home, and car. I will climb stairs and walk without getting out of breath. I will have fewer wrinkles. I will be free of my morning cough. I will reduce the number of coughs, colds, and earaches my children will have. I will have more energy to pursue physical activities I enjoy. I will have more control over my life.

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