Smoking increases metabolism slightly:***8226;Smoking burns up to 200 calories a day in a heavy smoker
***8226;Because smoking burns calories, metabolism is boosted (increased) slightly
***8226;Nicotine is an appetite suppressant
When you quit smoking, a gain of between 5 and 10 pounds during the first few months of cessation is normal. If your eating habits have remained the same as they were when you smoked, you can easily shed this small gain with a brisk, 30 minute walk daily.
Why do I want to eat more?
Smoking cessation throws our bodies into shock initially. Increased appetite is a side effect of quitting tobacco for most people. One or more of the following reasons may be at play:***8226;Cigarettes as an appetite suppressant
Smokers often avoid between meal snacking by lighting up. Nicotine is a stimulant, and may also interfere with the release of the hormone insulin. Insulin controls glucose levels in the blood. When this function is blocked, a person will become slightly hyperglycemic, and as a result, the body and brain may slow down the hormones and other signals that trigger feelings of hunger.
***8226;Food as a replacement for smoking
Early on in a person's quit, the urge to smoke is frequent and uncomfortable. It's natural to look for something to ease the discomfort, and food is often used as a replacement. Not only does it fill the void left by the cigarette, food can be an emotional comfort, easing the pain of withdrawal.
**** QUIT SMOKIN.....GAIN WEIGHT... THROUGH EATING HEALTHY.....AND THEN WHEN THE SUMMER COMES RUN AND LEAN OUT.... GET BIGGGG ND RIPPED!!!..**** I cant say much as i smoke too, but in the winter i cut my smokin to 3 cig's a day just to gain that weight.... believe it or not there are some websites that condone nicotine pills for losing weight....its a great way to get addicted to nicotine and never smoke lmao