Weight Gain and Smoking

What is it?

  • QUIT SMOKING- this does not mean you will gain weight
  • if you eat more often and higher calorie foods you will gain weight
  • Choose- Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains
  • Lower- Fat, Sodium and Calories but higher in Fiber

Suggestions

  • Meals- should be well balanced, variety in color and texture
  • Meats or Protein- Broiled, Boiled, Baked, Roasted, Stewed, Grilled, Stir-Fried
  • Starches/Breads- Whole Grain/Wheat Breads and Pastas, High Fiber, Fresh Corn, Baked Beans, Baked Potato with the Skin, Sweet Potatoes, Lima Beans
  • Vegetables- Toss Salads with all Vegetables, Green Beans, Tomatoes. Okra, Broccoli, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Radishes
  • Dessert- Fresh Fruit or Angel Food Cake with Fresh Fruit and a Lowfat Whipped Topping or Cool Whip<br
  • Weigh and Measure- Weekly
  • Keep a diary- with weight and waist, hip, leg and arm measurements
  • Often will lose inches and not weight- turning fat to muscle tissue

What can I do?

  • See your Physician
  • See RD for help as needed
  • See FFF RD on line for help
  • Water- drink 1 to 2 glasses before each meal or snack
  • Gums/Candy- get Sugar Free when you need a lift
  • Menus- plan carefully, count calories, get help from RD as needed
  • AVOID- trying to decrease weight, just maintain weight to begin with
  • Exercise- daily for 15 to 20 minutes, add weight bearing exercise
  • use stairs instead of elevators, park farther away from the building, walk every opportunity you have, get up as often as possible
  • Eat- 3 meals a day and 2 to 3 snacks a day with good food choices
  • air popped popcorn, fresh fruits and vegetables with lowfat dressingsWeight