Great American Smoke Out - 4 Days before Quit Date

 

4 Days before Quit Date		Great American Smoke Out TAKE A STEP FOR HEALTH
Action Step,  Day 5	Make a list of healthy foods that you will add to your diet starting today.  Starting on this now, rather than waiting until you’ve caught yourself over-eating those high-calorie snacks, can save you from the pitfall of unwanted weight gain.
Quitting smoking does not have to lead to weight gain.  In fact, with increased energy and a new experience of health, most people find it easier to be active and eat better.  Throughout the first few weeks of quitting smoking you may notice a desire to snack more.  This can be challenging if you don’t have a plan or some reliable and “healthier” low-fat options.  First, consider adding at least one fruit or vegetable to your daily diet.  The extra nutrients and fiber will help you during withdrawal. Second, find non-food items to distract you from the cravings you may get to put something in your mouth or your hands. Consider sugar free gum, mints, etc. Some people find that strong flavors such as black licorice root, cinnamon toothpicks, cloves, etc., help cut the “mouth” cravings. Ideas for things to do with your hands include squeezing a hand-strengthening ball, playing solitaire, putting on hand lotion, filing your nails, doodling, etc.
Resources for Quitting	Check out the CDC's Website at www.cdc.gov/tobacco/how2quit.htm
Gaining Insight	Many people find that quitting smoking is like losing a friend, and may cause a certain sense of grief and anxiety.  Think about it…for many who smoke, their cigarettes have been a reliable and comforting resource for years - one that they interact with many times a day, through many life experiences. Despite being committed to quitting, some of us feel sad about letting go.  If you’ve ever had an old, beat up car that you finally got rid of and then missed, or an unhealthy relationship that you ended - and then started again, you may be able to relate.  It may be that “ending” the relationship for good can be more effective if you achieve closure on a deeper level.  Some people who have quit report that doing something to “say good-bye” to the cigarettes may be a useful step in letting go permanently. Here are two ideas that people have reported that worked for them: 1) Write a “thanks for the good times…it’s time to break up” letter to your cigarettes.  Include the good, bad and ugly of your relationship to smoking and work on really letting go; 2) Invite loved ones over for a mock funeral/memorial service where you give the eulogy and then have a party - you can invite others to share their feelings about your quitting, too.

^{>>Great American Smoke Out Main Page}

Last Modified: Nov 4, 2009 03:18 PM