Smoking and Weight Loss
Smoking does not keep people thin!
A study published by the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (Dec. 98) looked at 4000 adults for 7 years. As you might guess, weight gain was common (averaging more than a pound a year), but it didn't matter whether of not the subjects smoked.
Many young women in particular start smoking in the belief that it will help them stay thin. Weight control is not a benefit of smoking. In fact, there are no benefits of smoking. None.
Many people feel that smoking produces a state of relaxation. In fact, nicotine is a stimulant.
One of the best ways to deal with withdrawal symptoms is to practice exercises that teach and promote deep breathing. Exercises like tai chi and 4 Minute Fitness produce a deeply centered state leading to more control over addictive pressures, and a tendancy to make wiser and more healthful lifestyle decisions.
And the side effects of these exercises are many and positive!
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