KC offers advice on metabolism and smoking
KC has a lot of experience to share about how stopping smoking effects metabolism. (KC also has a lot of Bingo experience but don’t ask me how I know.) GPepper Editor-in -Chief
KC writes:
I’m a long-time (25+ years) smoker who has quit and re-started many times. My opinion’s based on my own experience, talking to friends who have quit, plus years of reading umpteen books, journals, websites, etc. Smoking obviously screws with your metabolism – but no one is sure exactly how. Expect to gain up to 10 pounds within the first 6 months after quitting. Gaining more than 10 pounds in that time probably indicates overeating. It takes your body about 1 year to re-adjust its metabolism. Accept the idea that you will likely gain a few short-term pounds after you quit; consider it a “symptom of recovery.” 10 pounds is not that big of a deal, though it certainly grabs your attention. After 1 year, your weight will slowly return to normal if you keep exercising and eating right. Managing the weight gets harder as you get older, so start NOW. Having said all that, I know people who have quit smoking and never gained an ounce, so hope for the best. Stay strong everyone, stay motivated, and Good Luck!!!
bingobastard@yahoo.com
KC
I quit smoking a year ago and I have gained over 40pds. I walk and I eat right and I just keep getting bigger; no matter what I do.
What else is there besides fruits and vegetables and exercising?
If you want to lose weight, you’ll have to increase the intensity of your exercise. Walking is a fine exercise for beginners, but after a while, you can progress to more challenging activities like running, weight training, jumping rope, swimming, etc. The harder you breathe, the more fat you will burn.