Health Tip: Can You Quit Smoking Without Weight Gain?

Suggestions to stay smoke-free and healthy

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(HealthDay News) -- Weight gain doesn't have to be a side effect of quitting smoking if you follow a few simple methods to keep you both slim and healthy.

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Here are some things you can do to prevent unnecessary calories and weight gain while you're quitting smoking, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

• Choose healthy foods for meals and snacks -- low-fat and low-calorie foods, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of water, and get regular exercise -- it will keep you busy and reduce stress.
• If you need to keep your hands busy, fiddle with a small object like a paper clip, pencil, marbles or something else you can play with in your hand.
• Snack if you feel the urge to have something in your mouth, but stick to crunchy fruits and vegetables, or sugar-free candy or gum.
• Brush your teeth frequently so that you have fresh, clean taste in your mouth that you don't want to ruin with smoke.
• Stay busy -- try knitting, crossword puzzles, writing letters, reading a book or playing a new sport.

-- Diana Kohnle