Many smokers want to quit smoking but they really believe that it's something they will never achieve, because they have tried and failed miserably, many times. I think that one of the obstacles in the way is the fear of gaining weight. We have all heard the stories of people who have quit smoking, complaining that their waist measurements have increased. But this happens because when you smoke you will very often make a conscious choice between having a cigarette or having something to eat, particularly when pressed for time, and a having a cigarette usually wins. When you try to stop smoking, you tend to eat more to compensate.

Its simple little things like this, that contribute to the pounds creeping on and you have to remember the fact that nicotine increases your metabolic rate which means that you are usually more active. Nicotine is a powerful stimulant and interferes with your blood sugar levels and makes the brain think it has too much glucose in the system when in actual fact, it doesn't and the result is that signals are sent by the brain instructing the body to eat less. In fact heavy smokers can burn up to 200 more calories a day than non smokers because their metabolism is working at full speed and can burn fat faster. That adds up to a lot of calories in a week and is another reason why so many smokers find they can easily maintain their weight.

One of the most important things of all is that you do not let your fear of putting on weight deter you from quitting smoking because even if you do gain a few pound, you will have also added many more years to your life. It's like anything else we want or don't want in life, if you are determined enough, you can make things happen. Are you determined enough?

When you first quit the habit, one of the symptoms you may experience is the feeling of having a knot in your stomach. It can only be described as a hunger pang but when you eat something it doesn't get rid of the feeling. This is the nicotine beginning to withdraw from your body and its going to make sure you know about it, load and clear! Just like any drug the withdrawal symptoms can be strong but you have to be stronger and not let it defeat you. Millions of people have given up and some have found it easier than others, but can you do it? Yes you can!

After the first week you will notice that the symptoms will start to ease off but you will be tempted by the urge to have "just the one" but that "one" will put you back on the smoking road again, believe me. Whenever I used to get this withdrawal symptom I would count to 10 and by the time I reached 8 or 9 I was already thinking about something else. It really does work!

You will also notice that your taste buds are actually beginning to taste food again and this is when you may start to reach for a tasty snack instead of a cigarette. So, to help you focus on the important task of quitting smoking you may find it easier to incorporate a natural appetite suppressant into your diet because it will stop you even thinking about food. It will help alleviate any food cravings and resist temptation so that you too can successfully quit smoking for good, knowing that you don't have the added worry of gaining weight.

If you are determined to quit smoking then "yes you can" succeed.

Yes! You can quit smoking and get control back of your life completely and without fear of putting on weight. So go to and find out how.