If you have ever tried to stop smoking then you probably know one thing you have to fear is gaining weight. Just reducing your habit can cause you to have odd cravings and eat more. Fortunately, if you are wanting to quit, there is an alternative. Vaping can help you lose weight in a few different ways when you switch from smoking. Even if you are a nonsmoker and just picking up on the vaping trend, you may find yourself losing.
IF you are a smoker, then you know the strange urges you get when trying to quit. This is in part to the effects of nicotine on the brain. Nicotine replaces several transmitters that signal the brain for cravings. So when you start to quit or even reduce the nicotine in your system, your body may think ‘hey, a triple sundae banana split with extra cherries sounds phenomenal right now.’ Your body isn’t wrong, it is the effects of coming off nicotine and your body wanting that chemical.
Vaping can help you in weight loss after quitting smoking because it is a nicotine delivery system that helps wean you off slowly. When you pick up vaping, you may start your nicotine dosage off at the same level as you were smoking. Over the course of several weeks you can slowly drop the nicotine. This gradual decrease allows you time to adjust your diet and lifestyle to accommodate that increase craving and desire to eat all the foods.
The other major effect of vaping versus smoking is that it fills a psychological need. When you smoke, you have something in hand and the action tells your brain you are doing things right. Stopping that habit can often leave your hands looking for something to do. Vaping liquid allows your brain to still have that psychological pathway habit without the dangers of smoking. This same concept applies when you quit cold turkey and seek donuts and other hand-held items to keep your hands busy while eating.
On the nonsmoking side, vaping can introduce nicotine into the system to help curb your appetite. However, some studies show that the nicotine may not even be necessary. Vaping can fulfill the psychological need to be busy. So instead of focusing on eating or snacking, you can vape. This will allow your brain to be busy while not introducing unnecessary calories. Plus, with some of the new flavors, you can satisfy that sweet tooth without having the extra sugar, carbs, and calories.
Overall, most studies are showing inconclusive. There simply is not enough data trend to validate. This does not mean that it will not work for you. If you have considered quitting smoking or wanting to lose weight, vaping provides an alternative to quitting without gaining an extra fifteen pounds. You will still get the nicotine, the habit, and none of the extra calories that comes with quitting. There is enough evidence that shows vaping is worth a shot to lose weight and the habit.
About Shaun Hudson
Shaun Hudson loves sports, being outdoors, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After many unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, he finally was able to drop 25 pounds and keep it off. The secret? He kept a journal of his activity, diet, and daily life. That journal changed his life, and has since evolved into this website. Read his full bio.