Calories Expended During Exercise

Activity:
Weight:
Time:
 
Calories:
Inactivity increases with age and is more common among women than men.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
eZine: Departments : Mental & Spiritual Health  


Ask the Wellness Coach
From: Danielle Messick, MS, NCC, LPC
January 01,2010
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When I quit smoking, I gained a lot of weight.  I’m wondering what I should do to remove the spare tire I gained around my midsection?
—DeAnne, Fayetteville, NC

DeAnne, many people tend to gain some weight after they quit smoking.  This may happen for several reasons:

  • Substitution – eating when you have the urge to smoke, whether it is due to boredom, stress, or other triggers you may have. 
  • Taste – food may smell and taste better since nicotine is no longer dulling your taste buds. 
  • Increased appetite – smoking is often used to decrease appetite.  Now that you have quit, you may experience more hunger. 
  • Craving for sweets – nicotine satisfies a craving for sweets and, like many addictive drugs, impacts your blood sugar.
The key for you will be to identify the specific reason that is causing you to gain weight and then to change your behavior based on that reason.
Some basic ways to manage weight are:  increase physical activity, make a plan for healthy eating, cut back on the calories you consume, watch your portion sizes, limit unhealthy foods, and add healthier alternatives (such as vegetables) to your diet. 
—WCA Wellness Coach Danielle Messick, LPC
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