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 weight gain, courtesy of the American Heart Association and HealthDay: choose healthy foods for meals and snacks – low-fat and low-calorie foods, and plenty of fruits and vegetables; drink plenty of water; get regular exercise – it will keep you busy and reduce stress; snack if you feel the urge to have something in your mouth, but stick to crunchy fruits and vegetables or sugar-free gum; brush your teeth frequently so that you have a 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.