Metabolism slows down, adding to the weight gain. Just remember that quitters can expect a gain of about 10 to 15 pounds per daily pack smoked, and it can take up to a year to re-establish properly functioning metabolism. Substituting food for cigarettes is another cause of weight gain. Quitters experience an increased craving for sweets. For example, eating sweets increases serotonin levels in the brain, providing a calming effect, she said.
Sweets also reduce the acidity of the blood.
This slows the excretion of nicotine, making withdrawal easier to handle. Studies support a diet high in complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, fruits and vegetables to help a person stop smoking. Meanwhile, because smokers and those trying to quit are addicted to nicotine, anytime nicotine leaves the body too quickly, the body wants more. Therefore, foods that speed up removal of nicotine intensify cravings. Excess meat increases the excretion of nicotine.