Have you ever heard the phrase “you are what you eat?” Tobacco may not be another food group, but it is something people put into their bodies, impacting their diet and overall health. Fueling your body without tobacco is important for your health. Check out these reasons your diet will be better off once you kick tobacco to the curb:

• Look forward to tastier meals. Did you know that nicotine and flavorings in tobacco products make it harder to taste your food? Once you quit tobacco for good, say hello to your sense of taste and smell to enjoy delicious food. With stronger taste buds, you can actually enjoy fueling your body with protein-packed meals for building stronger muscles to crush your PT test.
• Guess who’s back again – your appetite! Nicotine reduces appetite, so quitting actually brings back those hunger cues. Along with your appetite returning, you could see a few extra pounds on the scale. But don’t worry – you can fight off weight gain [PDF 394KB] and quit tobacco and stay quit for good.

• Get better sleep and keep your weight in check. Did you know that nicotine disrupts sleep, which can affect your energy level and your food choices? Becoming tobacco free leads to more restful sleep, which can help you recharge for a new day on duty. It can also help you avoid weight gain from poor sleep and make healthier food choices (research shows those who aren’t getting enough sleep pick foods higher in calories and eat more!). Once you quit for good, you’ll be rewarded with better sleep not disrupted by nicotine. This can help you meet your healthy weight goals.
• Consume more nutrients, not tobacco. As a Service member, it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body for the sake of your health and readiness. Long-term health may not be on your mind now, but maybe it’s time to start thinking about it to avoid future risks (hint: smoking cigarettes increases your risk of obesity). When you’re no longer using tobacco, there are more opportunities to fuel your body with nutritious food instead (think – grabbing an apple or sliced peppers instead of a cigarette when you’re on the go).

Remember, what you put into your body is what you get out of it and the benefits you get from quitting tobacco are many. Find out what becoming the best version of yourself feels like when you quit all forms of tobacco.