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Quit smoking

You can do it successfully while keeping the pounds off.

Two of the most common New Year's resolutions are quitting smoking and losing weight. Ironically, many smokers want to quit but are afraid they'll gain weight if they do. Well, why not make 2007 the year that you quit smoking without gaining weight?

For starters, do some prep work. Pick a date to quit that has meaning (birthday, anniversary, etc.) to reinforce the achievement. Then, choose a plan for quitting that's appropriate for you. Your doctor can discuss with you the various options for quitting and help you determine what's most likely to work. Having a plan in place is critical once the withdrawal has begun, because that's when your resolve will be challenged.

Over the next few months, as your cravings lessen and you move to the maintenance mode, realize that you're not out of the woods. In this phase, look at cigarettes the same way an alcoholic looks at booze: Only complete abstinence will work. If you fall off the wagon, then just get up, brush yourself off and get back on it. Relapse rates are high, but stay positive.

If you find yourself putting on pounds, focus on two things: getting active and not letting food become your new vice. Increased activity can help offset the weight gain associated with smoking cessation and reduce the craving for cigarettes. Clearing out junk foods and stocking up on fruits, vegetables, yogurt and nuts can help you avoid temptation and improve your odds of quitting smoking and keeping the pounds off.

Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and medical director of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.