Smoking cessationFitness & exercise

Not ready to quit smoking? try these lifestyle changes instead

Healthy eating and exercise can make it easier to quit when you are finally ready.


LearnQuit smokingNot ready to quit smoking? try these lifestyle changes instead
How smoking affects eating
Diet changes to make before quitting
How exercise helps people who smoke
Exercises to try

1 of 5

Many people want to quit smoking but aren’t sure if they can completely commit to a plan yet. If you’re not ready to give up tobacco, there are other lifestyle changes you can make now to improve your health, like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.

These habits can improve your overall health and help to slow or prevent the weight gain often associated with giving up cigarettes. They may make it easier to quit smoking, as well. Here’s how to get started.

Sources: Jo YH, Talmage DA, Role LW. Nicotinic re... + 7
  1. Jo YH, Talmage DA, Role LW. Nicotinic receptor-mediated effects on appetite and food intake. J Neurobiol. 2002 Dec;53(4):618-32.
  2. Better Health Channel (AUS). Quitting smoking and managing weight. January 24, 2022.
  3. Nutrition Australia. Nutrition When Quitting Smoking. June 2015.
  4. Zhou Y, Feng W, Guo Y, Wu J. Effect of exercise intervention on smoking cessation: a meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2023 Aug 8;14:1221898.
  5. Quit.org. Fight cravings with exercise. March 2024.
  6. SmokeFree.gov. Fight Cravings with Exercise. Accessed March 12, 2025.
  7. Bock BC, Dunsiger SI, Rosen RK, Thind H, et al. Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Smoking Cessation: Results From BreathEasy, a Randomized Clinical Trial. Nicotine Tob Res. 2019 Oct 26;21(11):1517-1523.
  8. Kim H, Kim J, Woo M, Kim T. Changes in inhibitory control, craving and affect after yoga vs. aerobic exercise among smokers with nicotine dependence. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 15;13:940415.
Written by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.
Medically reviewed by Amy Gonzales, MD.March, 2025
Updated onNovember, 2026
Written by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.
Medically reviewed by Amy Gonzales, MD.March, 2025
Updated onNovember, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Questions about Smoking cessation?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

About 7 in 10 adult smokers want to kick the habit—and you can, too, with these tips.

Ready to quit smoking? Here’s how to make it happen
Article

Quitting is hard, but not impossible. Try these approaches to help reduce your cravings for a smoke.

4 ways to overcome cigarette cravings
Slideshow

If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit.

Here's what happens to your body when you quit smoking
Video

Don't let these misconceptions keep you from dropping the habit.

6 myths about quitting smoking that could be keeping you sick
Slideshow

Knowing what triggers your smoking cravings is the first step towards quitting.

Common smoking triggers and how to avoid them
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.