Beaut.ie Diet Diaries: Quit smoking

We're going to have a diet diary with a difference today. We are going to talk about giving something up and taking on a new healthier lifestyle though.

Now you know my latest obsession is anti ageing? Well the biggest causes of skin ageing are the sun and... the smokes. Yep those big dirty cigs aren't just contributing to so much serious illness and misery, they're also making you LOOK older. A lot older.

The woman in this picture is 52.

If you smoke you are in effect curing your face, the way a side of ham would be cured. If you want to look like an old handbag or a tough pair of boots (with deep fissures around the mouth) then congratulations! Your 20 a day habit is speeding you well on the way to premature ageing.

If you're worried about gaining weight - the average weight gain is 5lb after you stop smoking. Sure you'll lose that in three or four weeks tops. So don't make that your excuse.

There's lots of help around for smokers who want to quit. It's not easy, far from it - but you CAN do it! I know from the comments on beaut.ie that we have tons of people either in the process of quitting, or wanting to quit. So lets have a discussion. Tell us your best tips, what worked for you or someone you know, recommend a good website.

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