When I was smoking, my resting heart rate was 83 beats per min. Today, it is 72 beats per min. It doesn't have to push blood through a bunch of constricted blood vessels-- it can do its job much more efficiently, using much less energy (calories)
How much less? Well, 83-72= 11 fewer beats per minute, 11 x 60 = 660 fewer beats per hour, and 660 x 24 = 15,840 fewer beats per day.
Think about it--because I'm not smoking, my heart beats roughly 15,840 fewer times per day. The energy it took to fuel that extra work--the load that smoking places on the heart-- has to go somewhere... and a lot landed around my gut to the tune of 9 pounds.
So what?? I'll take those temporary 9 pounds any day. Over time, you can adjust your exercise routine... diet... lifestyle...whatever needs doing to get it off...but ONLY if you have a pulse! ;)
Now get out there and feel good about this smoke-free month--your heart sure does!!
