It's a fact -- 80% of smokers gain weight when they quit. So which is a worse habit: being overweight or being a smoker? Both have been shown to lead to cancer.

The answer, of course, is to be neither overnight nor a smoker. Yes, it is possible. So if you're thinking of quitting smoking, don't let potential weight gain deter you from taking that important step. Arm yourself with the facts and set out to defy the statistics.

Everyday Health has some tips to help soon-to-be-ex smokers from piling on pounds:

-Limit the fat you're eating -- it's high in calories
-Instead of focusing on what you can't eat, focus on what you can eat -- there are a lot of great foods that are weight-friendly.
-Avoid sweets.
-When you get the urge to snack, snack on fruits and veggies
-If you're used to having a cigarette after a meal, develop a different habit like having a cup of herbal tea after meals.
-Record what you eat in a food diary.