They're not kidding when they say reformed smokers eat more to fill the gaps where once there were fag breaks.

If ever I was a compulsive eater before, it's only getting worse.

People who don't smoke can't understand why smokers continue to throw money away on something that is bad for you in a seemingly endless number of ways.

The answer is that most smokers are in denial of the health issues because those little sticks are their best pals.

Smoking is their favourite past-time and cigarettes are the only thing to turn to when everything else goes wrong. And all that is far more important then potential health problems when your brain can think of nothing else then that treasured nicotine rush.

So since quitting I've obviously had to replace the fags with something.

I had hoped it would be fruit. But as tangerines and plums rot in my desk drawer I instead stuff my face with comforting biscuits and chocolate from the office snack machine.

At least it's winter and I don't have any flesh on show as I'm layered up for the grim December temperatures.

After 46 long days of being a 'non smoker' I am half a stone heavier and even more convinced of my earlier advice to anyone thinking of kicking the habit- do it now. You'll probably put on a few pounds and nobody wants that in the summer when they're likely to be wearing a bikini.

Plus, I can vouch that being inside the pub looking out is better than being outside during the windy and rainiest time of year.

As those other famous Christmas lyrics go: "Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful..."