Best Way To Lose Weight After Quitting Smoking
90Not only is what I am going to share here the best way to lose weight – it is - in fact – the only way to lose weight. Yes – you heard me correctly – there is only one way to lose weight and that is to burn more calories than you ingest. Simple. Thanks for reading and ciao.
Just kidding.
But not about how to lose weight – this is how to lose weight for free. In fact – done correctly – you will actually make money losing weight if you buy and cook less food. I am going on a diet myself, having gained weight recently. I have gained the weight through a combination of sitting on my ass making a living blogging and more recently – quitting smoking.
Quitting the cigarettes has been total bastard for me. I decided that I wanted to be quit my the time I hit 50 years old and I am 49 this year – so – after my last birthday in August I quit. I had already put 30 pounds on over the preceding 2 years – basically because I spend all day on my ass. Now I have put on another 30 pounds in the 6 months since I stopped smoking. Which makes me an uncomfortable 291 pounds. 60 of which are recent additions. Now it is time to say goodbye to those extra pounds.
I honestly expected to put some weight on when I gave up smoking – but I am surprised at how much. Nevertheless – as I could see myself getting heavier – I decided that it was more important that I quit smoking than that I put on some weight. So – 6 months quit – now I do something about that.
“If you don't move, you get fat,” says the image under Michaelangelo's David. Too true – and if you are feeling some affinity with the photo-shopped David – it might be time to think about going on a diet.
I am faced with the double whammy of spending too much time sat down and working from home where I have access to all the snacks I want, plus a smoking craving that meant I was stuffing my face with snacks at every opportunity. . So my approach is going to be two pronged:
My Anti Smoking Devices
 | Amazon Price: $7.60 |
 | Amazon Price: $5.76 |
| Amazon Price: $9.95 |
No more sweets and snacks.
I have thrown out all the snack food and have bought some fruit and sticks of licorice root instead. You will notice that my page is not adorned with stop smoking products – that is because I think those products that replace nicotine in some way are a total and utter con.
I don't want to change my nicotine delivery system for another one that all all of a sudden becomes extremely expensive and taxed when the government Inc has got enough people hooked – no – I want to quit.
I quit cold turkey - and if I can quit cold turkey – anyone can. I was a hard core two packs a day man for 35 years. I started smoking when I was 13 years old and smoked constantly for the next 35 years. The licorice roots actually helped me to quit smoking and now I hope it will help me to lose weight. The odd thing about stopping smoking is that you feel hungry – even when you are not hungry. Or rather – your brain says “I want a cigarette,” and your body says, “You are not smoking – eat something instead.”
So my first recommendation is to buy some of these sticks. I have since discovered that licorice root is supposed to have significant anti-inflammatory properties, and is a popular remedy for cough, some complications of tuberculosis, and many chest complaints such as bronchitis and catarrh. It is well-regarded as a soothing ingredient for a sore throat and laryngitis and is often used in cough medicines.
I did not know that – but I am big believer in listening to your body, (except for the last 35 years where the nicotine voice was louder) and when I was driving all the local herbalists and pharmacist insane looking for something to put in my mouth that did not have nicotine in it – this was what my body told me was the right thing.
Another that is probably worth trying is tea tree oil chewing sticks – whatever works for you is the right answer. Let's face it – if you have just quit smoking – you have some spare cash in your pocket.
Screw You Big Pharma and Government Inc
I did some research into nicotine replacement products before quitting. Oddly enough – the statistics for comparing quitting smoking with and without nicotine replacements show a much higher chance of quitting using them.
In the first six months - while people are using the replacement therapy
Now try and find any statistics for the next 6 months after quitting the nicotine patches or gum. Go on - do an internet search, phone your local government anti-smoking department, pop into your local drug dealer – sorry – pharmacy. I dare you to find anything and when you do – guess what?
The success level drops to exactly the same ratio as not using anything. Once again we are being conned by the government Inc.
I had great difficulty explaining that I did not want a fucking nicotine product when I was looking for help about two weeks into quitting. I was going nuts and all the local pharmacies tried to sell me something with nicotine in it. It was so annoying and once again I am reminded that the Government Inc and the Pharmaceuticals Inc do not care one whit about me. They want money and addicted customers.
My Weight Loss Program
 | Amazon Price: $6.86 List Price: $14.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $1,309.99 |
Move More Eat Less
The second part of my approach to losing weight will be exercise. I bought a mountain bike recently – using the money I saved from quitting smoking – and – although I have been ill on and off for the last three months, which I attribute to the stress of giving up smoking, and the weather has been horrible – I am planning on two hours of mountain biking three times a week, plus a 3 mile walk on the days I am not riding.
I splashed out on a heart rate monitor – a polar RS100 and a book by Stu Mittleman - “Slow Burn :: Burn Fat Faster by Exercising Slower.” I have heard good things about Stu and so far – so good. I need some extra motivation and a plan and the book and heart rate monitor have given e that.
But – you must find what works for you, and if the thought of a bicycle and heart rate monitor has you reaching for the cigarettes with suicide in mind – you need to find what will work for you.
I genuinely do not believe it is possible to lose weight quickly, safely - you are probably going to put it straight back on if you try and lose weight fast. The best exercise to lose weight is one that you are comfortable doing and you are going to continue doing. As I mentioned earlier - the best way to lose weight - nay - the only way to lose weight - is to eat less calories than you burn. So th amount of calories you need each day to lose weight will be heavily dependent on the amount of exercise you are doing. I am going for long slow and hopefully enjoying the process.
I am lucky enough to live near some great mountain biking trails, the weather is starting to look like Spring is here and you may need to be creative based on where you live and what sort of person you are. Maybe join a gym; buy a kayak, go running, lift weights, take up karate – anything to make sure that you move more and eat less.
I am determined to lose the weight I put on giving up smoking and have now given myself a year to lose the extra 60 pounds. I am not going to be unrealistic. I think one year to drop 60 pounds is doable. But – I am not going to shoot myself if I don't make it.
After all - I am a non smoker now.
Kettle bells are a great way to keep your strength up
 | Amazon Price: $45.85 List Price: $68.25 |
 | Amazon Price: $29.50 List Price: $59.97 |
 | Amazon Price: $27.99 List Price: $49.99 |
Edit - Updates on my weight loss program
I really struggled to eat less in the few months since I wrote this - but I have finally gotten the cigarette cravings down to a manageable level and feel I can now deprive myself of certain foods without wanting to kill an innocent bystander for smoking a cigarette within my view.
So - have added a few more exercises since I wrote this as I also decided I was losing my strength since I reached 45 years of age. I am now doing short bursts of dumbbell and kettle bell training in with the bike riding and walking. Three times a week weights and once a week static sprints on the bike in an attempt to kick my metabolism into high gear.
I have also gone on a low carbohydrate diet, which has made a dramatic difference. Cutting out sugars has been a real kick in the pants, and I found a great selection of low carb recipes here.
I started out at 291 pounds, and my goal is 220 pounds. I am fairly big framed and 71 pounds seems like a nice round number to lose.
Since starting the sprinting and adding weight lifting along with the low carb diet, I have really started to see some dramatic weight loss. I also feel great. Whether that is a product of cutting the carbs, cutting the alcohol or doing the exercise is hard to say - I think it is a combination of these. Either way - I am now well under way in my goal.
Current weight
Date
| Weight
|
|---|---|
25/7
| 291 lbs
|
26/7
| 288
|
27/7
| 289
|
28/7
| 290
|
31/7
| 288
|
1/8
| 284.6
|
2/8
| 282.8
|
3/8
| 282.6
|
4/8
| 279.8
|
5/8
| 278.8
|
6/8
| 277.6
|
7/8
| 277.4
|
8/8
| 278.2
|
9/8
| 278.4
|
10/8
| 276.4
|
11/8
| 276.2
|
12/8
| 274.2
|
13/8
| 275.6
|
14/8
| 273
|
15/8
| 272.8
|
16/8
| 272.4
|
17/8
| 271.6
|
18/8
| 271.2
|
19/8
| 271.2
|
20/8
| 272.4
|
21/8
| 269.8
|
22/8
| 267.8
|
23/8
| 267.8
|
24/8
| 268.8
|
25/8
| 269
|
26/8
| 268.2
|
27/8
| 268
|
28/8
| 268.2
|
29/8
| 267.4
|
30/8
| 267.2
|
13/9
| 262.4
|
22/02/11
| 248.8
|
vote upvote downsharePrintflag
- Useful (40)
- Funny (14)
- Awesome (22)
- Beautiful (4)
- Interesting (8)
CommentsLoading...
Thanks Izzy. I hadn't thought of that - good point.
Cold turkey was the only way for me - and I remember when my dad quit - there were no replacements available then. Now they are selling us the idea that it is not possible to quit without them.
I hate my government. :(
Great hub, Mark. I was a smoker for nearly 15 years when I quit cold turkey - wow - 11 years ago. Fortunately, I was still in my twenties and in great shape so I didn't gain more than a couple of pounds. Pregnancy and Chemo, however, kicked my butt and brought on an extra 40 pounds which I am working on losing now. I wish I liked licorice, but I don't - finding something to keep me from snacking is a constant struggle for me! I'm kicking up the exercise lately and I've lost 12 pounds in the last 2 months.
I love the photoshopped David! That book you mentioned sounds interesting and I'm going to go check it out. Thanks and best wishes!!
Thanks. Good for you - maybe try the tea tree? David is great LOL
He-he, my kids enjoy my tummy - and my body prefers dry salami over any sticks any time :P
LOL Well - my wife rather likes mine, but dragging it around is no fun LOL
I just let it stay in place and don't haul it around :P
But seriously yeah, it is getting somewhat uncomfortable, so I am up to doing something about it, too :)
LOL Good for you. Staying in one place is half of where mine came from in the first instance. :)
Great hub, Thanks!!
Enamored of your "Fat David" photo. Would you give me permission to use it on the hub I am currently writing about the Low carb vs. Low fat controversy?
I'll credit the photo to you and link to this hub as well.
Thanks all. drbj - knock yourself out.
Great Hub, thanks for sharing. many of my friends tried to quit smoking, but they gain wait. They are big boys, but now even bigger :). With your advice they'll lose that extra weight.
It's very funny picture you have there. 10+ on the scale from 1 to 5.
Looking forward seen more of your work.
Mark - I'm building up to quitting cold turkey. For my part, I've chosen to cut down prior to stopping. I was easily getting to two/two and a half packs a day. Last time I quit the congestion and clearing out was as bad as the cravings. My doctor later told me that whilst stopping suddenly works for some, for others it doesn't. I sure suffered - I actually felt physically ill for almost ten days.
So this time I'm dropping to a lower level, then stubbing them out. Thing is - I like them. I rarely smoke when outdoors, I've always been an indoors smoker, so maybe buggering off out and about will be a big help.
And last time I quit I didn't do so bad weight wise. I developed a really dumb craving for red hot coffee and crisp New Zealand apples. Weird.
I won't be using the liquorice sticks though, I never could stand the taste. Will have to try something else to keep my hands and mouth occupied :)
Loved the last line by the way - hopefully I'll be saying the same soon.
LOL - Guess the boyfriend/husband is in luck then?
Seriously - I tried cutting down and always ended up back at where I was. So I bit the bullet.
And - as you know with the teeth/jaw infection I was ill - then I got the flu as soon as that was over. I do put it down to stress - it is stressful killing off a good friend - at least that is what it feels like. You know that friend ain't no friend tho.
Maybe the tea tree sticks will work for you? Either way - you know you can call on me when the time comes. :)
lol I just realised what I wrote and how it reads!
And yep, being as ill and in pain as you were, maybe it was the stress. I remembering you saying (at the time) that giving up was a damn hard to do. And after such a long time. You sure were dedicated.
Anyway - I'm going for it. Soon ... or já as they say here. I'm ok otherwise. Walk more then I ever did (read - everywhere, everyday) eat better, no UK additives in anything here, it's like eating organic food on the cheap. Drink a little wine, something I never did. And I rarely if ever eat/drink anything bad. Just the ciggies.
Boy - I'm gonna be vice free and boring!
But as you say, best way to lose weight after smoking and all that :)
Yup - I am old and boring also. Just left a comment on Gulliver - where is that bear ?
Mark, buddy, if you're going to use that statue of me in my birthday suit, I think I should get a modeling fee ... I'm not griping, I'm just sayin ... seriously, though good hub .. the worst week of my life is when two of my best friends tried to quit at the same time ... I was ready to buy them some smokes myself, talk about grumpy!!!
Grumpy doesn't even come close.
Ready to kill the first MF who looks at me funny? More like it. I stayed in for 3 months. :(
Lets see some photos dude. LOL
Go Mark. Just for info, it may not be stress causing the illness, it's likely to be the toxins coming out. Let em, it won't last too long. And the more you move your ass the more toxins come out but it's easier to handle if you keep moving.
And so good to hear someone else can those darn nicotene withdrawal crutches. They are such bullsh*t. I've never known a person who was able to give up using them. Cold turkey is the best way. JFDI.
LOL Thanks Jewels - I think Cold Turkey is the ONLY way. :(
I wonder-- if a non-smoker were to use one of the nicotine crutches for some reason, would it turn them into a smoker?
I have quit smoking every way possible, cold turkey, patches, chewing gum. I always put on weight. My blunt Dr gave me this advice. What goes in your mouth goes on your body. Anyway I don't smoke now cause I found out the key to quitting smoking was to not smoke :) That simple really. I suppose someone has to make money out of it though.
Rochelle - It would certainly turn them into a nicotine addict.
ISOT - The government Inc makes money out of everything.
Good advice. I have been telling myself that a bicycle is a good idea! Exercise for me has to be fun. Right now I am dancing in the living room every day. and yes, will try the licorice sticks. I have not tried to quit smoking this year -- yet. Maybe the licorice or tea tree sticks will help. half the battle is having something in my hands!
That is certainly part of it. The sticks have worked for me - but I was pretty motivated to quit. Now I just need to drop a few pounds.
Nice hub on weight loss, Great tips to learn from.
I agree Mark...I gave up smoking cold turkey on the 21st May last year after 40 years of smoking and have put on at least 6 kilos.I need to exercise. Moving from one chair to another doesn't cut it.
LOL - No it doesn't. only 6 kilos? I wish I had put on that little. Still - I was pretty big to start with.
Great advice for smokers - that is one of the biggest worries - losing weight - well written Mark
Now we´re talking... healthy diet, no smoking, riding bikes... this way we are going to enjoy your company much more time. You´re getting there, well done ;)
LOL - That is the plan. Once I have dropped a few pounds I will come visit you - and I will bring the bike. :)
Your hub came at a great time for me. I need to quit smoking, and have been so worried about the weight I'll gain, on top of the 30 pounds or so I need to lose now. Time to stop making excuses, and just get after it! I'm moving from a ground floor apartment to one on the fourth floor, so all the stair walking should help. And I'll put some of your tips to work. Good luck to you!
Good luck to you also. 4 floors should do it. :)
Oh touche! Move more eat less. I'm sure it is that simple. While I have always been on the petite side, my third child, moving into my forties and spending more and more time at the computer instead of moving has seen a gradual increase in my dress size. The only way to get rid of it has been to move more and eat less. I've been lucky recently by moving into a new home that has three flights of stairs. I've lost 5 kilos in 3 months without even trying!
As for the ciggies, what can I say? You are a champion. I too had a vision that I would be a non-smoker at 50 but only lasted for seven hours. Thanks for the tips. So many I hadn't heard of so there's hope for us all.
Thanks. Ciggies are a thing of the past. The 60 lbs I now need to lose? I am moving more and eating less - we shall see.
These tips should be helpful for a lot of people.
Thanks for this hub. This will definitely help me in the process that I Have been into right now in quitting smoking. This is really informative.
Nice tips. I'm considering quitting, and the times I've tried, there is nothing more that crave than CARBS. Ugh... it's gonna be rough when I try again :P
Good hub Mr.Knowles, you offer a lot of insight on the smoking and losing weight topic. I too had smoked from my early adolescence (12) till I was 45 and I must have quit a hundred times at least. My strategy was to smoke lighter and lighter brands of cigarettes over the years to make the cravings seem for a lesser amount of nicotine. Finally by the end I was smoking these things called Merit Ultimas, I swear this brand was so light and they burned so fast I used to joke about them being the safe cigarette.
I felt compelled to chime in on your hub as I have been a very athletic individual since my mid thirties. I am a long distance runner and I train with weights along with tennis, biking and rollerblading. What I wanted to mention was often times when I would go running, it would be difficult to become enthusiastic about these runs because of the mind block my addiction would cause. Half the time I needed to talk myself into the grueling task of even five miles (which is really not very far.) To deal with that problem I finally decided that if I didn’t want to be bothered in that way I simply just had to quit. Often times my job put me in a position of having to wait and while I would drink coffee this too would sometimes trigger an overwhelming craving. Eventually any time I did have a smoke it would leave me feeling a bit ill and the taste became less and less gratifying with every relapse. Suffice it to say despite the avid exercise regime I did gain about fifteen pounds. Now that may not sound like much but when you are used to running with 185 pounds and now you are running at 200 it tends to perpetuate the chore aspect of this activity.
Another thing I wanted to mention is; I am happy to hear what works best for you and I admit I have never considered licorice root. At any rate, the weight issue is a factor everyone struggles with and what I have found that works best for me is fast paced cardio burns carbs and the lesser paced cardio burns fat. Further, it takes 3500 calories to gain one pound of fat ergo, one needs to burn 3500 calories to lose one pound of fat. Plus keep in mind the water weight one will also lose during extensive cardio workouts. Another thing that might help is to keep an open mind regarding a wide array of activities just for the simple fact that sometimes these routines can become a drag. If I have a wider variety of physical activities I can chose from this will help like say on a certain day I don’t feel like running but I know I want to do something physical I can draw from either biking , blading, or tennis and possibly even swimming. At least this is what works best for me. Hang in there sir and keep up the great hubs.
Thanks KS - Not sure I will be taking up running any time soon, as I am really too heavy for that right now, but I do enjoy mountain biking and am forcing myself to walk more.
Appreciate the input.
Nice hub! I got to do some weight losing!
I am on it myself - no fun though. :(
Great hub! Learned a lot.
great hub! learn a lot
i used to smoking ,bui now i quit
everytime i want to smoke i drink a cup of green tea instead
The article was fine but the altered pic of David was "genius"! I was in Florence and the original was so delightful that I bought a 3 foot statue to have at home...
every time I look at David, he will inspire me to "put the cookies down", go to the gym or walk to the lake, etc.
Thanks for the impressive picture of David and you CAN DO IT! I'll be losing 30 lbs too, Ladyfairz
Hey.....While searching for the easiest and best spaghetti a la carbonara recipe...... I found your recipe and then your blog, and then I went right for the weight loss/quitting smoking blog! Makes sense...right? Ha!
Anyway.....loved LOVED what you have to say about weight loss. It does come down to simple math ...burning more calories than you consume.
But there is so much more....hell half the people in the world are in denial that they are even over weight! Walking is a thing of the past and fast food is taking over family dining.....we have created quite a mess in our lifetime. So what are we going to do about it? You my new found friend are taking a step in the perfect direction....and are setting a fabulous example for the rest of the world.
You are a wonderful writer and I wish you all the success in the world!
Judy
I was a fatty before I quit smoking in September 2009 but immediately gained 40 pounds. I have been following almost the same things you have and I have lost about 30 pound. 10 more pounds and I am back down to fatty. Thanks for the hub, gotta try those licorice sticks.
Excellent! I will still write mine in a couple of weeks. This is honest and true. Sometimes though people take the cutting calories to an extreme that is unhealthy and can backfire later. Exercise is the only way, you are right about that, and it works more quickly than any diet would.
Thanks all. :)
Faybe Bay - looking forward to it. I must admit - the first 8 months have been hard to not snack. One thing at a time.
Hi Mark! Can we get some stats from you now? I suggest that you post your progress once in while for your own good. This approach has worked for me.:-)
Well done on chucking the ciggies!! You are correct when you say cold turkey is the best way to do it, but some people enjoy the emotional crutch of some form of replacement therapy, but the only long term way to stay off cigarettes is by using will-power alone.
Still trying to kick the Cig's but I just eat right, the old fashion way,Lots of greens, fruit and other veg as well as fat on bread, meat red, white or any other color and do a lot of normal day to day work.
just lucky I guess.
Very good hub and will read more
Great hub Mark; and good discussion too. I quit 9/19/09 after 35 yrs of 2 packs/day. I also had put on some middle age weight before quitting and tons more since quitting! My appetite is out of control! I had used Chantix to help me get through the work day in a smoke free environment without cravings. I was on Chantix for a year, and was getting concerned about the unknown effects of being on Chantix and smoking for that long, so I had to give up one or the other. It was a tough decision! For me, at that point, that's exactly what it was; a decision. Now, I find it hard to believe I smoked all those years. I did the gym 2-3x/wk and didn't lose weight, but I didn't gain and I did lose 1 1/2 inches in my waist - where all my weight was going. Unfortunately, I got really sick with pneumonia this summer and still haven't regained the stamina I had gained. I'm afraid to get on the scale now! I admire how open you are about your weight and your weight loss plan. Congrats on quitting smoking, and best regards with the weight loss. You've come up with a much more vigorous workout that I was doing. (Chantix is not nicotine replacement - it blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain in the same way other drugs help alcohol and heroin addicts manage their cravings. It really helps reduce cravings, but does have side effects.)
Thanks Kim - it is working for me although I had a couple of weeks off recently and spent the time in Italy. Hard to stick to the high protein thing there. I am back on the wagon now though. My target is 220 lbs.
Quit 8 weeks ago, have gained 6 pounds. Just joined the gym though so I am positive about the outcome. I am 54 years old and have smoked since I was 15 yrs old. I got very tired of the wheezing and expense...etc etc. The gym is hard work...I am sore...LOL, but hopefully I will get where I want to go...healthy, fit, happy and a nonsmoker.
Good luck everyone, it is the only life we have, so make it a good one for yourself.
Well done.... i gave up the smokes 4months ago however my weight has constantly gone up and up , while smoking i was 59kg i am now 68kg, i am a very fit person i go to the gym regualary and also eat well, i was so up set about the weight i sought help turns out because my metabolism has slowed down dramatically and although i was eating healthy food my calorie intake is TO high, i was on 1200 calories which is why the weight kepts going on, i have been advised by my specialist to cut my calories to 800 per day and i will get the results and get back to a lean me, i will keep you updated , starting it in two weeks time (saving it till after my holiday ehehhehehehe)
congratulations mark on quitting smoking! this is a great hub and one that i have bookmarked and will undoubtedly be returning to in the next few month. see, i will be entering the world of non-smokers next week during the great american smokeout! not only did i enjoy reading your hub, but i enjoyed reading all of the comments and success stories from the others who have quit smoking. keep up the good work!! blessings!
Hey Mark,
Good job on your success so far. If you are ready to go to the next level here it is. Eliminate any high sugar foods in your life. I define a high sugar food as any food that exceeds more than 20% of the total carbohydrate, regardless of the form. So if a food has 50 grams of total carbs it cannot have more than 10 grams of sugar. Start looking at your foods and you will be amazed how much sugar they put in thinkgs. The second is to eliminate processed foods. For now I would define a food as "too processed" if it has more than 3 words that you cannot pronounce or identify. This does not mean you get on google and look up cinamyl isobutyrate. This is not about expanding your vocabulary but rather understanding the chemicals they put in our food. That will make a huge difference in your weight loss and energy levels. REad my hubs on sugar and the brain for more info http://hubpages.com/hub/Have-you-ever-eaten-6-Turk
After that, the next step would be to address infammatory foods. The three most inflamatory foods we consume are foods with gluten, (the protein found in wheat) dairy, and soy. You want to remaove all foods containing gluten, dairy, and soy for 45 days. Then you can re-introduce them one at a time to see how your digestive system is affected.
If you want more help let me know. I would be happy to overload you with as much info on the body as you have done for me and websites.
Well done,
Victor
Thanks Victor - I have basically cut out the carbs and that is working well for me. I eat almost no sugars at all. I did fall off the wagon when I spent 2 weeks in Italy visiting the Vatican - but I have dropped another 10 pounds since my last update. I have not tried the gluten free approach, but I eat almost no processed foods either - I agree with you there 100%. But I live in France and am not bombarded with ads for processed foods. Thanks for the input.
I used to be a chain smoker, but I quit about 4yrs ago. I have never felt better in my life. Now, I'm very much into healthy living.
I regret quitting! :(
I swapped smoking for sweets - big mistake!
I came back to read more comments on your hub, Mark! I like hearing how others are dealing with quitting smoking and the weight gain. Congrats to you on your loss of 10 more lbs!
You are doing wonderful - Thanks for this great information and for inspiring me!
there are alot of comments on this page you must be pretty popular. Not just that but also how you write is really interesting. You have a lot of good ideas to lose weight.
To lose weight one must commit to finding a way and actually doing the exercises and a good diet.
You're doing great mate, i gave up smoking 3 years ago and im now about 3 stone heavier, i was the same as you when i gave up i was determined to keep the weight off and like you went out and spent a fortune on gadgets to help me, anyway i got bored and lost interest after the first 12months, ive now got a mountain bike rusting away in the shed and a bench complete with barbell and dumbells under the bed covered in dust......lol.
The only problem you have is you'll have to keep this up for the rest of you're life or that weight will creep up. My cousin gave up smoking around the same time as me and she gained a load of wieght to, after 2 years of trying to keep it off to no avail she started smoking again and is now as thin as she ever was.
im now 35 with 3 stone extra to carry with no energy and lazy and constantly bored, believe it or not smoking quashes this boredom. it would be very silly of me to start smoking again as i would have to force myself to do it.
Stick with it mate. I am firmly committed to keeping up with both the bike and the weights. One thing I learned is I had lost my strength as well.
Use it or lose it is appropriate. Down to 250 lbs now - I feel great. :)
Still craving the cigs though. :(
When I quit it was AWFUL! The cravings are sensational. My cravings came in the form of hunger so I was constantly hungry (even after I had just eaten). It's a very difficult struggle and it's inspirational to hear you managing it well. Thank you for the excellent hub and keep us informed of your progress!
Your awesome, your hub has literally changed my life. I have been using your tips for the last few week and it's definately helped.
Give this person a medal
Hello there! First of all,let me say,well done you!
After ten years of being a heavy smoker, I decided quit a month ago.In the same week I joined the gym and have been going three to four times a week burning about 600 calories a session.I have tried to maintain a daily low cal diet but despite this I have managed to gain weight in the past few weeks.I actually was surprised at how easy it was for me to quit smoking.My main problem is my mental craving for food in the evenings when I'm at home, even when I'm not craving nicotene, I just have to eat and I give in! Any suggestions?
Hey Elio - yes - eat and give in until you are over the smoking cravings. You can lose the weight later. Giving up smoking is number one priority - or - it was for me in any case. Well done and good luck.
Chantix is a wonder drug(and not a nicotine product). Five people at work have quit using this product, including myyself. Best thing I ever did for myself. Prescription required. See your dr. The weight gain can be dealt with later, your heart and lungs Cannot!
Chantix also has massive side effects and does not work. Let me know when you try quitting that drug and how you get on. I have friends that have failed using that - and some very bad side effects.
So I quit smoking on Nov. 3 2010, by Dec 27 2010 I had gained 20-25 pounds (I am 40yr old). Jan 3 2011 I joined the YMCA, I do spin cycle 3 times a week and Yoga 3 times a week. Right after Xmas I stopped eating all snack foods, and we eat small portions for meals (always have). It is now March 7 2011 and I have lost 5 pounds. I am angry and frustrated all the time, and I am surprised my husband and son have not left me yet, as my dear old Dad said to me the other day, 'you've become a real bitch since you quit smoking'. I have never had a problem with my weight ever; this is all new to me. How long is this going to take?
I was a complete bastard for a year. Surely this is better than killing yourself with cigarettes? You lost 5 pounds in 2 months. Now lose the other 20 over the next 8. You can do it. I haver never had a problem with weight - but I was always smoking. It's a bitch to break - but when you do - you will feel great.
thanks, I guess I just can't believe its going to take 6 month or more to take off what only took 6 weeks to put on. Its frustrating! And the not smoking is no big deal, once I told myself the love affair was over it was done, no craving for nicotian. My problem is I started smoking at age 25 to control my stress, and that's what I am having trouble with now how to control my hyperactive stess hence the food.
Yeah - I went through the exact same thing - without the hyperactive stress. I waited a year before tackling the weight. One thing at a time.
Good luck.
Excellent hub that is really educating and a must read for all smokers who really want to quite.thanks for sharing.
I have no idea if I commented on this already, but you know you are absolutely right about the fact that the government doesnt give one rotten peice of lint out of your belly button about you. You know how I quit ciggy"s? I bought the most nastiest tasting damned ciggy's I could find, I got to the point where I could last all day in work without one. I then stashed the ciggy's down my basement where I would go after work to smoke one, I wanted to quit by the end of january, I could go all day and as soon as I got home, I would have to light up. I would go downstairs and light my nasty.. I soon was only smoking half of it because I was not enjoying it. I beat my goal by two weeks. I do have a job where I am on my feet running around all the time, and I make sure I have my complex carbs in the morning and dont eat any bread or pasta after 4. I do go to the gym 3x a week and drink a ton of water.
In the last 5 years after a major stroke, I lost 185 pounds and I am striving to lose 70 more. one day at a time. sometimes i still get that craving, but I know that its only a craving and you know it goes away in less then a minute. That goes with food too. crave candy, dont give in, because t he craving goes away. like now, I am craving a chocolate chip cookie, because they are baking fresh ones in next room, but I am eating granola cereal with soy milk which really does taste good, by the time I'm done I'll be to full to eat cookie.
:)
Very nice hub, I just quit smoking two weeks ago and it has been a battle trying to overcome cravings for food.
Joseph
people will appreciate what you have here .... this article very useful and suitable for everyone .
Your doing great! keep up the good work!
I quit cold turkey again, lots of exercise, eating right.. complete overhaul. I quit once before, this second time seems easier for some odd reason though. Before I wanted to go go back so badly, then when I did, it wasn't the same.. now I feel more.. ready. I am just worried about weight gain. So I am hitting the gym and eating right on a daily basis. Hopefully can lose whilst quitting.. I thought the only reason you gained weight from quitting was because you ate a little to alot more.
Keep it up broski! It is life or death =P You chose life. YOU WIN!
Thanks man. Good luck with your battle - If I can do it (down to under 250) you can,
Quit almost a year ago. I must say cold turkey is the way to go..why go from one addiction to another? It makes no sense to me. I have gained about 16 pounds, do yoga and kettle bells. I keep looking for answers as to why,or maybe I am looking so I don't feel so alone. Anyway....I am past the worst of it and am happy to be smoke free. I have heard about the low carb thing quite a bit so maybe that will be my next try at lowering my weight gain. It definitely sucks though. Well the nice weather is coming so hopefully diet and more exercise will help. Thanks for all your help
My pleasure - Good luck on the low carb diet - it has been good for me.
So if you don't eat barely any sugar or processed foods, then that leaves only vegetables right? Even fruit has high sugar. Even though I eat a lot of veggies I don't think I can only eat veggies. I have only gained 7 pounds so far, but it feels like 20. I haven't weighed this much since I was pregnant with my son 6 years ago. It can not go any further then this.
No - I eat meat, fish, eggs, cheese, salad, veggies (avoiding the high sugars) milk, cream, butter and anything else high protein low carb.
Good luck
Hi Mark ~ Great hub! I quit smoking cold turkey more than 6 months ago (10/10/10) and it was the most awesome thing I've ever done! My food crutch was hard candy, among other things, and I gained about 30 pounds. Two months ago I joined Weight Watchers and have already lost half of that (15 pounds). Quitting smoking is the number one most important thing a person can do for their health, and any weight gain that comes with it should not be a huge concern because it can be addressed later. After all, if you quit smoking, you can do ANYTHING!
I just want to add that I share your feelings about big government, big tobacco, and big pharma. The fact that government is in the pocket of big tobacco and big pharma when it comes to cigarettes and nicotine replacement products is just absolutely disgusting. And, yes, big government has a huge hand in the brainwashing that a) quitting smoking is harder than kicking heroin, and b) a person cannot quit cold turkey but must buy nicotine replacement products or Chantix. The fact that these groups are in a conspiracy to make money at the expense of MY health gave me a target for my seething rage and hatred during the quitting process. Again, as for the weight gain, please! I quit smoking cold turkey after 30 years of a pack-and-a-half a day habit, so a diet/exercise plan is child's play in comparison.
There you go - if you can quit smoking - you can lose a few pounds.
Currently on day 3 of my quit. For the 5th time! The 1st few times, I was a patch-gum junkie. Then, it was hit the snacks. My dear hubby was buying me smokes while I was quitting.."just in case", which made things a LOT worse! This time, I woke-up and said "That's it, I'm done!".
My weight has been on a roller coaster due to the multiple attempts. So here's my plan now: I'm replacing food and cig cravings with excercise. Just a little. Everytime I start to get crazy, I jump on the stair stepper and do 50-100 steps. No snacks, no crazy expensive nic. replacements. I also refuse to tell my hubby that I'm quitting for as long as possible in order to avoid the sabotage. So far, I feel great! Thanks for your blog, it gives me hope!
Good for you. Tool me a year, but I stated to get a handle on the weight thing and am now down to 247 - one thing at a time.
Hi Mark,thanks for providing such an excellent hub,i was unaware that reducing sweets can help in weight loss..I just started cardiac exercises but didn't quit sweets..Thanks a lot
Hi Mark, good hub...
My story is that in January 2010, at the age of 48, the dawn rose on the reality that a lifestyle that involved running-around-like-blue-arse-fly-for-14-hours-a-day and a diet of cigarettes, drip-fed (fresh) coffee and on the go sandwiches, was not helping my pre-menopausal worldy outlook! So, I quit smoking, drinking excessive coffee, an awful diet and (literally) beating myself up if I was not physically active from 07.30-21.20 daily.
Cold turkey worked, but man, I piled on about 40 pounds and having naturally lost about 10-15 of that, am only just, really at the stage where I feel I am getting back in control of the run-away-horse called "my weight".
So, it's just good to know other people are going through the same stuff....
My pleasure - this was one of the hardest things I have done, but I have the weight under control - at last.
Hey Mark
Like you I wanted to be done with cigarettes by the time I was 50, so I quit last December (tried the patch but that only lasted 2 days) and packed on 20 pounds in 2 months, I was SICK about it so I have been retraining my eating habits and exercise habits (which were non existent before the flab). When I was smoking food was a necessary evil, since I quit it's been my lifes' breath and I LOVE food....or would I rather have a smoke, probably the latter but I am NOT going back to that ball and chain. Keep up the good work and thanks for the inspiration, wow 44 pounds gone that's awesome.
Good for you. I had to wait a whole year before I could tackle the weight issue. Down to 240 now.
One thing at a time. :D
It has been almost 4 months since I quit. I have gained almost 30 lbs!! Also have a lot of other stress in my life but just decided I had to quit. I am 35 and was starting to breathe way too heavy. I figured there is no better time than NOW to quit. I have often thought if I started smoking again I would lose the weight. It is driving me crazy. I have never been this heavy in my life. I keep telling myself if I can quit I can lose weight. I have started walking and biking 3-5 miles several times a week and eating less. But even eating less I am still eating more than I ever did. I cannot seem to get my calorie count lower. Especially after dinner, the cravings for sweets kick in big time. I hope this all passes soon. Enjoyed the article.
yeah i quit smoking 3 months ago
feeling fat as well gained 20 lbs on a diet but not motivated enough for exercise
will have to start soon tho having trouble breathing as i have put most weight around my middle and had phemonia for 8 weeks after i quit
took the stuffing out of me!
and i am thinking i am still recovering from that ...its coming up to spring now i know i can loose the weight its just a matter of getting motivated!!!
like reading about quitters xx well done guys!!
Good for you. I am sure you can lose the weight of you can quit the smoking.
I too have quit smoking! 33 year habit is hard to break, but I knew it was killing me. I was already over weight by about 30 pounds, depressed, and recently laid off. Tired of making excuses because we all know there is NO perfect time in life to just do it. My circulation had gotten so bad (from smoking) that my leggs would hurt on short walks, hurt at night when I was trying to sleep, I had swelling in my left foot, I really was starting to fall apart at 47! And for the women reading this blog, I was also entering the lovely time of life call peri- menapause- i needed a miracle. I loved to smoke and drink diet soda all day, so when I quit I cold turkied both addictions. Thank God I didn't have a job- or I'm sure I would have been fired. I went and bought a brita filtered pitcher and kept it full in the fridge, and I drank water all day, all the time ! I bought some cute modern drinking cups (24 oz) so they could travel with me in car, and I was never without water. I really believe it has been the number 1 reason for my sucess, I lost 3 pounds my first week I quit smoking, and about 1 pound a week since. Okay, the weight is not falling off like when I was younger.. but it's not creeping on either.I do 30 minutes a day walking, and I eat when I am hungry, more raw veges in my diet now, but I love hummus and it's so good with red, or yellow peppers for dipping! I'm not big on fruit, I get disapointed buying it and it not tasting very good. So I get a few jars of gerber baby food fruits, love the bananna, peaches, plums.. and I stir it into a vanilla yogurt- yummy! I never realized just how dehydrated I have been for so many years, the lack of energy, depression has been lifted !! And with one simple solution, one free solution, it was there all the time... WATER !!
Just wondering why 4-5 days into quitting smoking the cravings are out of control? I have smoked on/off for past 25 yrs. I quit a couple years ago using nicorette (never got off of it either) and am using it now. Not sure exactly how I started back but thinking it might have been after losing home to fire and dealing with insurance, starting over, etc. I am in a period of transition and due to demands of work feel I need to use nicorette replacement at least during day as I can't afford to "snap" at work (at least not yet). It is also nearly impossible for me to be around other smokers! Not sure if I want to beg for one or smack them. I purchased some subliminal mp3s that I was supposed to listen to before quitting and didn't have time to listen to, so I listened to a couple today. Needless to say this afternoon's craving has lasted nearly 4 hours so far! I don't know if I can fight this but I know I don't want to smoke either. My mind is gone because right now I can't think of any of the 500 reasons I wanted to quit and I can argue with every reason I see referenced on your wonderful page. My notecards and "visuals" I made as a reinforcer to my goal of being smoke free, those don't even make sense to me right now. I am amazed at the insanity of this whole thing and my inability to control my mind/brain and its resistance to my "reframed" thoughts. I was smoking at most 10 cigs a day and some days none at all so I don't understand what this illogical intense craving that won't go away is all about. The weight is an issue for me but not so much a big deal since it has been an issue my entire life (at 5'3" skinny weight is 135lbs size 5/7 and fat weight around 185lbs size 12/14). I have always been muscular, thick or whatever and athletic. I have never liked my body, but sans nicotene it is fit and healthy and gets me through the day very well. Needless to say physical activity and a healthy diet have long since become part of my lifestyle. Oddly enough I am actually craving junk food tonight too. I really don't understand this - I wish it would pass - its been 4 hours - I have finished workday, gone for run, walked the dogs a brief bit, and had sensible dinner in this time span. It is very discouraging to know that the cravings continue over time! I am so worried I am going to break down and smoke. Just can't get past this craving/urge for some reason! Worse yet I have tons of computer and paper work to catch up on tonight which is not so physical.
I gave into the food cravings in order to get over the nicotine cravings. That took one year. Then I went on a diet to lose the weight. I have now lost 60 pounds. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I was miserable for 10 months. You can do it.
Hey Mya.. you could always go buy a e-cig and keep it charged and around for emergencies! Beats actually lighting up again.
Wow.....After reading the first few paragraphs the first thing that came to mind was "I Love You" but really I loved what I was reading. I too have quit smoking cold turkey after 22 years and I too have an internet business that keeps me on my ass more than I should be but unlike you I am on my feet all day at another full time job. And whats worse is that its in a convenience store that surrounds me with junk. I have so far gained 20 lbs and it wreaking havoc on my arthritic hip so I have to lose at least 10 lbs with out much exercise. I fully intend on trying the products you recommend on amazon.
Mya, Its really important for you to realize how short a craving actually is. Sit down and take deep breaths until it passes and trust me, if you smoke or use a piece of nicorette to curb that craving, your next craving will be stronger. So just keep telling your self as you deep breathe that this can only get easier. And usually around week 2-3 the cravings get weaker to the point where you can almost blow them off. Goodluck!
My pleasure - you can do it Good luck with your weight loss.
Thank you everyone. I did give in :( though I plan to get back on track. I wound up having something minorly upsetting hit a very big nerve and that was it for me. Of course the rest of the week brought new stressful events and challenges which would have been difficult to remain smoke free through. I have to for allergy/sinus reasons anyhow. I may try the e-cig, stocking up on candy/food or something for the rough times or somehow being better prepared. Not sure how the food thing is going to work since I don't get cravings for unhealthy stuff too often and don't feel so great after I indulge. Also trying to finish the subliminal program thingy or get to the point where it is says to quit. I still wonder if that wasn't an issue. I know you can't really "prepare" for this or choose an ideal time though. Also considering the chantix. I believe the nicorette has created its own monster addiction as well. Thanks for the hope!
Day 6 of cold turkey and I'm spending time trawling the internet reading about other peoples stories... and here I am :-)
Impressed with your determination, well done, may you have many happy years ahead of you!
I'm hoping to not put on any weight while I quit smoking but I'm finding it very hard not to fall into the pattern of appeasing a nicotine craving for food. I will try to get hold of some licorice root sticks, I have some tea tree one's but the flavour is a bit harsh!
Things I've learnt so far:
1. Cold turkey is worth it... I've tried Champix / Chantix... I've tried nicotine patches and I've tried nicotine lozenges. All other methods make the process slightly more bearable but they really drag things out too! And the side affects of Champix / Chantix for me were not worth it, I was getting really really depressed!
2. Don't buy sugar free lollies and eat bag fulls of them... the sugar alcohol sweeteners (ending in 'tol' e.g Sorbitol)... well, they do warn you... "Excessive consumption may have a laxative effect". Um, yeah, may have an EXPLOSIVE effect, for 12+ hours. Wow, won't make that mistake again.
3. Many people that are still smoking hate that they still smoke and some will actively or subconsciously attempt to sabotage your healing process. Misery loves company... you don't like misery, avoid these people at all costs, even if they are your friends, lest you regret it on your death bed.
4. Don't take yourself too seriously... as serious as this subject is it's important to laugh at how frustrated / upset / distraught you are whenever you can... it's not fun to suffer but the whole process can seem absurdly funny sometimes if you let it.
5. It's worth it. Long term satisfaction trumps short term satisfaction.
Stick with it Marcus - I know what you mean. A lot of my friends are smokers and I basically had to stop seeing them for about 10 months. They were still there when I came back.
Thank you :-) I will battle on with this one, I feel like I understand enough of the dynamics within myself to get to the other side... it's been such a journey of self discovery so far. You're right, the friends are still there later on... I probably put it a bit 'harshly' when I mentioned it, probably because I have hard time with self confidence and asserting myself so I end up tending to avoid friends etc.
It's really a huge journey of self discovery for me because I've learnt that I MUST learn to assert myself, not in an aggressive way but to be comfortable with who I am and protect who I am whilst accepting who others are. I guess it comes with time and practise. For now I'm committed to avoiding social scenarios where alcohol is involved or people are sitting around smoking and drinking coffee etc. because I don't trust myself at all... I don't know how long it will be till I do but I suspect it will be many months. I also wonder if I will ever want to sit around and drink coffee whilst not smoking cigarettes... this is going to be a growing experience!
Best wishes and thanks again for your site :-)
wow mark,very inspiring. Im 27 ben addicted to nicotine since 2007,fell in love married a smoker and have been at my heaviest weight 13stone. Since 2008 I have suffered with a gland problem in my legs,they inflame,burst etc my consultant told me today my immune system is low, Ip smoking and loose some weight!My god ive tried NRT gum,patches and Champix about 5times in 4yrs!Nrt Didnt work! Hubby who has smoked over 20yrs wants to quit,but its about me and my health,we smoke inside and outside in car etc.Im overwhelmed but gonna try cold turkey from tomorrow. Im already missing the space/breaks and social times at work. Im thinking:Avoid junk,added sugars. Eat a balanced diet when hungry more protein and veg than carbs.Snack on mints,dried fruit etc Lots off water all day.maybe change tea 1 4 black for a change.My hubby is gr8 and will support me by smokin outside,but i think il be around his smoking habit a while longer. Aaaaggh :)Well done on your sucess so far.
sorry was meant to read:My consultant has told me i must stop smoking and loose weight.Dont get me wrong.I want to quit. Its just 1st time cold turk,the pressure from my Dr and my hubby may still smoke. Help lol
kamara - you can do it if you want to. I would quit smoking first - then worry about the weight. Hard to do both at the same time - get some advice from your Dr first.
Thanks mark. I cant afford to get any bigger lol but can only try. Best wishes. K
That is what I thought. I topped out at 293 pounds. But - I quit smoking. :)
Hi Mark, I quit smoking 5 months ago and can't believe the weight gain, I have put on 35 pounds!!! I wasn't this big when I was pregnant! I was a UK size 8 as a smoker and am now heading for a size 14! I haven't saved any money yet because I keep having to buy clothes. At the moment I walk 4-5 miles a day 6 days a week but the weight is still piling on because I was this active as a smoker as well, I just think my metabolism has died! Had no real problems quitting just said to myself 'I am not a smoker anymore' acknowledged the fact that I wanted a ciggie just chose not to have one, made a huge difference to last time I quit when I kept saying to myself you 'can't' have one, made me want one even more! If you are ready to quit you only need willpower, good luck to all xx.
I did some reading over the weekend and discovered that after quitting our insulin levels can be affected and need time to return to pre-smoking "normal". Supposedly this varies by person but can perhaps be tied to "cravings" for cigarettes. I have some small containers of fruit juice to keep on hand and will sip from one hourly or as needed to see if it makes a difference.
Based on my exercise/fitness habit I would say to anyone experiencing the lack of metabolic response, change up your exercise/activity. Our bodies are such creatures of habit that sometimes making just small changes in our exercise reaps surprising results. We also adapt to our exercise rather quickly. Another thing to maybe try is a few short reps of higher intensity exercise between normal walks, workouts, etc. For example you could add 30 second intervals of very fast walking or light jogging into a walk. Even varying workouts daily to surprise your body can make a difference. For weight loss some form of weight training or exercising with weights is really required. I know it sounds counter productive but it makes such a huge difference. I can do cardio 6 days a week and maintain my weight - even with an estimated 3000 cals burned (no dieting). I can actually reduce the cardio workouts to 3x per week, add 2 days of weight training & show a meager weight loss.
Since I encountered the 4-5 hour craving that wouldn't go away I need to really look at my triggers/emotional responses. Perhaps being better prepared for them or having a plan will help.
I feel as though this is so much "mind over matter"! After my last failed quit attempt I was ready to give in and get Chantix this week. After re-reading some of these posts I am getting the courage and notion to do it cold turkey.
I also agree that you really have to avoid smokers if you can. Other attempts to quit with a smoker living in the household or always around made it feel impossible, made the cravings and temptation worse & just wasn't conducive to successfully quitting.
Thanks for all the additional postings - taking all I can from each of your experiences to help me quit again!
well done !! ive been smoke free for 5 weeks now ,but have put on 3 kilos :(
thank god the weather is warming up so now no more excuses ..
Thanks for the encouragement! I was ready to start smoking again when I read your HUB. It has been six months since i quit (also cold turkey) and the weight just keeps packing on. I too have a job where i am stagnate and then run the kids around it causes us to eat out ALOT!!! My husband quit shortly before me, and is also experiencing the post smoking cessation weight gain. we are to the point we feel more short of breath now than when we smoked two packs daily. I think its due to the added pressure on our diaphragm from the new found bulk to the mid region.
LOL Stick with it. One thing at a time. When you are ready to lose the weight you will be shocked at how much better you feel. It was 10 months and 55 lbs before I was ready to diet.
I actually couldnt quit cold turkey I did the e cig and it's fun and I'm not gonna get cancer because of it. I don't think your foul language was necessary in your life story.
I tried to quit several years ago and an getting ready to quit try again but I need to know how to aviod the bitchiness when I quit. Last time it was so bad I got fired and my non smoking husband left me.
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm 31 and not yet a full week of nicotine free. I went cold turky, well regressed down for 3 days then quit, my wife is on the chantix. Both of us have quit smoking but I feel like a big part of my life is missing, instead of getting off the couch to have a cigerett outside and moving into a project now I find I have little motivation to even get up. I'm a lil overweight but have noticed that I am craving the foods alot more and in bigger portions. With winter now approaching I doubt I'll stick to any exercise routine, I usuely get the winter blaaas but this time it's harder n faster.
Well thankyou for a place to share my feeling on and I'll let u know if anything changes... I just want a f@$#*% cigerett so bad right now
I hear you. All I can say is - If I can do it - so can you. But it is not going to be easy.
Mark it was great reading your hub on a topic that's hanging over my head a lot of the time. I am 23 and have been smoking since 16. I understand that I will have to stop one day and do get all the repercussions of smoking but I don't think I will be able to stop any time soon. Since I joined a set of law chambers last month my smoking reduced drastically from smoking every 5 minutes to only in the evenings till the time I go to sleep. Guess my work life will help me put off smoking one day.
I gave up smoking 6 months ago.I had to go to a health retreat for a week and since then I have put on around 6 kilos.I am now dieting but I feel great.
i gave up smoking 36 days ago cold turkey.. now time to get rid of my weight :)
I also qquit smoking recently. Feel much better now. I quit cold turkey, that is the way to go. If I can quit anyone can quit! The key is NOT to replace it with food or gum or anything that goes in your mouth! SIMPLE... Behaviour modification, you soon will learn not to turn to something else. Go for a walk, talk to a friend whatever....just dont turn to food for your oral fixations. Simple really. I have been a smoker for 25 years. I
Hello again, I just wanted to add how proud I am of you!! A very good read, actually the best read you will everf read regarding quitting smoking is Allen Carrs EASY WAY TO STOP SMOKING. It is the best thing I have ever read. It has helped me in the past when I quit smoking. I am also trying to lose weight so we can get pregnant. Its a good thing I quit smoking before we conceive. :) All the best to you all. You can do anything you set your mind to. SMOKING is a waste...of life. Good luck and smooth breathing. :)
I stopped smoking after my mom had to go to the accupuncturist,and I asked if it was possible for me to get " needled" for that.
So I did ,it took me only one session and of course my mind set was that I HAD to do this..
So after three days of this ,(smoking only 6 per day) I felt I could..and I did.. I never touched another cigarette again,however I will be honest and admit to the frantic search I did on the evening of third day of not smoking,I went up and down the house looking for something to smoke.
Well,I wouldn't stoop so low to search my garbage (or was it already thrown out?) Ehm yes.. and I wasn't going to the shop so I did it.. I stopped smoking,now a year and a half later I am definately a non-smoker.I would be lying however if said that I didn't think of it sometimes.
So I gained weight,not only because of quitting smoking but also because of my office job that conveniently offers a place to work and snack and lunch at thesame time.
So I did the following ,I bought a crosstrainer.
Placed it in front of a tv in the guest room and started working out,and I still do.
Sometimes I listen to some music,sometimes I watch a movie,it is a great thing for the ladies who are a bit shy for the gym.
I bike to work everyday,so that was good but not enough.
The crosstrainer did it for me,I lost some weight and felt better.
I started eating healthier and I gave up on loads of office coffee,I replaced it with water and green tea.
Mind you I still eat what I like on one day in the weekend to keep happy. (female happyness requires some freedom there)
But I'm still not there yet,but I stopped the expansion of the universe that is my butt.
For me your page was fun to read,and I thought I'd share my similar experience :-) ...
Good luck everybody !
I am not enamoured by what you say, I gave up smoking nearly one year ago. Have put on just over a stone. Not happy, I do not eat crap. In fact I would say on average 1000 calories a day and have being walking 5 km a day fast and have not lost an oz. what's the problem????
Very useful and informative hub. Thank you for sharing.
I've been off cigs for 13 weeks, and now trying to lose some weight, enjoyed reading this as some positive points
Hi, I went to Bali in November 2011. It was my fourth time so nothing new. I seemed to have developed asthma at the ripe old age of 45. I was a very heavy smoker at the time. I had 8 days of my holiday and 6 of them I spent trying to breathe. I was still trying to smoke (der). I came to the conclusion on the 19th jov 2011 that it was either cigs or oxygen, I found I needed oxygen a whole lot more at the time. I haven't had a ciggie since, a few cravings but nothing like I thought I would.i did however replace it with snacking on anything that wasn't nailed down.i have put on 10 kegs since then and now the struggle begins to return back to normal :( good luck everyone on here and thanks for listening. We can do this !!!
Thanks, I find this blog very informative and very helpful. I also gained weight due to quitting. Every other time i've dieted i've been a smoker and the weight has flown off. It might take longer to lose it this time but I know I can. Ooh! and at least I can run now, I never could as a smoker, AND I DON'T SNORE ANYMORE which is good since as i'm a petite 33 year old woman and not a 77 year old which is how my chest used to sound like. Yay meeeeeeeee!!!
Thanks for the advice
Jo x
If you notice after quiting smoking that you are gaining weight while not eating any more food ( be honest with yourself) it might be worth it to have your thyroid checked with a simple blood test. I went on lean cuisine for 2 weeks and lost nothing- my doctor also saw my cholesterol was rising ( should have dropped some from not smoking) and sure enough I was diagnosed hypothyroid- then I searched the web and found a ton of people who got diagnosed hypo after quitting smoking. I also had fatique, depression, and you can mistake this as drawn out withdrawel symtoms. Good luck everyone - 7 months smoke free and I sure do smell better !!!
I just quit 1 month ago and feel great, health wise... but I gained 6 lbs.... I'm 42 years old and does not do much for my self.... I try to work out 4 times a week and i guess i do much more snacking than i should. Even though I would not go back I need more help on how to stay away from snacking... HELP ME
Rosa - one thing at a time. Once the smoking cravings subside - then you can worry about the weight.
Good luck.
Hi Mark:
I think you are wrong about the nic. aids. I have a friend that used the gum and he quit, it's been 4 month now. Has he had cravings? yes and gained weight yes again now he is starting to lose weight.
I started with my quitting only a week ago so I can't praise anything yet but the nic.aids have worked for me so far. Like you I don't want to trade one for the other.
take care.
Hi Ed - you just did replace one with the other. Quitting rates for using those things are exactly the same as not using them. You are just delaying the withdrawal symptoms until you quit the nicotine replacement device.
Good luck.
I just quiet cold turkey as well, after going into the hospital with chest pain. Enough scare for me. I am 42 years old and now cause I am not smoking I'm gaining weight. I want to cry but I think I will just have to figure something out. Ill remember if you don't ,move it you'll get fat!LOL! Thanks for the info!
It has been one week since I quit smoking. I have tried quitting in the past, but only made it a few days. I was irritable and unhappy without my best friend (cigarettes) so I always picked it back up. This time is different! Im a happy non smoker and I dont crave them or miss them. I'm also around smokers all day and it doesn't bother me. I quit because of Allen Carr's book, Easyway to Stop Smoking. Buy the book people!!! You will become a happy non smoker. If you dont believe me read the reviews on Amazon! I hope I helped people and please trust me. The book is like magic!
IzzyM Level 6 Commenter 23 months ago
Excellent hub, full of informative tips! You are probably getting more infections now because you are not coughing so much - the act of couging expels many viruses/bugs before they can get a grip on your body, but you are boosting your immune system while suffering from them, so you can now look forward to a healthier future.
Well done on chucking the ciggies!! You are correct when you say cold turkey is the best way to do it, but some people enjoy the emotional crutch of some form of replacement therapy, but the only long term way to stay off cigarettes is by using will-power alone.
Biking sounds a great way to exercise yourself to full fitness as well as for weight loss.