Quiting Smoking without over eating

[Daymon74]

I know most people are going to say quiting smoking probably isn't a good idea when you're trying to lose weight but It's what I want to do. I set my quit date for March 7th (the day after my b-day). Has anyone else here done this and still had success watching what you eat and continue to lose weight? If so I could use some good tips here.

 

[TomO]

Quitting smoking is a good idea no matter when you do it. It is far more dangerous for you than being overweight, unless you are morbidly obese.

Actually, it is not quitting that makes you gain weight. In other words, there is nothing in nicotine that somehow magically eats up calories. But because nicotine is addictive, your brain craves satisfaction when the nicotine disappears. To satisfy your craving, you naturally turn to food.

In the beginning, you may have to do stuff like chew gum or something else to satisfy the urge. Eventually it will go away.

Congrats on quitting. It is the most important step for your health you can make.

 

[Daymon74]

Actually, it is not quitting that makes you gain weight. In other words, there is nothing in nicotine that somehow magically eats up calories. But because nicotine is addictive, your brain craves satisfaction when the nicotine disappears. To satisfy your craving, you naturally turn to food.

Thanks TomO. I have a few ideas of my own, but would like some other suggestions on how to cope. Maybe someone can throw something out there that I haven't though of.

 

[Happychubette]

quitting smoking

I always used to worry what would I do with my hands. At the same time, deep inside I knew I was a non-smoker. So I got the patch. I knew I was getting the nicotine I "needed" and for me it was freeing. Right away I felt like the non-smoker I knew I was. No cravings. Every once in a while I'd think, "Ishould be having a cigarette about now" and I didn't.

Just think of all the benefits, including more money in your pockets, a clean tasting mouth and no more smelling like a smoker. Just keep trying. You know you want it.

 

[Achieve-IT!]

My stepmother is quitting smoking right now. She was a chain smoker for probably 40 years - getting up in the middle of the night, can't go 10 minutes without, etc.

She swears that getting out and getting a lot of exercise - like 2 hours a day. Is what's making the most impact. She also chews gum and has thrown out all cigarettes.

 

[Daymon74]

My stepmother is quitting smoking right now. She was a chain smoker for probably 40 years - getting up in the middle of the night, can't go 10 minutes without, etc.

She swears that getting out and getting a lot of exercise - like 2 hours a day. Is what's making the most impact. She also chews gum and has thrown out all cigarettes.

Whoa! Now that's will power. I've smoked for less than half that time and already feel like it's one of the hardest things i'll ever do. Guess my bike is gonna get some over time...LOL! Congrats to your stepmother too

Happychubette, I worry about that too. I'm not going to use the patch, just going cold turkey to get it over with as soon as possible. And yeah, the benefits look like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, I just hope I don't resort to eating more Can I ask how long you've been smoke free now? Did you gain any extra weight when you quit?