Where to start ?

Raziel_Rose

Hi everyone!

My main goal is to get healthy. But I have a lot of work ahead!
1) I need to stop smoking (my mind is pretty set...).
2) I need to start exercising (lift light weights and do some aerobic dancing at home...).
3) I need to do some changes in my food habits (no more chips...).

I would like to hear about others who have stopped smoking cigarettes and started training at the same time or almost... Did you stop smoking first ? Did you have to wait a month or so for your lungs to get healthier before doing cardio ?

I dont smoke that much (about 8 cigarettes per day), but I know I am in bad shape I get exhausted pretty quickly if I have to run or walk up stairs...

Ty for your time and thoughts!

kommodevaran

I stopped smoking while starting exerciseing, and my lungs became healthier instantly.

I have tried to cut out food I like many many times, and it just doesn't work, I'll only crave them more intensely and overeat harder every time. Setting decent boundaries, like "don't eat every damn thing all the time like a damn vacuum cleaner" (just more kindly phrased, of course), works.

6013546

Feeling that my lungs couldn’t keep up during exercise when smoking was one of the main reason for quitting- was a bit of a wake up call. As I slowly reduced the amount smoking, it is very obvious, feels better and better during runs. So makes for good conviction!
Was down to one a day two weeks ago, now trying to keep it out.

betty_veronica4

Hard to help if you don't share what you are starting with. If your goal is to lose weight, the first place to start is to see how much you are currently consuming and to work toward a calorie deficit. Exercising will help to enhance the calorie deficit, but food is the place to start. That being said, for overall health, kicking the cigarettes will have a huge impact. Can you continue to taper? You say it is 8 a day. Can you try 7 a day for a few days, then six, then five? Some people think quitting cold turkey is easier, others think tapering works.

Either way, good luck!

chesves

Hello there! I'm not a smoker, but made a lifestyle change (more seriously) at the beginning of the year. For me, I started slowly with eating healthier for a few weeks (and drinking my water/logging food), then, I started walking at least 20-30 minutes each day (became more than that) until that became a habit, and now I'm picking up the exercise. For me, I needed to get in the habit of doing one thing and slowly adding more .... best of luck to you! On the days when you get frustrated, think about WHY you started in the first place- for me, that's been key!

amtyrell

Stop smoking
Start logging everything before youeat it

LivingtheLeanDream

Cutting out foods you like isn't sustainable.
Log everything you eat, stick to the calories given to lose. Be consistent and you will lose.

All the best at giving up the ciggies.

Raziel_Rose

Thank you all for your comments!

Here for the news:
- I am still smoking (but still willing to quit, just need to prepare mentally for the D-day).
- I started to do some stretching! It feels so good! Im happy I have not lost all my muscles despite those last 5 years of couch-potato lifestyle.
- I eat too much chips... Its a love-affair... ;D

So I definately will quit smoking in a few days. I just need to set my mind on a date.

Snowflake1968

I was a pack a day smoker for 27 years, I quit in May 2009. One of my biggest fears was that I would gain weight so I started exercising at the same time. I used a Wii for exercise and walking. It worked for me the exercising kept me busy so I didn't think of smoking and when I was relaxing and thinking about smoking I ate sunflower seeds. They were salted so I couldn't eat too many at once but it kept my hands and mouth busy which is what I needed. I lost over 25 pounds in my first year of non-smoking. I am trying to get that determination back now to lose weight that I've gained over the last couple of years. It's just a matter of doing what works for you. Good Luck!