Quit smoking AND trying to lose weight?

AmandaCherise

I recently decided that my health was far more important than a cigarette. So, I'm on day 3 without a single drag. It may not sound like much to those of you who are non-smokers, but to me... it's a huge step in the right direction. The problem I'm having is that I'm on Nicoderm CQ (patches) and for some reason I feel exhausted and have no motivation to exercise. I work a 9-5 desk job and by 4:00 I find myself looking for the nearest couch to fall asleep on. I'm worried that this will effect my weight loss I also know that some people GAIN weight when they quit smoking because they find themselves looking for something to replace the act of putting a cigarette in their mouth so they turn to food.

I have been chewing gum to help with the oral fixation aspect and refuse to get an "E-CIG" or one of those vapor cigarettes.

Is there anyone that can give me some advice on what to stay away from? Or any suggestions at all?! Success stories would help too!

Pandora_King

Stay away from gum. It will destroy your teeth.

I have to admit, when I quit smoking cigarettes and marijuana a year and a half ago, it was like the flip of a switch. One day I smoked, the next day I did not. I never craved and I never looked back.

Drink lots of water or tea to help with the oral fixation. Replace the nicotine with caffeine if you must (for energy).

Keep in mind that all of the "withdrawal" and "cravings" you are having are all in your head. There is no nicotine in your body after 24 hours of not smoking. Now it is just a head game you are playing with yourself. Keep your mind busy. DO paper crafts that require both hands.

Here is a cool 3D paper snowflake. Make some for the holidays to decorate or for putting on presents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpvMsq7cZo8

Just try to keep your mind off of things.

Congratulations on quitting. Best decision you'll ever make. All the luck in the world to you.

62clpowell

I also quit, but for I did it five years ago..all I can tell you is that if you get a craving for a cig just find something to do for like five minutes because the craving only about that much at least it did for me :-) good luck !

teach54

I wasn't trying to lose weight when I quit and, sadly, gained about 30 pounds over the next 2 years. Then a friend got me to join MFP and I had to work (hard) to get that weight off. I chewed sugar-free gum like a fiend when I quit. Then my girlfriend, who's a dental hygienist, told me that was really bad for your teeth. She recommended sugar-free hard candy. Celery is also great for those oral cravings - it's way low in calories and keeps your mouth busy for awhile. Quitting smoking is the best thing I've ever done for my health. I applaud your efforts and wish you the best!!

ddrhellbunny

I have quit recently too ( on my 2nd month) and for my first 3 days I just found myself drinking heathy fruit smoothies or juicing vegetables. It helped with the energy levels a good bit. I chewed gum a lot too, mostly peppermint since the taste was strong and kept my mouth occupied when I had a craving. If gum isn't your thing then I would suggest chewing on a cinnamon stick. Gives your mouth some busy work with a good taste and no snacking on stuff
Luckily for me my craving disappeared after 5 days. It's still a passing thought every now and again but it's very easy to ignore.
The only thing I will say ( and it is different for everyone) I bloated up like a ballon for 3 days without a cig from all the water retention. There were also a lot of other problems but it's a bit tmi so I won't get too much into it, but your digestive track might go a little haywire without the stimulant. It leveled itself out though after a week, just kept busy with projects, exercise, healthy cooking etc. I cannot stress how important exercise is when you quit. I know your energy levels suck right now but even just going for a walk will help.
Just find new things to do and try to completely changed up your normal routine so you don't get those timed craving attacks. Like if you usually have a cup of coffee and a cig first thing in the morning while sitting at your computer, just do something else instead. For me, all I did was first thing when I woke up, before anything, I would drink some water and go for a 10 or 15 minute walk outside. Come back in and make breakfast, do some chores, then have coffee. By the time I had coffee the craving for my cig with it wasn't as strong and easier to ignore.

Just stick with it and don't give in to the cravings, it does get easier and it does take time, but you will get there and your body will thank you for it

Sandytoes71

I quit cold turkey a couple months ago and I feel like the nicotine patch keeps u wanting more. I feel like quitting cold turkey is the easiest way to get your body not wanting and your mind not wanting more. Pandoramajama, is right. After a brief period, it is all in your head.

You might find this weird, but at work and at home I would pull up YouTube documentaries on the horrors of smoking and watch or listen to them. That worked so great for me. It just really helps to be reminded a lot about how bad it is for you. I seriously did not crave cogs at all after I would watch those. There are pictures of what smoking does to your body, documentaries, and just all kinds of things. In fact after I watched or listened to one, I felt SO proud of myself that I was not a slave to cigs anymore! TRY IT, I know it will help you tons

I also kept a drink of something near me at all times. Helped with the craving (in my mind) of the action of smoking. Also, distract yourself. One thing it didn't do was make me want to eat more. I know that's probably strange. But smoking also didn't make me want to eat less either, lol. I've heard someone say that a person is never "Ready" to quit, but that you just have to do it. That's true I think because I wanted to keep smoking, but I knew it was unhealthy and just had to do it.

SO KUDOS TO YOU FOR MAKING THAT DECISION!! Be proud of yourself every single time you pass up the craving. Cigarettes are pure poison. Just remember that. Not one single redeemable quality. Nothing!
Take care and be strong )

Armond4089

Good luck to eveyone thats trying to quit smoking! Here's a blog with a lot of helpful tips and techniques: http://www.squidoo.com/healthy-lungs

Rocbola

So, I'm on day 3 without a single drag. It may not sound like much to those of you who are non-smokers, but to me... it's a huge step in the right direction.

The first 3 days are the worst. You are doing great! You are over the "3 day hump"

I also know that some people GAIN weight when they quit smoking because they find themselves looking for something to replace the act of putting a cigarette in their mouth so they turn to food.

If you have to snack in order to get over the hard part, try low calorie fruits, like some watermelon pieces. If you can manage to only snack on the low calorie things, like fruits and veg, you probably wont gain anything, but even if you do, I think a little temporary weight gain would be worth it to get off the tobacco.

Also, exercise really helps, i think for several reasons, including but not limited to, focusing your mind on something, it gives you something to do, and endorphins.

If you are adventurous, water only fasting helps you get over your cigarette cravings completely in a matter of days.

CarolinkaCjj

Quitnet.com helped me tons - like mfp only for quitting smoking. It started with a smoking cessation counselor and picked up by the Boston University School of Public Health. Advice, tips, common frustrations - you feel less alone. Almost 8 years for me - won't ever go back.

Kevalicious99

Agree totally .. quitting smoking is all in your head. You just have to have the **** to say no.

dakotababy

Nicotine is a Stimulant. This is why your feeling tired, because that crap is leaving your system. Eventually, you will get back to par over time.

Now that you do not have that extra stimulant, you can find alternatives - though, a lot of people turn to food when they are tired. You can try to get more exercise through out the day (just light walks, or a quick jog, run up/down the stairs a few times) just to keep your energy up.

Go to bed early, especially in the first few weeks because you will need it.

AmandaCherise

Thanks to everyone for all of the advice and help! I'm on day 4 and am ready to rock! I'm kind of scared because this weekend we're going up to a friends cabin to go skiing and relax in the hot tub, which is great, but I KNOW I will have at least one drink. I'm not so nervous about the calorie consumption because I will be skiing, but when alcohol touches my lips I instantly want a cigarette! I think I will have to stick to one or two drinks and consume plenty of water in between to stray away from that alcohol, cigarette connection that my brain tends to make.

Wish me luck!

kill3rtofu

good luck and have fun skiing!

EddieHaskell97

I quit cigarettes/nicotine two years ago using the cold turkey method. Withdrawal was pretty bad for me. Headache, diziness, some pain, and an all-consuming need for nicotine. On day two I was a jerk, on day three I was an a-hole lunatic who should have been left alone in a desert until day four, where I was myself again, and the physical addiction was over.

I don't want to go against your goals, but quit smoking first and don't give a second thought to your weight until you're at least a few months away from nicotine. "Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do for your health."

Good luck, God bless, and have a great ski trip!

rbear713

Don't Cave. Don't Cave. Don't Cave. I quit 18 months ago after 23 years at a pack a day. Alcohol does not make you want to smoke. The effect of alcohol on your brain does. Promise yourself you wont and you wont. you can do this - its as simple as not giving in.... over and over and over again.

As for gaining after quitting - I went cold turkey so I cant speak to the patch BUT I did put on about 10 lbs...but I just rededicated myself to my diet and exercise regime...the 10 came off in about 3 weeks. Don't worry about the little stuff! YOU CAN DO IT!

PROUD O YOU btw - Quitting is not an easy thing to do. But you did that, didn't you?? GREAT GREAT GREAT JOB!!