Anyone quit smoking and lost weight?

JenAndSome

I quit smoking in January of last year and have since lost about 25 lbs. Quitting smoking made working out easier.

scott_farmer

I quit in may of 2013. I've gained weight which I'm trying to lose now. I'm down 20 lbs as of today.

I found that when I quit, constantly drinking ice water and eating sugar free hard candy really helped with the cravings. I would also get up and walk around when I felt a trigger to go smoke. Distraction is the key.

JonnyMacAwesome

I haven't quit smoking yet, because to me right now the weight loss is the most important thing to help me a be a healthier me.

Yeah smoking is terrible, I'm not going to get into that. I am working to change my eating choices and lifestyle (cardio & weight lifting has never really been in my vocabulary before I started MFP, because I'm a lazy guy who would rather sit around and play a video game.)

What I will say is since picking up additional cardio workouts throughout the week - I have noticed that I smoke less often. I don't want to be bogged down by the after effects, I'd rather enjoy the way I feel after working out. Sure it's exhausting, but it's worth it. Also, I need to breathe. Making your lungs work and then smoking does not help with easy breathing, it can become more of a task.

I have noticed weight coming off at a good pace, and once I hit my goal, I fully plan to make my new goal "Maintaining Weight" and quitting smoking at the same time.

I will most likely fluctuate my weight a bit and may have to increase workouts, but I will tackle that when I get there.

I quit smoking in January of last year and have since lost about 25 lbs. Quitting smoking made working out easier.

^ This is why I think I have started smoking less. It's really hard on the body to do a physical workout and then smoke, or smoke first and then push your body...

pipertargaryen

I quit smoking in January of last year and have since lost about 25 lbs. Quitting smoking made working out easier.

This. This is why I quit, I'd lost the first 17-18lbs without exercise because I was obese, but I felt the need to work out to be healthy and not just lighter - which led to me realizing just how terrible my lungs really were. I quit early March, 2014. It's now August, and I've lost a heap more weight since then. Didn't gain an ounce.

NerdyTXChick

I quit 6 years ago, and I promise you, it does get easier! It takes time and patience though. Find something to keep busy when the urge strikes, like puzzles, knitting, jewelry making – whatever interests you and can keep you busy enough to get through the moment. When I quit, I seemed to go through moments where the urge was irresistible, but after it passed, suddenly it wasn't as big of a deal. I found activities that kept both my hands and mind busy worked best for me. So find your way to get through the moments, and if you fall off the wagon, immediately start again.

I quit for a whole year, started back for a year, then quit again for good. This was after many half hearted attempts over a 15+ year period. If you had asked me even a couple of years ago if I thought the craving would ever completely abate, I would have said no. But somehow when I wasn't paying attention, it left me. I no longer want to smoke – period. And it's an AMAZING feeling to be free of it.

NerdyTXChick

P.S. I quit smoking first and then lost weight, but I think it can be done together. It's really the same principle, replacing bad habits with more productive ones. I have by no means mastered this, and I fall back into bad habits quite often. But I try not to beat myself up over it. I just get up, dust myself off, and try again. We're all a work in progress. :-)

mummy_buggerlugs

Wow! Thank you everyone! I am planning to quit cold turkey but as it failed the day I made this thread I have been trying to cut down. After reading all your replies I have decided I will try both, my plan is to replace smoking with knitting and exersize. Even if I fall off the diet wagon once I go cold turkey, I will still log. Thanks again everyone!

chasgrey

Wow! Thank you everyone! I am planning to quit cold turkey but as it failed the day I made this thread I have been trying to cut down. After reading all your replies I have decided I will try both, my plan is to replace smoking with knitting and exersize. Even if I fall off the diet wagon once I go cold turkey, I will still log. Thanks again everyone!

I bought a jump rope when I quit smoking. I found out, you can't jump rope while smoking, so whenever I had a craving I would jump rope. A jump rope is small and easily portable. You can do it anywhere, and it takes your mind off of smoking. Especially when you're as uncoordinated as I am, you have to really concentrate so you don't trip yourself.

kpayne912

I quit about 6 weeks ago cold turkey and have not looked back. Mind you I have tried to quit before with medication etc.. I think the reason it is working for me this time is that I truly WANTED TO QUIT. I have had some days where I have wanted to just eat a pack of cigs but I have held strong and it really does get easier and god knows I feel so much better and my allergies are wayyy better now too. As far as the weight thing I have actually lost 5 lbs so far but I have made sure to amp up my workouts and really keep an eye on my food and drink intake hence me joining MFP.
For me the chugging water has really worked some times when I know I am about to eat out of boredom and or stress.
Best advise is to find what works best for you (trial and error) and I am a big believer in you really have to want it deep down for cold turkey to work. Best of luck to you!!!

Eudoxy

I quit in the middle of March using the e-cig. I've been lowering the dose of nic on the ecig. I started working out and dieting at the same time and I've lost 20 lbs.