any smokers ??

I smoke about 10 a day too now, gone up lately.
Would really like to get back down to 3 a day then drop it like a sack of potatoes.

Honestly, it is entirely possible to quit smoking and not gain weight. The first time I quit for any decent amount of time (3 months) I had just joined MFP and lost 24 lbs in those 3 months.

There are a few reasons why people gain weight when they quit. For one thing, the nicotine cravings feel very similar to food cravings...people feel uncomfortable so they eat and eat, trying to feel better. Eating also gives people something to do with their hands and mouths. Some people say the gain is because smoking increases metabolism. Yes, it is a stimulant but it's not enough to cause weight loss/gain on it's own. The stimulant aspect of it does help curb appetite though, so it's easy to go for a cig instead of having that snack. So yes, quitting smoking often results in weight gain but it's really because of the choices we make as a result of not having that nicotine.

The gain is NOT inevitable! It helps to remind yourself of that. I think sometimes people think the gain is inevitable so they figure there's no point in even trying to lose...so they eat badly and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you are aware of why the gain happens, and accept it's something you have control over, then you can prevent it.

Also, prepare for those cravings. Have some sugar-free gum, mints, and/or hard candies on hand. I found clementine oranges to be VERY helpful. If I had a bad craving at work, by the time I peeled and ate it, one section at a time, the craving would usually be gone or at least significantly lessened. I also started working out and reminded myself that if I started smoking again, working out would be a LOT harder and if I didn't work out, it would be harder to lose weight.

There are a lot of ex-smokers on here- maybe search for the forums for some groups so you can have support and get lots of tips. Losing weight while quitting smoking is totally possible. It's not easy but you can DEFINITELY do it. Good luck!

also...i was an "after every meal" smoker....end of a big meal left me wanting a cig. That full feeling ya know? anyways....watching your portions and eating little meals takes the edge of the hunger craving associated with quitting and frequently snacking on GOOD/HEALTHY snacks keeps your hands, mouth and tummy satisfied!

I quit (cold turkey) just over 3 months ago and have lost 17 lbs so far.

I am a smoker but I've slowed down and I only smoke 3 or 4 cigs a day. I don't smoke until after I do my workout. I am afraid to quit smoking completely and gain weigh. I am aware it is a psychological thing, you know the hand-mouth motion, so I am taking it easy. One thing at a time, one habit at a time...

Things to Overcome List:
Soda Pop Addiction (CHECKED)
Over-eating (CHECKED)
Cigarettes (Almost)

Smoked 2 packs a day, quit like 3 years ago.

I quit on January 31, and then starting losing weight in early March. I'm down 33 lbs. So it's entirely possible to lose weight without smoking. Besides, smoking sucks!

Congrats! I quit before and didn't gain weight. Everyone is different I guess. I smoke a pack a day (FML) and unfortunately could not imagine my extremely busy/stressful schedule without it.

I agree with everything Moxie 42 said.

If you want online smoking cessation support (which I used and still visit occasionally), join this group....you won't be sorry. I am 18 months quit after 43 years of smoking. I credit my success to the free online support group who has been there and done that. And I am still at the same weight as before.

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?folderId=4&listMode=13&nav=messages&webtag=ab-quitsmoking

CHECK it out and see for yourself...as I said, it is just people quitting smoking...some successful, some not!

Donna

i smoke a pack a day. i wanted to lose enough weight to allow for any weight gain when i try to quit. now that i have surpassed my goal, iam too scared to quit for fear of putting any weight on. its just a vicious circle!

I quit smoking since May 2012 (with help of the patch), and did manage to gain about 7-10lbs. A small price to pay I'd say. Just do it.. good luck!

Quite smoking July 4th 2011. It was my Independence day. Two Packs plus everyday for ten years. After quitting every cookie on the planet went in my mouth and gained 25 pounds. My fitness pal has helped me lose 42 pounds and the ability to tie my shoes again without being out of breath. In response to an earlier blog by someone, don't let it be a lose lose situation. Looking good is feeling good. You can do it. Good luck.

I used to smoked (quit cold turkey in Feb) & seriously the first 3 days were so HARD! but I didn't gain any weight because I was exercising daily. I read somewhere that when you quit smoking, you should at most gain 5 lbs because your heart rate would race when you smoke because of the toxins & the heart is tryna fight it off so when you quit, your heart doesn't need to fight any toxins off anymore. maybe pick up a sport?

I hope that helps!

Quitting is next on my list. I have decided I need to get my healthy eating and workout into a solid routine (2 good weeks down) and then I am going to quit cold turkey...and let me tell you I AM TERRIFIED!!!! I dont want to gain weight and set myself back...but im hoping with with good habits in place i can at least counteract what could happen. Glad there are others out there for support because im pretty sure i am going to need it!