is it even possible to lose weight and quit smoking?

I'm not much help. I still smoke and am trying to lose weight. I've just started and think trying strenuous exercising will hopefully make me decide to quit. But for now......I still smoke. I would love to quit. I'm learning that this is a journey -- a long one. Everything will work itself out along the way----***fingers crossed***. Good luck! I would love to hear how your journey goes! Keep us updated!

I started on MFP a couple of weeks ago and got myself into a steady healthy eating and exercise regime before attempting to give up smoking. It may not sound like much but I am on day 3 of no smoking and feel very proud of myself that I have resisted the VERY STRONG TEMPTATION to pick up either a *kitten* or substitute food. Don't get me wrong, it has been a struggle but I am determined to succeed this time around. This year I have promised myself (and my wife and kids) that I will lose weight, get fit and give up the *kitten*. So far I'm doing ok on all 3 and I am actually liking myself because of it!

I am not going completely cold-turkey with the *kitten* but am using an e-cig. I'm only having the occasional puff though and the cartomiser, which is supposed to be the equivalent of 20 *kitten*, is still going strong on Day 3.

If you decide to give up I wish you all the success in the world. Feel free to add me if you need a quit buddy.

My advice - give up smoking first and then concentrate on loosing weight and getting fit.

I lost the weight first, quit smoking soon thereafter. When I did quit, I was able to maintain the loss and didn't gain a pound. The only way you will gain weight when you quit is if you start replacing cigarettes with food (nicotine cravings and hunger pangs seem eerily similar, in my opinion anyway). So keep logging accurately on MFP and you will be fine. Stop logging what you are eating and you will gain.

It sounds simple but I know it is hard in reality. If you need to do one or the other (lose weight or quit smoking) because simultaneously doing both is too much, quit smoking first. It is the hardest thing I have ever done but also incredibly worth it.

Yep, it's possible, though can be more difficult.

This go round instead of trying to quit cold turkey or patches or gum or Chantix, I am using an electronic cigarette and that has helped with both the not smoking and the food cravings. Vaping flavors like butterscotch and raspberry cheesecake and dulce de leche and mint ice cream helped keep my dessert cravings to a minimum.

Yes.. In fact having something else to focus on like exercise and calorie counting kept me distracted enough that now I don't even think about smoking...I'm repulsed by the smell of smokers and can't believe I used to smell like that..
Although on a night out when alcohol is involved, the temptation rises..

My doctor advised me to concentrate on one thing at a time. So thats what i'm doing.

It's definitely possible. Try not to absentmindedly grab food. I think that's what gets people to gain weight while quitting, eating, but not paying attention to the fact that they're eating...they graze a lot. I had that happen when I quit about 2 ½ months ago (I knew I was gaining weight, but couldn’t “see” that I was grazing in addition to meals) and thankfully I didn't gain but a couple pounds. Once I realized what I was doing, I nipped it in the bud reeeeaaaal quick lol.

And Yoovie gives some great advice as well. Progress is progress, even just progress in mindset at first (cigarettes are OUT). To add my 2 cents to hers, try not to focus on "losing weight and quitting smoking", focus on generally "getting healthy". (I know, I know, everyone says that and it just doesn’t sound as fun, but give it a go—it can only help, not hurt.) If you make that your goal, you will eat better and exercise for your health, *taking pressure* off of the losing weight aspect (yay!), but in turn you will lose weight (double yay!). You will also *want* to not smoke, because, well, that's not very healthy, is it? Dare yourself to be healthy, compete with yourself, challenge yourself "how healthy can I be today?" and then kick some *kitten*.

Yes, I managed both at the same time. Just don't use food as a replacement for the cigs.

How bad do you want it?

Yes! The 26th of January will be two years (HOLLER) since I quit smoking. My trick was sunflower seeds with the shell. It occupies your hands and gives you something to much on.

The 2 times I have quit smoking I done it along with leading a healthier lifestyle all together and found it easier then just quiting alone (was quit for 2 years and picked it back up again like a moron) I quit smoking and started counting calories on January 1st and I'm down 15 pounds in less than a month! So yes it is definitely possible to lose weight while quitting smoking.