I quit smoking... but I feel like a failure

caliv0608 · February 2015

In the throes of a nasty cold, I stopped smoking. I was not a heavy smoker, never more than 4 cigarettes a day but often only 1-3. Once the cold went away, I had my "moment" when I decided I was done smoking as the reason I began smoking in the first place finally moved himself and his drama across town. Giving up cigarettes meant I also gave up coffee on a daily basis. I've had two cups in the last two weeks, but I've not really wanted it much (the two just go together, IMO). I've had the most wicked headaches, been coughing up a storm every morning, and all of the other fun stuff that comes with going cold turkey on addictive things.

I'm over the hump I believe, but now the worst thing of all has happened- I can't stop eating junk! And, please, before anyone says, "You can stop, just don't eat!", understand that if this weren't a big problem I wouldn't be posting here. Please no judgments. I've essentially replaced my smoking times with snack times. I have healthy snacks in the house, but at the store I caved and got pastries. Ate them when I got home.

I have no good distractions. When I'm with my daughter, she sometimes stresses me out and my go-to time out activity is now gone. So I head to the kitchen to cook or bake (I have always enjoyed those activities and find them relaxing). Even low-fat foods can be bad if you eat too much. I am insulin resistant, and I get those really nasty cravings for sugar if I even have a little. I do well when I'm away from home, but at night and on the weekends, I overeat.

Does anyone have tips that helped them when they quit smoking? I enjoy healthy foods, but they don't just give that same emotional "high" as junk. I know it's a trick but at this point I'm seriously considering smoking again. My doctor wanted me to quit smoking, but now will lecture me about my weight gain. Argh! Can't win!

hippygirl325 · February 2015

I quit smoking (again) several months ago. I was a lighter smoker like you, but it was still pretty tough. I think that having other outlets for stress is very important otherwise food can become a go to. I used to be a huge emotional binge eater. A lot of people will recommend exercise, even just light exercise like walking, to help curb some of the stress. Also, I don't know what kind of diet you have right now, but I started keto (very low carb, high fat) on Dec 22 and I have already lost 37 lbs. It's like without the carbs and with appropriate calorie consumption my body knows exactly where it should be and is racing to get there! I love it because I NEVER have cravings either. (And my mood and energy are much improved!) Fat is not a bad thing to eat! Even the government is lifting their restrictions on dietary fat and cholesterol in light of new research. There was never any real evidence that it caused cardiovascular issues, and now it's confirmed, it doesn't, there is no link. Plus the low fat mantra has caused people to up their carb consumption and we can see over the last 30 years what that has done in terms of increased cases of diabetes and heart disease! So if you get a chance do a little research and see if keto or some other form of a low carb high fat diet may be right for you. It's the only thing that's worked for me. I'm not saying everyone should do it but if you are insulin resistant it may help you a LOT.

Earthgirl51 · February 2015

Hi. I completely understand. I smoked a pack a day on and off (mostly on) for almost thirty years. ( i started at twelve). I have now been smoke free for almost fifteen months. Let me just say that I commend your stopping. It is NOT easy. Every day I still crave them. Let me also say that if it takes a pastry to keep a cigarette out of your mouth, there is no ex smoker on the planet who will judge you harshly for it.

You have to kick one habit at a time. Give yourself a little while to adapt. Once the nic attacks are not so bad then you can conquer the sugar cravings. I am not saying give yourself free rein with the cheesecake, just don't feel guilty for taking the lesser of two evils.

The only way I could beat both of the cravings (yes, I am a sugar addict too) was to go for a walk around the block. BTW I live in Florida......it is hotter than hades in the summer. I am lazy and dislike the heat enough that I really had to decide if my craving was bad enough that I had to sweat it out outside. Lol.

That being said,
My tip are..
walk, walk, walk.
Keep vegetables on hand to munch on...especially sugar snap peas.
meditate
yoga
do puzzles
keep your hands busy
stay on the forums on MFP.. I can burn up hours on here.

I hope this helps.
Sorry it is so long
Good luck

Liftng4Lis · February 2015

I quit in July, cold turkey (no patch or crutch), after 30 years. Chew gum.

caliv0608 · February 2015

hippygirl325 wrote: »

Also, I don't know what kind of diet you have right now, but I started keto (very low carb, high fat) on Dec 22 and I have already lost 37 lbs. It's like without the carbs and with appropriate calorie consumption my body knows exactly where it should be and is racing to get there! I love it because I NEVER have cravings either. Fat is not a bad thing to eat! Even the government is lifting their restrictions on dietary fat and cholesterol in light of new research. There was never any real evidence that it caused cardiovascular issues, and now it's confirmed, it doesn't, there is no link.

That's sounds really interesting, I will check into that. I have actually been working to change my general relationship with food lately- food is fuel, fat is not bad, low-cal doesn't meal healthy, etc. A while back when my ex husband and I first separated, I was so depressed/stressed out that I hardly ate. When I did, it was baked chicken, vegetables, and occasionally some rice. Weight was FLYING off. I noticed that after about 3 weeks, I didn't crave the sugar. I kept the weight off for over a year before it crept back. Thank you for the info!

gothchiq · February 2015

When I quit smoking, I started drinking a lot of tea (different flavors) and chewing a lot of gum. I also vape low nic, but you may not want any nic. They make zero-nic vape, also.

AlciaMode · February 2015

I don't like chewing gum so when I quit smoking I popped a lot of altoids.

I agree that you should tackle one challenge at a time, and not put so much pressure on yourself. Progress not perfection.

Instead of going into the kitchen when you are stressed try work outs. Some suggested walking I suggest something like: you get a cigarette craving - do ten squats or a thirty second plank. You can switch it up all the time.

Kalici · February 2015

I smoked two packs a day for 20 years. Part of my addiction was the whole ritual of holding the cigarette and moving it to and from my mouth. Basically, if this sounds anything like you I recommend something like a low cal lollipop that you can hold in your hand. Only use them when you would be smoking. So if you only smoked outside and never inside your house, do not continue to suck on the lollipop once you've gone back inside. They're sweet and if part of your addiction is the ritual aspects of it and/or oral fixation, it might kill two birds with one stone.

LuckyMe2017 · February 2015

Great suggestions! I too am a smoker and know how hard it is to stop. You begin to play mind games with yourself and all of the tricks that used to work don't anymore.
If you have quit, don't look back. It seems you have recently resorted to sugar, so it is probably a habit that will be easy to break. Find an alternative as many others have suggested. When I quit a few years back, I chewed on straws. Find what works for you. Don't turn to food as your stress reliever.

It's great you've identified the trend in your behavior. Best wishes.

I quit smoking... but I feel like a failure

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