Anyone Taking Off Post Smoking Cessation Weight Gain?

jables85
jables85 Posts: 17 Member
edited November 20 in Motivation and Support
I appreciate all the support and motivation I find on MFP, but I think I could identify even better with anyone dealing with trying to lose weight gained after quitting smoking.

2 years ago, I lost 40 pounds. I returned to the weight I grew up and felt completely on top of the world - more myself and confident that I could accomplish anything.

So, I quit smoking. I quit smoking 6 months ago (December 28th) and have no desire to go back to it, however, I've gained 40 pounds since quitting and the weight is dispersed in areas where I've never had issue before (my weight fluctuated a few times during my 20's).

I've maintained a fair amount of activity (3-5 times a week) over the past 6 months, but I admit, I gave myself fair license to eat and drink as much as I wanted (although I don't eat fast food or soda and do tend to gravitate towards large salads, protein, and grains like quinoa, but apparently TOO MUCH of them, haha).

Anyway - I just started hitting it hard this past week. Upping my activity in both intensity and frequency and sticking to 1200 minus calories a day of proteins, fruits, and veggies only.

I know I can take off the 40 pounds, but anyone who has advice, anecdotes, stories - ANYTHING. I'm so disappointed in myself for gaining 40 pounds in 6 months. It feels like such a daunting task to take it off!

Replies

  • Spreyton22K
    Spreyton22K Posts: 323 Member
    Firstly congrats on quitting.....

    Quitting takes courage and the emptiness left by the smoking can lead to overeating as you have found - the withdrawal effects creates a feeling within people that is pretty hard to distinguish between desire for the nicotine or hunger. You have just swapped one problem with another, which is so easily done.

    Now you see that you have given yourself license to go overboard with your CI over this time you have such a clear road in front of you, reduce those calories. Re-train yourself to NOT reach for food and divert that extra energy, craving in other non-food based things.

    It does get easier.....I promise. Do all that you can to ensure success with the weight loss - get food scales and use them for everything. Find yourself a hobby, take up a sport, course anything that interests you so you start new mind sets away from the smoking-food connection.

    Good luck and Congratulations again.
  • Edjeep
    Edjeep Posts: 65 Member
    Yes, but I quit smoking 12 years ago. :) The weight that is the goal to come off now, is basically what I have put on since that time.
    I quit smoking, got married and got a desk job bound job all at the same time.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories