Smoke Free Group

I quit a few months ago myself. At first, I was doing good about not gaining weight because of it. For some reason, the past month has been a lot harder. I miss my after dinner cig and I feel like something is missing. I can't seem to find something to make me feel satisfied that dinner is over. I end up snacking to try to get that. I'm rapidly undoing what I worked so hard for. I just don't know what to do to get it back under control.

I don't smoke, but this is a great thread. Too all the smokers, congrats on whatever goal you've made so far. Thats awesome. Please for the sake of yourself, your loved ones and the rest of us....keep it up!

I have a close friend. Who's smoked most of his life. His parents smoke. His siblings smoke. His mother just had a stroke a few months ago, she continues to smoke. Its just really sad. My buddy, he's got a two-year old daughter now. He smokes a pack a day. I know he wants to quit and he just won't try.

I was wondering what is everyone's anti-smoking plan? How do you do it? Whats your methods?

I've been smoke free for 10 months now, the first month or so will be the hardest, if you can make it through that you will be fine!! I found the best way for me was to change my existing habits and to give up some of my other addictions (seems crazy....but you need to).
I gave up caffeine shortly before I quit smoking, so I really didn't "need" a coffee, it was more of just a guilty pleasure. Once I quit, I stopped drinking coffee as that was an association I had with smoking. As for that yummy after dinner smoke, I took up walking which is what lead me to my weight loss goals. I kept myself busy by walking, working out & concentrating on healthier snacks. The less I sat around at home, the less I felt the urge to need a smoke.

It's still hard some days.....take a HUGE deep breath in through your nose and exhale through your mouth until the anxiety feeling passes. Remember WHY you decided to quit in the first place!!

Best of luck to you both and good job for getting this far!

I've been smoke free since May 29 @ 3:30p.m.:bigsmile:

A few weeks ago, I could have told you EXACTLY how long ago that was...but now, I don't even know. There is way too much other stuff to worry about than me missing a cig. Once you get past the initial withdrawals, it will get better.

Most people replace cigs with food or a patch or a pill or a nic gum, me..well I replaced it with healthy living. When I really want a cig, I try to do some exercise. Try walking around the block or running in place or jumping jacks. Bet you will not think about it for long!

Not to get all mushy, but the best thing I ever did for myself was quit smoking - the only way that I have stayed smoke free as long as I have is because I asked God to take it from me because I know that my "human" side may not have had the will power.

So, when the going gets tough, my advise are these 2 things...pray & jump around a little while!

I'll be around if you need a shoulder to cry on otherwise! Lots of hugs to you both & I'll keep you in my prayers!

I was wondering what is everyone's anti-smoking plan? How do you do it? Whats your methods?

I actually quit cold turkey. I tried the lozenges, but they tasted awful & made my stomach hurt. My husband used the patches and they worked wonderfully for him. I didn't use them because I have really sensative skin & I was worried about irritation from them.

Try brushing your teeth when you have a craving or directly after your meal. This works well when you are at home. I am now 6 days smoke free and it hasn't been TOO bad. They discontinued my brand of cigarettes which makes it ALOT easier for me. You are an inspiration! Good luck...it is well worth it.

I just want to say congratulations to all of you who quit smoking!! I know how hard the temptations can be, especially when you get stressed and you have to find a healthy alternative to what you use to do (smoking). I have been smoke free for almost three years now, and I must say it was a long and hard journey, but my body is thanking me for it now! Everytime you feel that urge to pick up a cigarette, just think about what the inside of your lungs will look like if you continue to smoke, and think about all the years you will add to your life by not smoking! Also, and this worked for me, but everytime I wanted a cigarette, I would get down and do 10 pushups, or 50 crunches, or something to that effect. By the time I got done, the urge was gone, and I was toning up too. Remember, it only takes 28 days for the body to stop craving the nicotene, then after that it is just the habit of smoking that you really are dealing with. I know all of you will be strong, and I am here to support you 100%!!!!!

Christina

pushups for smoking? your so boot.

Lol, yeah I know.....but this was three years ago, give me a break!

How do I join? How do a make a "smoke free" box... I love it! It's motivational! Thanks!

Thanks for making this group!!

I quit the first week of May... I did really well until I ended the patch a little over a week ago. This past week I have been craving really bad... not craving the nicotine, I'm just craving holding and the act of smoking. I really miss it.

I think its because a lot of my family and my bf's family smokes so whenever I go out they all smoke. Its great because I can smell their cigarette smoke and its soothing to me but at the same time it makes me miss it even more.

Any tips to not miss it so much??

The only thing I've found is time. It does get better. I've always loved the smell since I grew up around smokers. I still kind of want one when I see someone smoking, but once I get close to the smell I change my mind. It smells so awful now. :sick:

I would love to join, I need all the support I can get!!! I have been smoking for 17 years and I need to quit badly for myself, my family, and my bank account.

I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago and got on Wellbutrin, I have faithfully taken it daily, but I was not feeling any difference, then this weekend I stopped going outside as often and that pack of cigarettes was stretching out and then I was getting to the point that I did not even want to go. So last night @ 6 I have official quit smoking.

Today was actually not as bad as I thought, I stayed pretty busy, did a lot of workout dvd's and played with my son. Then my hubby got home and had a pack, so then my not too bad of a day turned into thinking about a cig, so yes I gave into the craving:frown: . To be honest I am glad that I did because I got a headache, a bad taste in my mouth and smelly hands, that was enough for me and a half of a cig later I was walking back in the house. So I told my hubby that if he is going to smoke:smokin: he needs to make sure that he either leaves the pack in the truck or hides them, but either way I do not want to know that he has them.

So I guess that tommorow is a new day and I refuse to beat myself over a slip up, and I think that I will start doing jumping jacks when the cravings sneak up on me.

Sorry about the ramblings, I have a bad habit of doing this.:embarassed:

peapods02,
Congrats on your decision! Dont feel bad at all about the slip up....it happens, the good thing about it is, the cig tasted bad! A friend of my took Wellbutrin and it made her quit smoking b/c she said that cigs tasted awful when she was taking it. On the other hand, my mom takes Wellbutrin and still smokes like a freight train. It must have to do with body chemistry or something...anyways, i am so proud of you for making the decision to quit. I would love to tell you that it gets easier but the first week was the hardest for me and i am now going into my third week and still get the cravings but they arent as bad. Let's stay strong together!

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I will take all that I can get. My doctor was trying it get me to take the chantix, and I know that it works, but I wanted the "kill 2 birds with 1 stone" option, because in about 3 1/2 weeks it will have been 1 year since my mom passed away and I wanted the anti-depressant as well as the help to stop smoking. I am trying to approach the smoking as I have with the eating, it is just going to take bit more to break the routines and daily habits that I have become so accustom too.

Thanks again and good for you as well :drinker: !!

One day at a time