contemplating quitting smoking...need advice
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All I know is that if you quit by the time you are 50 you cut your risk in half of getting any associated cancers
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My personal experience was that, although I might try, I could never really quit until I was ready... And I mean READY! I built up to that moment for a couple of years and in the end, I'd set my date and made my plan, prepared myself in anyway I could and all I could do was wait for the moment to arrive. It was a change of life situation... I'd been working away on remote construction sites for 7years and in the last 12mths my husband had been retrenched so he had returned to our home1600kms away. I couldn't leave the job until he had another job and, due to te GFC, this took almost 12mths. I hated my job, I hated the isolation and I missed my husband so badly it was like a sickness that plagued me every waking moment. As a result, I chain smoked. Looking forward to my next cigarette kept me going for the whole 12mths. Needless to say I was also slipping into a deep depression.
By the end of this time, when there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel (a site demobilization date!) and confirmation that hubby had secured a job, I hated smoking and yet I wouldn't let myself stop until that moment I was home and I knew it was really over. I began to desperately look forward to that date - it couldn't come quick enough. February the 19th, just over 2years ago now, was my last cigarette, and to be honest, I've never looked back. Quitting was easy because I was ready and I really WANTED to do it. I think I was on patches for about a week before I stopped using them as I just didn't need them - I wanted to be completely free!
Yeah, I put on weight... About 6 or 7kg I guess but it was definitely worth it. I'm not controlled by needing another cigarette now and I'm much fitter and healthier to tackle the weight loss.
If your really ready and if you really want it, hopefully you'll find it a lot easier that you might expect 0 -
My only tip is this - don't contemplate it - just do it! I quit cold turkey two weeks ago and haven't gained an ounce! Really, what's the point in losing weight and getting healthy if you are going to continue smoking????!!!! Worse case scenario is you gain a little weight back (Unlikely) but you already know you can deal with that....a win win situation - go for it!0
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well lucky for me I wont be 50 until October,,,All I know is that if you quit by the time you are 50 you cut your risk in half of getting any associated cancers0 -
you need to find something you want more than cigarettes and focus on that. just know it is possible and that you dont need it and just avoid the stuff.0
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i am on day 2 of quit smoking...it sucks cuz your crave is food. i use technique of working out alot more and making myself stay n the calorie range...eventually you'll see u dont need one.0
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I've used the patch and when I felt a craving coming on I would work out (jumping jacks, push ups, running in place) until the craving finally subsided. Good luck! I know it's hard but I've been able to quit without gaining weight.0
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I've battled smoking for maybe a couple years and the reason I pick up the habit is because of frustrations of weight loss or stress. The real thing that has helped me STAY off and keep the pounds off from quitting is exercise. Studies have shown that those who incorporate a regular exercise regime report less urges to smoke, and I can personally account for that. It makes sense since you are getting the same endorphins from exercise rather than smoking. Hope this helps!0
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What really is there to contemplate? Smoking is "risk behavior". Cut it out then you cut down the risk. Do you risk gaining some weight when you quit? Probably, but the risk is substantially less from a health point of view.I have smoked most of my life but quit about a year ago for 5 months then started again,I have finally lost most of the weight that I wanted to loose but I am worried about gainning it back if I quit smoking ,does anyone have any tips to get me through this without weight gain,I know I will probably want to snack more to find something to do with my hands instead of smoking.help
There should be no contemplation.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Good for you! As far as not gaining weight, just continue using MFP and track your calories. The fact that you're a "calorie counter" works to your advantage here. The people who gain weight when they quit do it from absentmindedly eating as a way to compensate for withdrawls.0
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I just quit, my 2nd time few weeks ago, much easier the 2nd time around I have to say. 1st time I quit was for 8 months, but this times for good
I used a detox kit a while back by a company called renew life, its an herbal kit, the morning pills were called first cleanse, they had the oddest side effect of making cigs taste like crap, I was taking it for the detox, but when I would go to smoke a cig they tasted weird and didnt want it after 1st drag, may be worth a shot for ya. I used some herbal cigs 1st time I quit, they helped me through the times I just wanted to smoke. This time I quit cold turkey, but fiance is using one of the E-cigs. I don't think urges ever fully go away, even after I had quit the 1st time for 6-7 mos I would still want one with coffee and seeing someone else smoke. But I think they reek now getting close to any1 that smokes. You can do it, just got to get past the 1st few days.....then every day after that .. Oh ya I quit and I am loosing weight still. 0 -
Allen Carr's easy way to stop smoking.
i quit June 16th of 2008 using this method. it worked.
^^ THIS
After 37 years of smoking 1-2 packs a day I quit cold turkey on November 9th, 2011. Only 3 days of withdrawel symptoms, after that only thoughts about having ONE. After 4 weeks it was ok, after 2 months fine and the last 2 weeks I 've run a 5K twice a week. I had chronic bronchitis and light asthma but don't need the inhalers any more.
I have not gained but lost because I started losing weight in September and quit 6 weeks later after reading (better:while) Allen Carr's book. I stuck to exercise and calorie goals and whenever I felt the urge to smoke I did push ups or walking in place, squats or lunges (depending on where you are ;-) I am not only off the hook I am off the chain, don't stink , have more money to buy sports gear, pay the gym, buy a HRM and now I'm saving for a tread mill.
Good luck on your journey. It is easier than you think.
And BTW: why would we want to replace nicotine patches or gums for the cigarettes when all we want is to get off the nicotine?0 -
Omg i just spotted this thread and it couldnt come at a better day. it is my first day of giving up. I have cravings already. I think i will stock up on the chewing gum and see if that helps0
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I also recommend Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking. It does what it says on the packet. I quit nine years ago and found it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Good luck!0
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You can do it! I agree with some of the other posts that it is the habit that you are addicted to. I smoked for 7 years and then I quit on Halloween 2008. It took several trys before I really quit. I used to like to smoke 3 or 4 cigs on my lunch break in my car. I started walking on lunch instead of smoking. It is funny because I still need to do something with my hands while on my lunch walk. (You will always see me with a leaf, rock, stick, or something in my hands.) I found that smell of cig smoke made me crave a cigarette so I got my car detailed so it didn't stink. I also had to quit going to the bar because it was to hard to not smoke while drinking. You will have to make some lifestyle changes but it really is worth it!!!!0
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6 days no smokin :smokin:0
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chantax sis it for me. I smoked for 20 years only quitting when pregnant and I haven't smoked in 2 years come 4/7/120
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5lbs or 20lbs.........it won't matter if you die from the smoking. I quit 02-27-2011 cold turkey and gained 10 lbs. but I have been smoke free for over a year and have lost that weight as well as weight I have carried for many years because I can now breathe and have the stamina to keep going!!
You totally can do this.
Keep telling yourself you are a winner over and over again. The fact that you posted this makes you a winner because you want this.
Be proud of yourself every single day, every single craving you resist..........and go for it!!0 -
I just read some literature a friend recieved and it said to. Flush your system out with tons of water. Increase your exercise. Change your daily routine. Supposedly a person gets used to smoking at certain times of the day. This pamphlet said that if you normally smoke after meals then you should take a short walk or a bath.
I would rather be fat than a smoker. I truly believe it is healthier to be overweight than to be a smoker.
Quiting smoking is a great decision for you and those you care about. Several of my family members died of from the effects of smoking.
Truly the best to you. Congrats on taking another step towards a healthy life.0 -
Coming from a 30 year, now non, smoker...DO IT.
Also, here is what I have learned through my experience from quitting...
It is not an addiction to nicotine that is your greatest battle. It's out of your system in 3 days. It's the habitual means of smoking. Find other ways to keep yourself busy.
Good luck!
I want to quit again too. Bump
Agreed.
Change your routine. I used to stop at the QuikTrip for smokes and an iced tea in the mornings. I stopped going that way and just went straight to work. Keep yourself occupied doing something anytime you feel the urge. I still get it. Its been a few months for me. Its hard but so worth it. My favorite part about it is I dont stink anymore. Its the little things!
Best of luck!0 -
Day One down.made it through the first day with no smokes,over ate a bit ,but back on track tomorrow,,On my way to my healthy me,Thank's for all the support on here.0
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Awesome, well done! Hope it continues to go well and you're welcome to 'friend' me if you need any support0
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I quit smoking in the middle of weight loss-- 10/6/11. I replaced smoking with working out- like crazy! It's the single BEST thing I have done for weight loss. I ran 4 miles last Sunday- now that is a calorie burn!
Good luck- it is tough. My only advice, and it's the same for weightloss too is that you have to want it, and you have to want it BAD. I did nicotine patches for the first week. It helped with the worst cravings, and I refused to use them for too long.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!0 -
It has been 5month's since I quit smoking. The best way to do it if you can is cold turkey. I do feel better and can finally breath much better. The only thing I am finding is that I have become very depressed. I have gained weight although I do not replace food instead of my ciggarette. I have alway's been a fitness fanatic so am finding because my body is so use to excersise that I can't even lose the weight I have put on from giving up the smoke's. I am hoping with time this weight will come off as it does get me down. But I guess the good new's is no more nicotine or chemical's inside my body, and all the money we are saving has been great.0
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I'm off the cigs 11 weeks yesterday. I used the e-cig for the first few weeks and the losenges for the first 4 weeks. I really threw myself into exercising and focusing on my diet instead of smoking (or lack thereof). Of course it was hard but to be honest i've quit a few times before with the patches and the tablets and i honestly found it easier this time without all that. The e-cig and the losenges got me over the first few weeks but i found it easier to come off them, easier than the patches or tablets anyway. Maybe its because i really wanted it this time (although i really wanted it all of the other times as well) or maybe its because my head is in a better place these days because of all the deep thinking and soul searching you have to go through when trying to lose weight. Don't really know but its working so i'm happy. To be honest if you can lose weight you can stop smoking! No matter how addicted you are, you just need to get into the right frame of mind. Good luck! :flowerforyou:0
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***UPDATE*** I quit cold turkey..
I haven't had a smoke since Sunday night,March 18.I gained 4 pounds in 2 days but by staying under my calories every day I am almost back to my weight I was on Sunday,I already feel much better and not coughing as much.my exercises are getting easier to breath ,Now that I have 5 days without smoking ,I know that I will never need to smoke again.here's to getting healthier..thanks for all that wrote support on here .couldn't have done this without you all.. 0 -
Up-Date,,8 days no smoking,minimal weight gain the first 2 days ,4 pounds,,now down past my weight when I first quit.,,on the road to being healthier..thanks for the support on here:flowerforyou:0
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Well done :-) I am so happy for you, I really am.
I quit cold turkey on Nov 9th 2011 and looking back I can say it's the best decision I've ever made. I still put the money away for little or big rewards just to show what I can do with the money I used to puff into the sky.
So far I've bought:
a new hair cut and colour
really nice fitness gear
Jillian Michaels dvds
a HRM
a treadmill
runners and a garmin
My breathing is perfect, my skin looks healthy and I even reached my goal weight.
Stick to it, my friend, you won't regret and will be on Cloud No 7 for a long , long time :-)0 -
My boyfriend gave up smoking cold turkey 2 and a half years ago. I remember that the first week he was extremely edgy. But he kept at it. He installed a Firefox app that kept track of the number of days and the money not spent on cigarets.
He snaked a lot for a while. Always had gum at hand. And sunflower seeds (the ones with the shells on, so that it takes more time eating them), fruits.
It wasn't easy and he had times when he wanted to smoke badly. He even had dreams about it. But he didn't give in and I'm very proud of him. It definitely gets easier. And a lot healthier.0 -
I quit smoking after 10 years - cold turkey. I ate chinese pears - they're filled with loads of water, next to nothing in calories and it replaced the hand to mouth action I was so used to. You're just going to have to do it. There is no point in being thin, and smoking. The greatest thing you can do for your health is to stop smoking. I maintained my weight btw - I don't believe it's a fact that you're going to put on weight when stopping smoking. Eat the right foods, exercise more. Good luck. Add me if you need motivation.0
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