Cigarettes and Losing Weight

It's tough. I started losing weight before I quit smoking and I was really concerned about gaining. I'm so glad that I have done as well as I have. Not only did I not gain, but I kept losing. The hardest thing for me is missing that after meal cigarette. It makes the meal feel unfinished and I have found myself looking through the pantry for something to make it feel finished.

For an oral fixation, I like the straw idea. If you don't want to use straws you could use tooth picks. I personally wouldn't suggest replacing it with any kind of food. My best friend used Twizzlers and had to eventually work to reduce her "Twizzler habit".

If it a problem of just needing something to do, you could always do a few quick exercises or take a walk. It will help to relieve stress and hopefully take your mind off of the cigarettes.

I have a question if Neone out there can help me...back in March I quit smoking. I smoked for 7 years - or since I was 15. I started exercising and making healthier decisions in September, and for the past 3 weeks - ive started smoking again!!! I want to stop again, but for me I find it really hard not to smoke while Im "dieting". It gives me something to do besides eat....neone have ne tips? (I can't chew gum - tried licorice and mints already)

You could try sunflower seeds, that helped my friend quit smoking. Now he chews seeds like crazy but its alot better than smoking.

what about the nicotine inhaler?
carrot sticks
celery sticks

Or get pregnant!! worked for me and I never touched a cigarette again!

I don't smoke. But I have seen so many people that couldn't quit smoking until they got pregnant. It's just amazing how your whole frame of mind changes.

I use electronic cigarettes, not because I smoke, I never have, but to give my hands and mouth something to do while I'm at the computer or watching TV. I use non-nicotine liquid and fill my own cartridges. I used videos from Youtube.com to learn what to do. I really like it. You can start with nicotine if you like and cut it down until you are smoking, actually "vaping", no-nicotine liquid. And no, it's not "antifreeze". The liquid is propylene glycol, a safe additive in medicines and food products that is also used in antifreeze to make antifreeze less dangerous to children and pets. If you like, you can used vegetable glycerin instead of propylene glycol.

Some people can quit cold turkey and never look back. Others have to try several times before they can make it stick. I'm with you; I've quit about 7 times, the last time was twenty years ago. The important thing is to learn from each attempt. What worked, what didn't? What was the trigger to start again? It helps to keep a log and to remind yourself of your reasons for wanting to quit.

Smoking is a psychological habit as much or even more so than an addiction. You get over the nicotine craving in about a week, but then there are all the habits. First smoke in the morning with your coffee. Smoke after a meal. Smoke when hanging out with certain people. The way I finally managed to quit was by changing those habits, but it took time. And all my family, extended family and friends got handmade afghans that Christmas :laugh:

The patch worked for me.