livenlearn
02-17-2004, 11:58 AM
hi there :wave:
i am VERY proud of myself for making it this long, cold turkey and without major mood swings.... HOWEVER, i have gained 3 lbs already!! and it's not because i'm eating more... i'm really being careful on NOT eating more, and watching what i'm eating..... does your metabolism really slow this much after quitting???? i know this is what i want to do... i do want to continue being a non smoker.... i just don't want to be a blimp..... i've been very proud of the fact that i'm 33, have 2 children and weigh 115... HOWEVER, i'm now teetering at 118, and its scaring me!!!!
any advice???
i am VERY proud of myself for making it this long, cold turkey and without major mood swings.... HOWEVER, i have gained 3 lbs already!! and it's not because i'm eating more... i'm really being careful on NOT eating more, and watching what i'm eating..... does your metabolism really slow this much after quitting???? i know this is what i want to do... i do want to continue being a non smoker.... i just don't want to be a blimp..... i've been very proud of the fact that i'm 33, have 2 children and weigh 115... HOWEVER, i'm now teetering at 118, and its scaring me!!!!
any advice???
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smartgal
02-17-2004, 01:09 PM
Three pounds could easily be water weight. Don't freak out yet! Just keep doing what you're doing.
Deda
02-17-2004, 02:14 PM
hi there :wave:
i am VERY proud of myself for making it this long, cold turkey and without major mood swings.... HOWEVER, i have gained 3 lbs already!! and it's not because i'm eating more... i'm really being careful on NOT eating more, and watching what i'm eating..... does your metabolism really slow this much after quitting???? i know this is what i want to do... i do want to continue being a non smoker.... i just don't want to be a blimp..... i've been very proud of the fact that i'm 33, have 2 children and weigh 115... HOWEVER, i'm now teetering at 118, and its scaring me!!!!
any advice???
Livenlearn--Hi, and congratulations on quitting smoking.
The best thing you can do, is to start exercising to increase your metabolism. Yes, most of us do gain a few lbs when we quit smoking, but mosltly it is from increased eating, eating more junk, (like candy and donuts!), but I don't think it's common to just GAIN weight without increasing your caloric intake. I quit 4.5 months ago and didn't gain any weight the first 6 weeks, but that's because I was watching my diet. After I started being a little piggy then I put on the weight. I've gained as much as 12 lbs, and now I'm only 6 lbs over when I started. That's okay with me, and later I'm sure I'll lose that too. So just start an exercise program if you have not already, or increase your workout if you already do, and you'll be fine. You won't be a blimp!!! :nono: Worry more what will happen if you don't quit smoking!
Take care, and keep up the good work!
DEDA
i am VERY proud of myself for making it this long, cold turkey and without major mood swings.... HOWEVER, i have gained 3 lbs already!! and it's not because i'm eating more... i'm really being careful on NOT eating more, and watching what i'm eating..... does your metabolism really slow this much after quitting???? i know this is what i want to do... i do want to continue being a non smoker.... i just don't want to be a blimp..... i've been very proud of the fact that i'm 33, have 2 children and weigh 115... HOWEVER, i'm now teetering at 118, and its scaring me!!!!
any advice???
Livenlearn--Hi, and congratulations on quitting smoking.
The best thing you can do, is to start exercising to increase your metabolism. Yes, most of us do gain a few lbs when we quit smoking, but mosltly it is from increased eating, eating more junk, (like candy and donuts!), but I don't think it's common to just GAIN weight without increasing your caloric intake. I quit 4.5 months ago and didn't gain any weight the first 6 weeks, but that's because I was watching my diet. After I started being a little piggy then I put on the weight. I've gained as much as 12 lbs, and now I'm only 6 lbs over when I started. That's okay with me, and later I'm sure I'll lose that too. So just start an exercise program if you have not already, or increase your workout if you already do, and you'll be fine. You won't be a blimp!!! :nono: Worry more what will happen if you don't quit smoking!
Take care, and keep up the good work!
DEDA
willow42
02-17-2004, 10:15 PM
I've also gained a few pounds since quitting 3 months ago. I made the mistake of quitting while the turkey & mashed potatoe season was in full swing. I also had a "petite figure"... most people tell me I actually look healthy now...(I've gained 5-10 lbs by the feel of it).
Keep plenty of raw carrot sticks available for those food cravings.
Remember...you need to gain some significant weight (80+ pounds) for the weight gain to be as bad for you as smoking was!!! Once you're over the nicotine addiction, you can concentrate on weight loss. Congrats!!!
Keep plenty of raw carrot sticks available for those food cravings.
Remember...you need to gain some significant weight (80+ pounds) for the weight gain to be as bad for you as smoking was!!! Once you're over the nicotine addiction, you can concentrate on weight loss. Congrats!!!
Deda
02-18-2004, 05:04 AM
willow42--I like your attitude. I think we all need to tell ourselves when we quit smoking that it's okay if we gain a little weight because most likely we will. I'm finally starting to accept that now. But it's hard at first as I've always been so weight conscious. (Too much). That reason alone added to many relapses that I've had in the past when I quit smoking. I remember a Dr. that taught a smoking cessation class that I took many moons ago, had told us that if we had the willpower to quit smoking, somewhere down the road we would later find the willpower to lose the 10 to 20 lbs we might gain when we quit. I think he is right, and for now we shouldn't worry ourselves to death about it. What's more important anyway? :nono: Yes...to never smoke again!
DEDA
DEDA
livenlearn
02-18-2004, 11:04 AM
i do feel its necessary to gain a few lbs when quitting, but then i go and put my pants on, and they're tight!!!!!!!! :confused:
i have started exercising more.... but, (and this is a bit tmi) but, how do you handle the "irregularities" ???? i haven't gone since i quit saturday!!!!!!!! and it sucks!!!
and how do you handle when you get stressed or angry??? first thing i want to do is have a smoke!
i have started exercising more.... but, (and this is a bit tmi) but, how do you handle the "irregularities" ???? i haven't gone since i quit saturday!!!!!!!! and it sucks!!!
and how do you handle when you get stressed or angry??? first thing i want to do is have a smoke!
Invincible
02-18-2004, 11:56 AM
I can't rememeber where I read this, but I heard that smoking dehydrates you and when you stop, there will be some time where you will be retianing water ... and it could put on up to 7lbs for you.
Drinking plenty of water all day actually makes you less likely to retain water... aslo Dandelion tea is a good diuretic.
Whatever, don't smoke and just do more exercise.
Hi everyone!
Drinking plenty of water all day actually makes you less likely to retain water... aslo Dandelion tea is a good diuretic.
Whatever, don't smoke and just do more exercise.
Hi everyone!
willow42
02-18-2004, 10:15 PM
livenlearn~
I finally gave in & bought a pair of pants in the next larger size (I felt so ashamed!!) I think it actually helped me though. I'm not so conscious of the "stuffed" feeling, so I don't get stressed about the weight...& therefore I think I actually eat less.
As far as the stressed & angry part...I found it quite helpful if I took a couple of deep breaths (don't hyperventilate, breathe slowly...like smoking a cigarette WITHOUT the cigarette). Soon you'll be realizing that you don't need the nicotine "crutch" to make it through the difficult times. It's a great feeling!! Stay strong~ ~Willow~
I finally gave in & bought a pair of pants in the next larger size (I felt so ashamed!!) I think it actually helped me though. I'm not so conscious of the "stuffed" feeling, so I don't get stressed about the weight...& therefore I think I actually eat less.
As far as the stressed & angry part...I found it quite helpful if I took a couple of deep breaths (don't hyperventilate, breathe slowly...like smoking a cigarette WITHOUT the cigarette). Soon you'll be realizing that you don't need the nicotine "crutch" to make it through the difficult times. It's a great feeling!! Stay strong~ ~Willow~
LL29
02-19-2004, 12:01 AM
Hi Live and all :)
I put on 15lbs. and I'm still working on gettin it off. I might lose 4 then put bk on 2 but then I'm not working on my eating much. LOL I'm fine with it though and still going to the gym so I'm not worried about it - it'll eventually come off before my birthday in April. :)
You'll be fine and don't concentrate on your weight - your small anyway - not sure of your height but that's still small. I'm 5'7 1/2 and now weigh 168lbs. but 150lbs. is perfect for me since I'm muscular. I was 155lbs. when I quit smoking 3 months ago. I'm just being lazy right now or it's not a huge issue for me since the weight isn't bothering me THAT much. I'm finally free from cancer sticks so that's the most important thing.
I would just work out - it's good for you anyway :) Congrat live and everyone!
Laurie :bouncing:
I put on 15lbs. and I'm still working on gettin it off. I might lose 4 then put bk on 2 but then I'm not working on my eating much. LOL I'm fine with it though and still going to the gym so I'm not worried about it - it'll eventually come off before my birthday in April. :)
You'll be fine and don't concentrate on your weight - your small anyway - not sure of your height but that's still small. I'm 5'7 1/2 and now weigh 168lbs. but 150lbs. is perfect for me since I'm muscular. I was 155lbs. when I quit smoking 3 months ago. I'm just being lazy right now or it's not a huge issue for me since the weight isn't bothering me THAT much. I'm finally free from cancer sticks so that's the most important thing.
I would just work out - it's good for you anyway :) Congrat live and everyone!
Laurie :bouncing:
Invincible
02-19-2004, 09:06 AM
I'm 5.7" too .. and my normal/comfortable weight is around 136-138 but I was already 145 when I stopped smoking 3 months ago .. I went up to 161lbs... but in the last few weeks have been cutting back and doing a little exercise every day.. and I'm now down to 153lbs ... so I know the weight gain doesn't have to be forever.
What I am finding most helpful is NO SNACKING whatsoever. Eat 3 meals a day, eat as much as you like ... but ONLY eat 3 meals a day and make sure there is plenty of protein in it (protein makes you fuller for longer) ... and don't eat after a certain time at night (I use 7PM).
Everytime you feel like picking on food .. go drink a large glass of water, that helps.. also brushing your teeth regularly helps too.
I find that everytime I eat something with sugar in it, it makes me want to binge, so I am limiting all that stuff.. and just eating well 3 times a day.
What I am finding most helpful is NO SNACKING whatsoever. Eat 3 meals a day, eat as much as you like ... but ONLY eat 3 meals a day and make sure there is plenty of protein in it (protein makes you fuller for longer) ... and don't eat after a certain time at night (I use 7PM).
Everytime you feel like picking on food .. go drink a large glass of water, that helps.. also brushing your teeth regularly helps too.
I find that everytime I eat something with sugar in it, it makes me want to binge, so I am limiting all that stuff.. and just eating well 3 times a day.
Queen B
02-19-2004, 10:06 AM
Hi!!! Your message sure sounds familar to me..I am concerned about weight gain too. Monday will be 4 weeks smoke free for me. I have been on a low carb plan for the past year doing good.. maintaining, execising 4-5 times a week (started after the first of the year) too then boom gained 2 lbs then 5 lbs last week. Tell you what I was freaking out!!!! Have maintained this week no weight gain. Yeah!!!I read an article about smoking and weight gain and it said that smoking is a appetite supressant and used by smokers to eat less and less often so yes when you quit you definately are hungry but also your metabolism slows down and you on average you are burning 100-200 less calories per day when you stop smoking. My thought on this is to continue with watching what your eating and count calories or carbs or whatever you method is. Step up your exercise program and eventually you will level out and your body will adjust to life without nicotine. You just need to burn around 150 extra calories per day to maintain where your at. Also, remember spring is just around the corner and we usually lose a little bit just being outside more and more active. You sound like your on the right track with diet and exercise. I feel like when you include diet and exercise as part of your stop smoking program your already ahead of the game. Just keep telling yourself "Yeah my pants are tight but I know I'm doing my best." Sounds corny but it helps me. Queen B
LL29
02-22-2004, 04:34 PM
Well said QueenB and that's AWESOME Invincible - wow - you really got that weight thing under control - I'm impressed. :) Has it been due to the tapes or ?????
I need to discipline myself a little more, but I'm getting much better now. I think my body has finally metabolized itself out and now I can truly work with what I have. My goals are still in tact and coming along. I just have to kick the patience button in and stick to my plan. Granted - I could do much more to speed the process but I'm taking the slow way, but I'm fine with that for now.
True queen on the warmer weather - I know I'll burn off more then because I do more.
Have a great week ladies/any gents :)
Laurie :bouncing:
I need to discipline myself a little more, but I'm getting much better now. I think my body has finally metabolized itself out and now I can truly work with what I have. My goals are still in tact and coming along. I just have to kick the patience button in and stick to my plan. Granted - I could do much more to speed the process but I'm taking the slow way, but I'm fine with that for now.
True queen on the warmer weather - I know I'll burn off more then because I do more.
Have a great week ladies/any gents :)
Laurie :bouncing: