I started walking 2 miles a day, it takes me about 40 minutes :dizzy: ... I don't know how I will do this when it's hot and humid out. Does anyone know how many calories this is burning?

I have lost 11 of the 17 pounds I gained since quitting smoking, but I've cut back on alot of the bad foods I'd been eating too. :D

Is anyone else exercising? This is my first real attempt at exercising in the last 15 years or so. :yawn:

Another 20-25 pounds to go. :eek: :yawn:

The amount of calories depends on age weight height and sex of the individual. For example: My wife walks (on treadmill) 1.75 miles in 35 minutes(incline of 3%) and burns less than 200 calories. I walk 2 miles in 36 minutes (incline of 4%)and burn over 300 calories. Walking is good for your cardiovascular system so I am more concerned about the damage the smoke has done to my system rather than the weight I put on after quitting. I have, however, stopped gaining weight and have started to loose the pounds. If you want to loose the weight quickly, try the "South Beach" diet. Works for everyone I know. Good luck on your weight loss goal. Remember: 10 to 15 more pounds looks much better than a butt hanging from your lips.

Cheers :wave:

I'll be starting that South Beach diet right after my mother-in-law leaves! I'm eating like a pig!! But it's keeping me busy and not smoking! We re-arranged the whole house full of furniture today too......so that was fun....

I've been walking for years. Two miles in 25 to 30 minutes when the weather is permitting. I just got an air walker. (Kinda confiscated it from my son! Well...they we're using it!) Now on cold or wet days I'm on that for 30 minutes twice a day. I put on some Four Tops or Roy Orbison to help with the boredom. On nice days that are above 50 degrees, I'll walk outside for 30 minutes then later that night get on the air walker for 30 more minutes.
I started a diet right after New Year's. I weigh myself once a week. So far I've lost a total of 18 pounds. I'm following a diabetic diet. I'm not diabetic, just thought it would be an easy diet to stick to.
The reason I was able to quit smoking was because the Chantix worked. It wasn't because I have incrediable willpower. I don't. I'm just hoping I have enough willpower to stick to this diet. I really need to lose at least 50 more pounds. 60 or 70 would be even better. But I'm trying to be realistic.
Traveller, I know what you are talking about the flat land. Where I live we've got some hills. The route that I walk has the fewest hills. There is just one tough hill and then just a little rise in a couple of places. When I first started years ago, I couldn't even walk a half mile. Had to build up to two miles gradually.
Oh my, I've gone on too long. Sorry ya'll.

Memaw

Memaw -
congrats on the weight loss! What foods are you eating?
I'm guessing sugar is out - are you doing low carb?

I have been getting to the gym at least 5 days a week - strength training, cardio and yoga. I didn't go yesterday, but will go today.

I try and eat lean protein, complex carbs and fruit and veggies. Some days are easier than others! Most days I eat every 2-3 hours.
We'll see how this helps during my quit.
deb

Deb,
Okay, here's what I'm eating:
Lean protein, LOTS AND LOTS green leafy veggies and salads, beans peas corn potatoes, but no more than 1/2 cup at a meal, onions (lots of onions!!)squash, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, one piece of bread once a day, fruits, cereal with 1% milk, yolk less eggs, low fat yogurt, small amount of pasta once a week, chicken this and chicken that, salmon, crappie (my favorite fish!) and extra lean ground beef (No more than 7% fat). I'm not avoiding any food group. I can eat just about anything in small amounts. No fried foods, no sugar. I think the key is portion control. No more rounding my plate up and no more all you can eat restaurants. Bake or broil the meat and some of the veggies. Cook vegetables in chicken broth. Use olive oil sparingly. Use lots of spices! If it tastes good, it's more satisfying. I make a sugar free peach or apple cobbler once a week for dessert. I usually get 1 serving, my husband eats the rest!!
Can't think of anything else I've been eating.

Memaw

Sounds like a reasonable diet. I did the low carb thing for awhile. I lost the weight (came right back), but I felt like crap. I won't cut fruit from my diet ever again!
I find myself munching mostly at night. I have been trying to paint, or organize photos. I know I am not hungry - just bored.

Congrats on your weight loss so far! I imagine you feel much better on your new diet? I know that I feel much better when I eat correctly.

:D deb