[dupratac]

Well, I've finally quit smoking after almost 25 years (probably more than that, even) on April 7, so it's been 15 days since my last smoke. I really haven't had any problems with the cigarette cravings, but now I honestly CAN NOT STOP EATING. It's been constant, like I'm starving to death, and I'm eating everything in sight. I'm so happy and proud of myself for not smoking, but is non-stop eating and re-gaining all that weight I lost worth it? I've gained 8 pounds in these 2 weeks. I don't know what to do, and I drink lots and lots of water in hopes that will make me feel full, but it doesn't help. Has anyone here quit smoking and had this problem? I almost want to cry.

[sarasaraseda]

I've never smoked, but I know people who have... and quit... and went through the same thing you are. They said that giving their mouth "something to do"... like chewing gum... helped a lot. Also, you're probably tasting food more, so it tastes better to you. I would suggest that you try to eat raw vegetables with every snack/meal. It will give you something more to chew on... and it will take longer to eat. Then, focus on making your protein VERY tasty... get good steaks, roast fresh chicken, etc. Don't settle for a can of tuna and another cold boiled egg, ya know? Experiment with cheeses, try something you've never had before. And.. add some really good fats like rustic olives and fresh avocado. It's hard to overeat fats if you haven't added sugar to it. Don't believe me? Try eating a stick of butter. Now... try eating a stick of butter that you've beaten a pound of powdered sugar into (uh, yeah... that's FROSTING). Bet you could sit down and eat the whole bowl. For now, I wouldn't get weighed. Really. Just try to stay IN THE MOMENT and do your best in that moment.

So, lots of veggies... lots of good protein and fats... and remember, eating carbs is going to make it worse. Both your cravings and your weight gain. One last thing:

Would you rather live fat or die of cancer?

Tril

[dupratac]

Tril, thanks for all the tips!! What I think I'm going to do is to make a big plate of veggies, cut up cheese and "good" snacks to keep in the fridge. I'll go for something on my plate instead of the stuff that's in there for my husband and kids. Also, now that I've quit smoking (which I still can't believe), I can walk further and exercise more, which a long walk will take my mind off of food. Thanks again, you're a smart lady

[sarasaraseda]

Daf.... I know that people say quitting smoking is the hardest thing they've ever done. Every day you don't smoke you're one day closer to being a non-smoker. Not just someone who has quit... but a non-smoker. Count the days. Be proud of your record. You'll be much less likely to "slip" if you know you have to start over counting the days again. And who wants to do THAT?? Not you!

Keep talking about it here, too... if you know you have to come here and "confess", that might be enough to keep you from smoking when you REALLY really want one.

Your idea of having things prepped in the fridge that you can just grab is a great idea. Put your family's food behind yours. It's harder to reach around something you can't have for your own stuff... make them reach over your stuff. LOL Besides, it would be great if your kids grabbed some cut up cucumber instead of a sugary pudding, right??

Tril

[__CVineXPharm__]

I quit smoking a long time ago and gained a substantial amount of weight. I was hyperfocused on quitting smoking and just did not concern myself with what I ate...bad idea. I am not sure I have any great advice but being aware of the potential issue is a big part of managing it. Perhaps you could redirect your energy somewhere else, like joining a gym or some sort of hobby. Also keep lots and lots of healthy snacks like celery, carrots, cheese, etc.

Congratulations on quitting!!! I think that was much harder than losing weight.

[dupratac]

:wink: You guys are great! LOL, it's been just about 408 hours since I put out my last cigarette, every once in a while I'll get this "oh, I want a smoke", but I push it from my mind. Now I've got to get back on track with my eating

[drugstore]

Well done on quitting, I gave up in October, when you have a craving get up and do something I used to skip lol the craving only lasts about 10 mins so all you have to do is get through those 10 minutes with out giving in to it. There is certain point you get to where ou become a non smoker and no just someone who is given up, once you get to that point its fairly plain sailing.

[rozettasmolanov]

dafeedil! Congratulations! 408 hours is great! Batlou is right; quitting is harder than losing weight so you CAN do this!!!