Trying to lose weight and stop smoking

[juliet1989]

Hey everyone. I've been struggling with loseing weight and quiting smoking for a while now with little to no success. Here's the thing: smoking and eating have become a crutch for me over the past 5 years or so. Sadly, they give me great pleasure and I whenever I'm stressed or feel crappy I eat or light a cigarette. I've slowly gained over 30 pounds and I'm up to over a pack a day. I try to work out regularly but of course I get exhausted quickly and I get discouraged and quit. I'm constantly unhappy with myself and the way I look and I'm young and want so badly to get rid of these dependancies but I havn't been able to.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Can anyone give me any tips on quiting smoking and/or losing weight? Thank you.

[xpaperxcutx]

Well, you can't go cold turkey. Try to cut down the cigs until you're back to smoking one a day. Try using the patch.

When you're stressed out, do look for other ways to cope rather than reaching for a ciggie.

 

If you want to lose weight, you have to effectively cut down on the cigarettes first. I heard that quitting smoking makes you gain weight.

[whichwayisup]

Go talk to your Dr, get some tips from him/her.

 

Another option is, get a trainer, join a gym and see a Nutritionist too.

 

Depending on where you live, check your local hospital, they do have programs to help those who want to quit smoking. And they do offer group therapy/support to help during the rough times.

 

You can do this!

[Enema]

Everyone knows how to lose weight:

 

#1 Exercise

#2 Eat healthy

 

They just never want to do it. It's heaps more fun to talk about it than to actually put in the effort.

 

I have so many fat women at my work constantly talking about their diets and shakes and cleanses and exercise routines - yet they never, EVER do anything.

 

You know what you have to do, stop being a homo and DO IT.

[deux ex machina]

If one of your goals is to quit smoking, then do just that: quit smoking.

 

Don't wait to lose weight to do it, and don't use weight as a reason to continue.

 

I realize that sounds flip, I don't mean it that way...but find whatever method works for you and quit, since that is your desire.

 

The weight thing is best thought of as a completely separate issue. I'd highly recommend you frame it that way in your mind, rather than entwining the two.

[Lizzie60]

My advice.. quit smoking first... never mind the weight for now...

 

Although you need to eat healthy .. there is no way around that..

 

and exercise... each time you have a craving.. eat an apple.. or drink a glass of water.. or simply go for a walk... the 'feel good' feeling you'll have afterwards.. will help you through.

 

I've quit smoking 'cold turkey' in '93... it totally changed my life.. trust me.. it's the best move I've ever done in my whole life..

 

I know now.. that I will NEVER smoke.. ever.. I can't stand smokers..

 

I used to smoke 1 1/2 pack a day.. at that time, we were allowed to smoke at work.. imagine.. sitting down all day with an ashtray full of butts.. eewwww...

 

Trust me you can do it.. It took me several attempts on many many years to finally succeed...

 

What I did, and I think it helped me... for about 2 years prior to stopping.. I used to medidate and 'talk to myself'... each night.. when I went to bed.. I would spend 5-10 minutes on 'self talk'... (not sure what the right term is)... anyway.. good luck...

 

If I could do it.. you can too... it's not that hard.. you just need to really put your mind to it..

 

I gained weight.. most people who quit will gain some weight.. it's normal.. you deal with that once you quit smoking..

 

I gained 16 lbs.. then when it was time to deal with the weight (although I wasn,t fat... I just wasn't used to that weight)... it took me 18 months approx. and I lost 29 lbs..

 

YOU GO GIRL.. YOU CAN DO IT..

[bluewolf17]

My advice.. quit smoking first... never mind the weight for now...

 

Although you need to eat healthy .. there is no way around that..

 

and exercise... each time you have a craving.. eat an apple.. or drink a glass of water.. or simply go for a walk... the 'feel good' feeling you'll have afterwards.. will help you through.

 

I've quit smoking 'cold turkey' in '93... it totally changed my life.. trust me.. it's the best move I've ever done in my whole life..

 

I know now.. that I will NEVER smoke.. ever.. I can't stand smokers..

 

I used to smoke 1 1/2 pack a day.. at that time, we were allowed to smoke at work.. imagine.. sitting down all day with an ashtray full of butts.. eewwww...

 

Trust me you can do it.. It took me several attempts on many many years to finally succeed...

 

What I did, and I think it helped me... for about 2 years prior to stopping.. I used to medidate and 'talk to myself'... each night.. when I went to bed.. I would spend 5-10 minutes on 'self talk'... (not sure what the right term is)... anyway.. good luck...

 

If I could do it.. you can too... it's not that hard.. you just need to really put your mind to it..

 

I gained weight.. most people who quit will gain some weight.. it's normal.. you deal with that once you quit smoking..

 

I gained 16 lbs.. then when it was time to deal with the weight (although I wasn,t fat... I just wasn't used to that weight)... it took me 18 months approx. and I lost 29 lbs..

 

YOU GO GIRL.. YOU CAN DO IT..

 

Great Post Lizzie!

[juliet1989]

Thanks for the advice guys!

Lizzie, the self-talks sounds like a great idea, i'll try it! Maybe I'll start a journal at night. Cold turkey at 1 1/2 packs a day? Sounds tough but congrats, that's awesome.Thank You.

Enema, there is nothing you can call me that I havn't called myself already. I came here for some advice and support, so if "homo" is all you have for me than why even reply? To make me feel worse about myself?

[Lizzie60]

Thanks for the advice guys!

Lizzie, the self-talks sounds like a great idea, i'll try it! Maybe I'll start a journal at night. Cold turkey at 1 1/2 packs a day? Sounds tough but congrats, that's awesome.Thank You.

Enema, there is nothing you can call me that I havn't called myself already. I came here for some advice and support, so if "homo" is all you have for me than why even reply? To make me feel worse about myself?

 

A log would be a good idea... anything that will help you to 'convince' yourself..

 

Yes.. I did it 'cold turkey'.. I never thought I could do it.. I had tried a zillion times before but never could... but that time.. I did it.. methink my 'meditation' helped..

 

And don't give up... I didn't ... if it doesn't work this time.. it will next time..

 

I am convinced though that the only way to stop is to stop cold turkey... if you reduce your consumption.. you will find all kind of excuses to have one more.. and one more..

 

When I put my cigarette out that evening.. just before I went to bed.. I said to myself 'that's it.. I will NEVER smoke again in my life"... If you would have told me 2 hours before that I was going to stop the next day.. I would have told you.. no way... I love my smoke too much...

 

The next day I got up... had my coffee.. then the urge was unbelievable.. and I thought 'No way... I won't smoke TODAY and if I'm still that miserable tomorrow.. I will start again'...

 

That was it.. I never EVER had another craving since.. it's going on 17 years next August..

 

And you'll see how much better you'll feel.. physically... just my hair has doubled in volume.. are a lot shinier.. my skin got way healthier.. my whole body changed.. I am way healthier now.. I feel much better..

 

You'll see.. you have to try.. you're still young.. I was 41..

[crazycatlady]

I quit smoking 2 years and 3 months ago. I haven't lost weight (well I have and then gained it back). But when I was quitting smoking, that was my priority. I didn't quit cold turkey (wtg Lizzie for that) I used chantix. I dealt with some of the more unpleasant side effects from that drug including some really whopper nightmares, but it helped me quit and I'm still quit.

 

Like Lizzie says, it was the absolute best thing I've ever done for myself so far.

 

Can we reccommend other websites here? The place I went was awesome support for quitting smoking with some amazing tips.

 

I think what really did it though, my last cigarette I talked to it. I really thought about what I was doing as I smoked it. I noticed that burn in the chest throat and nose. I noticed my icky yellow fingers and nails and knew my teeth were also slightly yellow. How a cloud of smoke followed me everywhere I went. How I would never snuggle H after sex because I had to go smoke (granted H often went with me as he smoked too, but he only did because I did, otherwise he doesn't smoke after sex). There were a lot of things I said, out loud that night and then i crushed it. And then drowned the butts to make sure I would look for a long one to smoke the next morning - and yeah I've done it when H took my smokes and there were none in the house.

 

I don't really know why I managed it when the month before that I tried and gave up by 9:30 the next morning. Except my mind set was different. If it is allowed to post another website I'll post where I went. It was great support.

 

CCL

[TheLoneSock]

Everyone knows how to lose weight:

 

#1 Exercise

#2 Eat healthy

 

They just never want to do it. It's heaps more fun to talk about it than to actually put in the effort.

 

I have so many fat women at my work constantly talking about their diets and shakes and cleanses and exercise routines - yet they never, EVER do anything.

 

You know what you have to do, stop being a homo and DO IT.

 

Best post I've seen all day.

[Lizzie60]

I quit smoking 2 years and 3 months ago. I haven't lost weight (well I have and then gained it back). But when I was quitting smoking, that was my priority. I didn't quit cold turkey (wtg Lizzie for that) I used chantix. I dealt with some of the more unpleasant side effects from that drug including some really whopper nightmares, but it helped me quit and I'm still quit.

 

Like Lizzie says, it was the absolute best thing I've ever done for myself so far.

 

Can we reccommend other websites here? The place I went was awesome support for quitting smoking with some amazing tips.

 

I think what really did it though, my last cigarette I talked to it. I really thought about what I was doing as I smoked it. I noticed that burn in the chest throat and nose. I noticed my icky yellow fingers and nails and knew my teeth were also slightly yellow. How a cloud of smoke followed me everywhere I went. How I would never snuggle H after sex because I had to go smoke (granted H often went with me as he smoked too, but he only did because I did, otherwise he doesn't smoke after sex). There were a lot of things I said, out loud that night and then i crushed it. And then drowned the butts to make sure I would look for a long one to smoke the next morning - and yeah I've done it when H took my smokes and there were none in the house.

 

I don't really know why I managed it when the month before that I tried and gave up by 9:30 the next morning. Except my mind set was different. If it is allowed to post another website I'll post where I went. It was great support.

 

CCL

 

I thought it was Champix.. anyway.. My BFF tried that but she had to quit.. she thought she would die.. this is a very dangerous drug.. it's not for everyone.. I think the medical association wanted to ban it in Canada.. (not sure though)

[crazycatlady]

It is champix in Canada, and its Chantix here. It can be a dangerous drug, but hey, so is smoking. One you know will eventually kill you, the other, it is a rare side effect for the suicidal thoughts. My doctor did ask me to go off of it before I was planning on going off (I was going to take it 4 to 6 months unstead of the 3) because I was having really bad nightmares, like wake up screaming nightmares. I don't recommend it unless you are going to make sure everyone around you is aware you are taking it and to watch for mood changes and lots of regular doctor's visits. And I would recommend cold turkey first to see if you can manage that way. I also had horrible gas, and upset stomach though it was mild, and it acted like a sleep aid. I had to take half the usual dosage because I couldn't take it in the morning without sleeping the day away. I would take one and be out in 10 minutes. Which was nice at night because that was when I smoked the most and was my worse time.

 

But I researched it, read all that I could, and thought long and hard about it before deciding to go that route. I have several friends who took it and never quit. In fact all the people I know know (and not online know) who took it did not quit smoking.

 

CCL

[whiteriver16]

A lot of people believe that if you do crunches, you'll lose weight in your stomach, or if you do arm curls, you'll lose your flabby arms. My sister is a personal trainer at a gym, and she says that you can't lose weight in a concentrated area.

 

You have to do cardiovascular exercise, like running, swimming (which also gains muscle), or the elliptical machines at the gym. As long as you keep your heartrate up for a while, you should burn off calories.

 

If you do exercises in the weight room, don't be surprised if you might gain weight. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you lose body fat and gain muscle, you could gain weight on the scale, but look and feel much better.

 

The best way to burn fat and keep it off is to eat healthy and do cardio at LEAST half an hour a day. I know it sounds like something a doctor would say, but there aren't any real quick fixes to lose weight. Those dexatrim and trimspa stuff doesn't work, it just makes you feel hyper and crappy, don't use them.

 

Good luck! You'll be burning fat in no time