Hi Mamas,
We quit smoking last week and I have already put on a couple pounds! I was backpacking this last weekend so I was on a high caloric diet. I am doing fine with the cravings but I'm concerned about gaining weight. We're getting married in 2 months and I'd like to fit into my dress, lol. I eat pretty healthy but I have a much stronger desire to eat more and snack. Anyone have tips?
TIA!
Chew gum & drink water :) I did not gain weight after quitting. I smoked for 10 years and in August it will be 9 years since I quit. Congratulations on not being a slave to the cancer sticks anymore! =)
The nicotine acts like an appetite suppressant this is why you are now hungry. Snack on celery sticks (they also help with cravings) stay away from sugar and keep yourself busy (mind and hands).
I gained a few pounds when I quit but not too much (like 5). Your body is adjusting to not having the nicotine so keep eating small portions, limit your snacks and your body will adjust back soon.
Drink coffee
And don't have junk food snacks in your house.
Morning walk.
i go every morning, at least 30 minutes. It helps maintain my good mood throughout the day, and allows me to give a little on the snack craving. :)
I replaced cigarettes with either a tall glass of iced green tea (no sugar, no calories -- you can make a big pitcher with regular or decaf green tea bags at home) or a walk around the block. Each time I wanted a cigarette, I did one of those two things, and didn't gain any weight. Good luck, and CONGRATULATIONS!
When I quit I didn't gain weight. Whenever I craved a cigarette or a snack I ate baby carrots. I ate so many I started to turn orange. Seriously. Also ice cold water through a straw helped with both the cigarette and food cravings.
I quit when I started martial arts training. I didn't gain weight but I was doing a heavy workout 3-4 times a week.
Start doing a workout every day. It helps to raise your metabolism.
One of the main reasons that you gain weight after quitting is because smoking increases your metabolism by like 10% I think. So if you are not already working out, start. Here is one of many articles about this:
http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/weightgain/a/metabolism.htm
I quit smoking 7 years ago and didn't gain weight. I'm a workout person and I'm sure that helps a lot :)
Congrats on quitting and getting married!
Ugh. I'd forgotten about that.
Yeah... Sensory response. For me, rolling something between my fingers shuts off the hunger thing. Sandalwood bead bracelet, pens, reading a book with pages to turn. For me the oral part isn't tied to the hunger thing, but having something in my hands, specifically my fingertips, is.
