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[Hollywood Rock Chic]

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[swedeace]

First off, congrats on your endeavor in quitting smoking!!! It takes a great deal of will! I didn't even know you even smoked to begin with! If anyone could do it, I think you could really quit successfully! I have that courage in you!

I've never smoked a cigarette a day in my life, so I do not have any advice for you, Tara. Sorry. But....I do have some suggestions that I have seen friends and co-workers go through to help them.

You are concerned about the weight gain, but I think that keeping yourself even busier than you were before will really help keep your mind off it. Maybe chew sugarless gum. And, instead of snacking with junk food, just have a baggie with fruit or veggie snacks or even pretzels with you at all times. When you get the urge to smoke, just stick the snacks in your mouth.

Plus, keep on working out like you have been doing. Do your jogging, and take those snacks and your bottled water with you. And, go dancing a little more often than you do. Anything to keep your mind off. Lots of luck! I know you will succeed at it!

[InspectorExstead]

congrats on trying to quit! that must take a lot of self control, and that is awesome. go you!

i've never smoked either, so i don't know how much advice i can give you & whether or not it would be helpful. but like swedeace said, sugarless gum is a plus. and anytime you get the urge to smoke, have a baby carrot, or celery with ranch or something like that. i think if you steer clear of the junk food, or having dessert five times a day, you should be fine, especially since you work out regularly.

again, congrats & good luck! let us know how it goes.

[Ireneparalegal]

Tara, believe me, the way you take care of yourself as far as running and all the other things you do to maintain your figure and shape, that will help you.

My boyfriend gained some weight, but that is because he ate more to replace the feeling of having a cigarette. Of course, he changed that abt two years ago and lost that weight. When he quit smoking he would chew gum when he got the urge to smoke. Also, reach for a carrot stick or celery sticks when and if the urge hits you. If you are going to eat, better to eat healthy stuff. Have more healthy snacks around or fruits. I love to buy those ready cut watermelon portions they sell in the grocery store.

[Courtnee]

Haha, you gain weight. That's hilarious.
But seriously, I wouldn't be too worried about it, you work out all the time!

[mc_light1202]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Tara, believe me, the way you take care of yourself as far as running and all the other things you do to maintain your figure and shape, that will help you.

My boyfriend gained some weight, but that is because he ate more to replace the feeling of having a cigarette. Of course, he changed that abt two years ago and lost that weight. When he quit smoking he would chew gum when he got the urge to smoke. Also, reach for a carrot stick or celery sticks when and if the urge hits you. If you are going to eat, better to eat healthy stuff. Have more healthy snacks around or fruits. I love to buy those ready cut watermelon portions they sell in the grocery store.

I've never smoked myself, but I just had a conversation with someone today who said the same exact thing. She not only was addicted to the nicotine, but just holding the cigarette and bringing it to her mouth was a habbit. When she would take a break and smoke, she replaces the cigarette with carrot sticks or drinking something with a straw.

I understand how hard it is to quite smoking, from a biological standpoint at least. i hope all goes well for you and stay strong.

[robyrob]

when I finally quit I used the patch and started chewing gum CONSTANTLY - and I HATE gum.

...but it takes your mind off the cravings. also it helps to keep busy, do something that will keep your mind preoccupied.

I quit just over 5 years ago now

[robyrob]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Rock Chic

Congrats, Rob..Yeah, I am the same way. I hate chewing gum, too; but the gum does seems to work well, though. I have tried the patch before and it was, way too strong for me; it made me deathly ill, even with the low doses of nicotine..

you can cut the patch in half - or less - to reduce the amount of nicotine released; the smaller the area, the lower the dose.

[*ClassicPinUp*]

Like everyone else said I would cut up carrots, strawberries, grapefruit etc. and have those ready when your hungry. If it's easy and less time consuming you're more likely to go for the "good stuff." Also, I know some ex-smokers find crunching on some ice helps with cravings and hunger. You can also replace the time you use to smoke (say for example; you enjoyed a cig right after dinner) plan to do something at that time... whether it be cleaning, talking on the phone, exercising. You'll start to reprogram yourself... and after a while your body will get into a new routine and won't be expecting or craving a cig at those times anymore. Try to list some "back up" things to do as well. That way you'll be able to focus on something else should you get a really bad craving.
Stay away from any alcohol for the first few days. Alcohol causes your body to produce more acid which draws nicotine out of the blood more quickly- which can make withdrawal symptons worse.
Also, if you're going to chew gum try to find the strongest peppermint flavor you can (Altoid gum is strong and very good!) as peppermint is a natural appetite suppressant. I personally would stay clear of anything sugarless but that's up to you.
Green tea or a simple glass of ice cold water are both super easy, and cheap ways to naturally boost your metabolism.

I'm a personal trainer and nutritional and wellness expert so if you ever have any questions feel free to ask away. I'd be happy to help.

Best of luck to you! And may this be the first step to a very happy, and healthy life for you.

[*ClassicPinUp*]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Rock Chic

Awww, thank you, sweetie.
I have found that the nicotine gum, really works and helps ease the urge to smoke a cig; well, it has been 4 days so far, and I am kinda of proud of myself. I do work out. I hike around my neighborhood everyday, 7 miles for 2 and a half hours, which, helps me stay in shape; but, since I have quit smoking, I am going to increase my work out, though; instead of working out for only four days, I am going to increase it to six

Your welcome! I'm glad the nicotine gum is working for you. Wow, your workout is amazing! Good for you!

BTW, you should be proud! My dad smoked from age 15-46 (about 2 packs a day.) so I've seen how addicting it can be. Here's to your soon to be 5th day!

[InspectorExstead]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Rock Chic

Yes, I have been working out, doing 7 miles, sometimes even..10 for over 3 years now; and once again, thank you. It has been hard, but, I think I have the motivation to really give up this habit this time

i wish i had that much motivation/energy to workout as much. lol.