Welcome to the Community Forums

Weight gain ? Cancel

1. alice chapeau

   

   14 posts
   Registered:
   13 Feb 2020
   26 Apr 2020

   Link to this post

   Hi. I’m at 83 days of not smoking. Finally starting to think about it less often. BUT, I’ve gained 5 lbs already and getting worried. I honestly think I’m eating about the same. I’m hitting 10,000 steps most days on my Fitbit. Any tips would be great. 
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   27 Apr 2020 in reply to alice chapeau

   Link to this post

   Alice,
   
   Almost 3 months without smoking is huge!!!! The withdrawals and cravings will b subsiding and now you just need to get used to being a non-smoker. 
   
   One change so many of us who quit notice is that we do gain some weight. I found that I used to smoke almost like a meal suppressant, and once i quit smoking I felt hungry all the time and with my sense of taste and smell returning I was eating more through-out the day. Snacking on junk food was replacing smoking for me. 
   
   I'd rather be a few pounds heavier in the short term than still smoking. I didn't worry about my weight gain. at about 6 months after quitting I did however take the time to become healthier overall and am now steadily losing about 2-3 pounds per months simply by following a better diet and routine exercise.
   
   I changed to eating tangerines, blueberries, smaller serving sizes at meals. I also took up more physical activities with all the extra time I had - bike riding, longer walks.
3. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   27 Apr 2020

   Link to this post

   Hi Alice,
   
   First of all, you are doing great!  You are well on your way to being a non-smoker, so good for you!
   
   I wouldn't worry too much about your weight gain.  It is not how much you weigh that is important.  It is living a healthy lifestyle.  You sure are getting your steps in, so keep it up.  And as the weather improves and we become less restricted, you may even be able to increase your activity level.  If you are still worried, try to be more mindful about what you are eating.  For example, perhaps you can try using lower calorie salad dressings.  Or eat veggies plain without any dip.  Little changes can mean a lot.
   
   Also realize that your body is still adjusting to this new normal of not getting all of those poisonous chemicals.  No doubt it is rejoicing, and maybe that is why we gain weight as well.  For sure we get more nutrients from food as non-smokers.
   
   Be kind and patient with yourself, Alice.  Quitting smoking is the most important thing you could do for yourself.  Stay strong and remember NOPE (Not One Puff Ever).  You are going to be just fine.
4. kit12

   

   27 posts
   Registered:
   28 Feb 2020
   27 Apr 2020 in reply to alice chapeau

   Link to this post

   Hi Alice
   Three months not smoking is amazing ! I really agree with what ATP said. I would rather be a few pounds heavier in the short term than still smoking. This Friday will be 6 months for me. The first 3 months I decided to eat whatever I wanted. Some days if I wasnt working I would sit in bed all day and eat JUNK FOOD! and watch crap TV- and I dont watch TV- mostly movies. Anything was bettert than smoking. At about 3 months of doing that I became really bored!!! Sameas ATP- I am almost 6 months free of smoking. I never sit in bed all day and am just naturally eating better and walking! Do not be to hard on yourself- IT WILL CHANGE ! Congrats on 3 months !!!!           Kit12
5. alice chapeau

   

   14 posts
   Registered:
   13 Feb 2020
   29 Apr 2020

   Link to this post

   Wow!  Thanks to everyone who answered me. Good to know everyone seems to have been through this. I think all this staying home is contributing to more food. On the bright side it helps to stay away from smoking triggers & activities where I smoked. 
   I still think about smoking a LOT but am totally committed to NOPE & not having to go through this ever again. 
   You all are great coaches providing inspiration for us. Thank-you. Will check in again soon.