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1. mojojo

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   29 Feb 2020
   29 Feb 2020

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   I have tried quitting before not very commited because I was just that broke.. each time I did I noticed I would eat everytime I wanted a smoke. 
   I want to seriously commit myself but how to not just replace one bad habit with another? 
   Please be kind as I have never done anything like this before and it took a lot of courage for me to do this.
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   02 Mar 2020 in reply to mojojo

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   Mojojo,
   
   Smoking is a hunger suppressant, so quitting smoking will increase your feeling of hunger. On top of that there is the hand to mouth habit of smoking, and eating does a good job of replacing that.  
   
   I quit a year ago and gained a few pounds, but that is better than keeping smoking. I did however start to exercise more and do more activities so my overall health and weight is now better. 
   
   I quit cold turkey and used a lot of gums, Nibs, oranges, blueberries, etc as a supplement to break the habit. 
   
   Good luck. 
3. mumbles2

   

   4 posts
   Registered:
   23 Feb 2020
   10 Mar 2020

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   Mojojo,
   
   I'm on day 2 of my second attempt in the last few weeks. 
   I have been using candies and popcorn etc too but I also use toothpicks (or better yet, matchsticks with the heads cut off) as an alternative. I also have an old pipe. I stuffed a teabag in it to give it some resistance when I "puff" on it.
   I also need something for my hands sometimes. I have chinese ball-bells (metal balls with bells in them) that are for hand massage / exercise. They're pretty good. I imagine a stress ball would work too.
   Just some ideas. Good luck.
4. efram, quit coach

   

   235 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   10 Mar 2020

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   Just wanted to say a quick "hello" to mojojo and mumbles2! It's always nice to have new members join us and add their voices to the mix. Welcome!
   
   atp, as a veteran here, thanks too for your input. I like the idea of replacing a bad habit with a good habit, such as the exercise you suggested. Mumbles2, that Chinese ball-bells idea is a new one to me; nice idea!  
   
   One more suggestion, if I may: it can help to drink more water while quitting. This is another way to keep the hands and mouth occupied, but adds no extra calories, and can help flush the chemicals from cigarettes out of the body. Some like to do this with a straw for that extra something to fiddle around with.