I am approaching 3 weeks quitting nicorette!

[joyamber]

Hi everyone! Hope you are doing well.  I still am having a hard time going to places where I bought nicorette.  I am feeling more confident that I can do this.  I just wanted to hear some thoughts on what do I do about the weight gain? I am eating so much more without the gum. I try to eat carrots but can't do that all day. I just worry when I quit the diet soda.  I will be really miserable. I don't know if I can handle that on top of not having the gum.  I must get better regular gum or something.  I really just want to know that people are out there trying to live healthier and how do you do it?

[JonesCarpeDiem]

one of the main reasons we eat is because it releases dopamine.

there was a recent study that showed people pictures of food and that it released almost the same amount of dopamine as if they actually ate the food.

HEY

NO CALORIES

[iaviksfan]

Other than chocolate....Man i have to stop eating that. Try peanuts, or pretzels, and those mini oranges, cuties or halo's. I keep telling myself i will start running again someday soon. I am afraid to step on the scale. Also try hard sugar free candies.

I have noticed that my Diet Coke addiction, has dropped like a rock. I was at like 10 or so a day and now around 3 or 4.

Hang in there you are doing a fantastic job. They say it will get better and i believe them.

[joyamber]

Thanks Dale I will have to try looking at food pictures instead of eating it:) Thanks laviksfan! I really want to quit the soda addiction. I guess I have to want to quit even more than I say I do.

[YoungAtHeart]

Please be careful of making too many changes all at once!  Your most important job right now is to quit smoking!!!  That will do more to improve your health than anything else you can do.  Once you have that under controk, you can start improvements elsewhere.

Brisk exercise also releases dopamine.  A brisk walk outside, marching in place, doing jumping jacks.  Laughing out loud works, as does singing or dancing to your favoritemusic. 

The only problem with the diet soda is the caffeine.  Your body processes it dirrerently when you quit - and you can easily overload and give yourself the jjitters and insomnia!

You are doing GREAT!  One thing at a time!

Nancy

[joyeuxencore]

Congrats Joyamber!

Have you tried lots of different sugarless gum instead?? I bought a bazillion flavors...mints,tropical fruits...I chewed it like crazy!

You can substitute  sparkling mineral water with a dash of favorite juices and maybe lemon or lime...Maybe buy a cool glass to make your new drink in and make a ritual like tea people do! xo

[candylance]

When I go out I order seltzer from the bar, with lime. I love it!! No calories, no sweetners and no caffeine. Plus, everywhere I've been it''s free. They really get you on drinks in restaurants.

Candy    d91  (still having an occasional Blow Pop)

[joyamber]

That looks like a tasty drink! Thanks Nancy for the suggestions. I should do more walking for sure.  Bring on the dopamine! I agree I am making a big change and then trying to make another change right away after the first.  I guess I have to make a trip to the store to buy some things to help my goals.  

[joyamber]

Thanks Candy but I don't go out much but I will try seltzer water with lime and see what I think thanks! Thanks joyeuxencore I will try that too in the past it hasn't done it for me but I have a new motivation to be around for my daughter.

[new-journey]

So what kind of foods do you crave or is it more of the oral fixation?

As far as weight gain...I don't know how much soda you drink, but taking the soda out will help with weight loss alone.  I also don't keep any junk food in my house or if I do I try to keep healthy junk food if that's such a thing.  I do my grocery shopping on the weekends and as soon as I get home, I prepare all my fruits and veggies.  I wash and clean and cut them up and create my own pre-made veggie trays in tupperware for the week.  I also cook chicken and then keep in in the fridge, so it's already to throw in salads, pasta, etc.  I also premake my salad bowls for the week...I like grab and go.  If it's not easy then I'll go for the unhealthy foods.  I also do the same with frozen foods...I recently came across a recipe for cauliflower tater tots and they are delicious.  Take some out of the freeze, pop them in the oven and you got a healthy snack.  Smoothies are great and again I put all my fruits and veggies in zip lock bags and freeze them.  Pop them out, stick in the blender add some coconut or almond milk and they are delicious.  Pinterest has lots of great recipe and time saving healthy ideas.

Exercise is key!  If you don't currently work out, don't commit yourself to exercise every day, because if you don't you'll feel bad and then just stop all together.  Commit to 1-2 days a week to start and definitely try and get in some strength training.  Strength training will help you develop lean muscle mass...it won't bulk you up to popular belief. 

[joyamber]

New Journey it is more an oral fixation with me I crave any type of hot fast food and I am a bit on the lazy side.  I appreciate all the time you took to let me know what you do. I need to exercise too. I will work on that one.  The smoothies are a great idea I will have to try making some.  Thanks again for the imput:)

[Buddy12]

Check out myfitnesspal.com......it helped me a lot.......it showed me exactly what was in the foods I was eating.....I used to drink  lots of diet soda before I quit smoking, but now I only have one or two cans a day now.