Losing weight

[susan46]

Does anyone know of a simple diet or have some suggestions on how to lose the weight that comes with quitting smoking? I know I shouldn't overeat and should watch what I eat, but there are times when I still feel empty no matter how much I eat. I know it is nothing but nerves, but when it happens I can't help but eat, eat, eat. I have put on 15 lbs since I quit smoking and refuse to go back to smoking just so I won't eat so much. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[cindywilson]

everyone has that problem, but I have found walking and some fun exercise helps to keep me from over eating plus I try to make healthier choices and keep only healthy in the house, that helps with cheating. My daughter joined weight watchers online and lost three pounds last week and was thrilled

[jan__tx]

I just joined w/watchers online and love it:)

[sherri5]

walk drink breath snack - have a plan ... 1st find as many encouragements as possible and POST them all over especially on the fridge ... one of my best ones is 'for every negative thought speak outloud something positive' (ex; thought 'i am just not focused' speak 'i AM focused and intentional about my life') 2nd - sit down and make a list of fast healthy snacks - go get them a.s.a.p. - come home & prepare them - substitute the healthy as much as possible & don't be to hard on yourself (again, encouragement) 3rd - get you clothes and tennis shoes out - have them ready - don't think at all - just put them on and walk - grab water before and immediately after - indulge yourself in water - 4th - take ALOT and i mean ALOT of deep breaths ... not the cure all but will get you moving & thinking more clearly, hope it helps ... Lots of Love & Best Wishes, Sherri

[Makela]

I'm struggling with the same problem and I hate it! I've had to go out and buy new clothes because I work in a corporate environment so tight pants and buttom popping blouses are a no-no (you gotta laugh at yourself). I'm thinking seriously about joining weight watchers because I know I'm out of control. I did start back working out about 3 weeks ago. It helps. We have to try really hard to watch what we eat. I have to remind myself of the xcellent job I'm doing by staying smoke free. We will lose the weight when we get ready. Someone once said, I'd rather be plump and alive, than thin and on chemo. Harsh, but true. Good luck!

[Brenda_M]

Makela, I know EXACTLY what you're talking about, but I gained all this weight while I was smoking, because working out and smoking were mutually exclusive for me. If I skipped a day smoking, I would go to the gym...it's pathetic. Anyway, I'm really pushing it on some of the few pairs of pants that aren't embarrassing, and bought a couple sweaters that cover my bottom AND my top. Yikes!

Susan, when I quit a few years ago, I decided that I would measure the improvement of my breathing by seeing how much easier it got to do exercise. Then, it just became part of the quit, I wasn't exercising to exercise, I was charting my progress! I found that mindset helped.

Good luck!

[cory7]

i count calories. there's site called "Everyday Health" which has a calorie counter.
healthy choices, portion control and exercise are key to losing weight. however, you have to decide to be committed. just like quitting smoking. i decided i didn't have to gain weight just because i quit smoking.
so far, i've lost 18 lbs. i still have about 10 to go. it's not easy but it is simple. "Committment"!