Weight gain while giving up smoking

Hi guys, I realise this is not strictly the correct forum for such a question, that said, I have decided ciggerettes have to be shown the door.
 
Im currently running at 14 hours clean, no patches or nicotine gun (Just regular sugar free).
 
I must admit, so far I have not felt the need to eat anything, atleast not more than normal.
 
Can anyone suggest, through knowledge or experience, anything to prevent or atleast reduce the cravings im sure i will get as the days and weeks roll through.
 
The main reason ive given up is due to starting the gym friday, weightloss, fitness improvement etc.
 
Thanks in advance and this looks like an awesome forum
 
Thanks :)

I believe there is a chemical in cigarettes that stimulates your metabolism, that's why when people come off smoking after a long period they tend to gain a few pounds due to the thyriod needing time to normalise.

Cravings, well, the first 3 weeks will be the hardest.  You will always get moments where you want one.  My brother got diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma earlier this year which, although not related to smoking, was enough of a deterant for me to quit.

You will want to do something with your hands, I recommend a rubix cube! You can take it anywhere and it will give you something to occupy your mind and fingers.

Thanks : ) I will certainly look at finding somthing to fiddle with.

Weight gain comes from 2 sources

1) nicotine is a metabolic stimulant - and so withdrawal does mean a small reduction in resting calorie requirement

however the contribution of this pales into insignifcance when compared to

2) replacement of habitual hand to mouth activity of smoking with eating.

Smoking has your hand going to your mouth and oral stimulation - when you quit it is normal to replace this.

Inhalers are good for this.
However, now you know you are going to do this, what you need to do is
1) manage situations where you smoked previously, either by avoidance, or simply managing to do something else - sipping a bottle of water is a replacement behaviour that has no calorie impact.
2) what were your smoking triggers, look at when and where you would smoke and make an effort to think about what you are going to do.

Replacing behaviour with a substute will help, looking at why you smoked, when, and where - and managing those situations so they dont trigger you to want to smoke again will really help long term success.

Also access your local NHS stop smoking service - these have massive resources allocated to them and can really help you succeed.

Les Willis
Nutrition Consultant
Healthy Action

I used to think I knew what busy was - now I am too busy to think about it!

Thanks Big Les, awesome and motivating post.

Im currently on hour 17(ish) and although ive gone through two packs of sugar free gum Ive not had anything more than I would on a normal day.

I do feel a little dizzy on and off but im thinking it might be subconciously generated as aposed to physical.

I resisted the urge to have a pint at lunch, this is a massive achievement for me, not only have I not had a cig but ive now also not had a pint. I honestly hope this is the mental and physical turn around i so desperatly need.

I am a bit concerned about trying to quit smoking, cut down drinking in a massive way and start gym all in one go, i just hope it is managable.

Change takes an instant - its following through on that change that takes the time.

You have made great positive changes together, which re-inforce each other, if you are in the gym or exercising you are not smoking or drinking, and over time you will be able to find ways and avenues that are in keeping with where you want to be.

It is easy to underestimate the social side to such positive lifestyle changes; often our friends circle around a particular activity, if its drinking and you cut down you cut down on being with your friends which is isolating, when you stop smoking at work you lose the social side of that activity.

Its important to recognise that making positive changes will bring other changes accross your life, and be ready for them. remember true friends, the keepers, are ones that support you looking after you, want the best for you and back you.
the social acquantainces will not always be as supportive, and it can be an eye opener and half to see where people really lie.

Good luck with it, you are taking great strides in looking after yourself, and good on you. Yep you took it all in one great big plunge, but stick with it step by step
and dont forget to reward yourself.

Take half the money you save and put it away (cos no one will save all of it) and decide what you want to have as a result; every time you count that saving up you are closer  to your goal and your reward. And dont forget to have little rewards on the way too.

it doesnt matter how daft they are - go for it, a person I know is learning to kite surf - he bought the kit with money saved by not drinking!

Les Willis
Nutrition Consultant
Healthy Action

I used to think I knew what busy was - now I am too busy to think about it!

Thanks again :) I can see im going to enjoy this forum.

if you eat good natural foods and exercise properly a lot of the weight gain will be in muscle strength - muscles are wasted by nicotine and expand when it is abandoned. Muscle is good for you, fat is not. Exercise increases muscle.

bodybuilding supplements - To build your ideal physique

Im on day 7, I have not fallen for temptation or been naughty. I have not used patches or nicotine gum.

The cravings, for the most part, are gone with the exception to morning for an hour, untill i get to the gym and directly after a substancial meal.

I am very proud of myself for kicking the habbit, hopfully the addiction has been pushed onto the gym a little and thats maybe why its been easier than expected :D

  Day 17 of not smoking.

Keep going buddy,your doing well,i gave up drinking and smoking about 8 months ago and i feel better than ever.