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1. songbird

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   07 Jun 2018
   09 Jan 2019

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   It’s been 7 months since my last cigarette, and I haven’t been tempted to start again.  Unfortunately, with the money i’ve saved, I have had to buy new clothes because I have gained about 20 pounds.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I was never thin, but now I hate the way I look!  Help!
2. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   10 Jan 2019

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   Hi songbird,
   
   Congrats on your 7 smoke free months!  It's great to break free, isn't it?
   
   I gained a bunch of weight since I quit two years ago.  But I would rather be overweight than be a smoker.  Having said that, I am finally ready to tackle this problem.  I just recently got a Fitbit and am tracking how many steps I normally take daily.  My plan is to slowly increase my activity level, and to reduce the amount of fatty foods I eat. 
   
   Just like quitting smoking, changing activity levels and eating patterns takes some planning and thought, but I am now prepared to do the work.
   
   You know yourself best.  What do you think might help you to lose weight?  Getting more active, or maybe eating healthier? Or a combination of the two?  I'm certainly no expert on the matter, but I do advocate starting slow and working up to goals.  You might want to check out the internet.  There are tons of articles about both exercising and healthy eating that could help to motivate you, or give you some starting points.  However you decide to tackle the issue, at least you know you are starting from the right place, that being as a non-smoker.  Nothing is more important than that.
   
   Best of luck, songbird. 
3. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   11 Jan 2019

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   Hi songbird,
   
   First of all, congratulations on quitting. 
   
   In terms of weight gain, an average of 5-10lbs is to be expected. Because you have gained more, we would suggest reaching out to a health care provider for additional support.
   
   One great resource is http://www.unlockfood.ca/en/default.aspx where you can connect with reliable experts (copy and paste the url)
   
   treepo, thanks for sharing your experience and advice. Sometimes people refer to quitting smoking and changing one habit for another. The new habit, however, does not have to be unhealthy. Like you said, counting your steps, reducing fatty foods, etc.
   
   Hope this helps,
   
   Jenna Lee
4. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   12 Jan 2019

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   Hi Songbird,
   
   Congratulations on reaching the seven month milestone. The further we get from those old smoking days, the more we have replaced them with activities that are no longer associated with it.
   
   I too gained some weight. I joined a gym and burn off calories with a two hour per day workout. This has brought my weight back down to the previous level. Concentration on veggies and fruit in my diet has made my snacks healthier. A health care professional could help you determine what is right for you.
   
   Eagerquit
   
5. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   14 Jan 2019

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   Hi Songbird,
   
   Congratulations on SEVEN months!  And also keeping a positive attitude as well.  You must be so proud of yourself.
   
   Quitting smoking is a huge change.  We are altering our physical, mental, and often social aspects of our lives.  We are, in fact, re-defining ourselves. 
   
   Quitting smoking is the single most positive change we can make to better our health.  When you're ready, you can tackle the weight.  There are many threads and suggestions on precisely that issue.  Like Treepeo, I too now use a Fitbit.  It still feels really good everyday when it 'goes off' and helps me celebrate my daily goals.
   
   You've tackled the most difficult by quitting smoking.  I'm sure the rest will fall into place as you continue to fine-tune your quit.