A terrible admission........

[Feefbev]

I'm still smoking..............despite being into week eight of the programme. I've found it amazing and have achieved more then I ever dreamed possible (I've banged on about it quite a lot on here the last few weeks!) but I'm just wondering if I am alone.........I know I am a fool.........I've cut down, but my real issue with giving up is putting weight on.....as vain and stupid as that sounds - I've given up before and put lots of weight on. So want to get my weight and exercise in check before I take the final step in the 'better me programme'. Am I alone? Is anyone else doing this programme and still smoking? Advice, guidance or a good old fashioned lecture much appreciated.

[vixiej Graduate]

You don't need a lecture, your post shows you are making an informed choice, it's your body

Your weight doesn't have to increase when you stop smoking. The challenge is to ignore the 'I want nicotine or sugar' cravings (for some reason it switches between the two bad substances, at least it did for me) and every time you fancy a cigarette, either drink a glass of water or if you are really in need of a snack, pick something very low call, like carrots, etc or do 'something' (anything to distract, go for a walk, look at a picture of how you want to look, take some long slow breaths, read a magazine, call a friend, send someone a postcard, etc).

You are already doing your body a great service by running regularly, reducing the risk of many cardiovascular diseases. When you stop smoking, the benefits of your exercise regime will multiply. You can run further/longer to counter any nibbling. I stupidly started smoking again after a 6 year break - never again, this time I am stopped for good - I stopped counting the days/weeks/months, I just stopped and made myself think of other things.

It might be useful to think of it this way, couch to 5K gets harder every week; when you quit smoking, it becomes easier with every passing week - what's to lose by trying?

I can thoroughly recommend the NHS stop smoking clinics, non judgemental and very supportive (although I chose to go cold turkey in the end, the group was very supportive)

Good luck when you decide to do it. You CAN do it!

Vix

[Feefbev Graduate]

Thank you - there are some great tips in there. I have tried and failed so many times........I'm currently accessing the NHS stop smoking service and have tried Camprix (they did the job but made me feel unbearably sick and gave me heart palpatations) so I came off them and started again. I have quit in the past for a couple of years, and last time the trigger was exercise. I lost weight and was exercising a lot (gym classes) and reached a point where I realised how stupid it was to smoke as well. I used patches for 6 days and that was it. But stupidly went back to it two years later. Since then I've quit numerous times, the second longest being during pregnancy. Weight gain is a problem for me which makes me nervous about trying again. I put five stone on while pregnant and have fought for the last three years to get that weight off.

I have stocked up an arsenal of weapons against smoking, I have patches, gum and inhalators. I guess it's finding that day when I say 'that's it'. Here's hoping it's soon.

[Beek Graduate]

Not ever having smoked I'm probably not the right person to advise you but I do know it is very hard to quit, having watched friends battling to stop. I just want to send you big encouragement bundles to help you along the way. Judging by your picture you have a beautiful little one in your arms. Keep her in your thoughts when you are finding it hard and look forward to fun play times with her. And try, as Vixie points out, to nibble on sensible things like carrots when you are hungry and just go and DO something - ANYTHING will do! I wish you well and all power to you to fight that battle! Just think how chuffed you will be when you succeed - and you WILL!

[Feefbev Graduate]

Thanks. Funnily enough reading this again this morning prompted me to stub out my cigarette with my coffee first thing and stick on a patch. So far doing ok. One day at a time I guess. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I really feel for you and I get what you are saying, it took me ages to give up 'my beauties' and I still have the odd one in special occasions. However when I do my running suffers... I can't do as much and struggle to talk to my son on a long run... You CAN do it, I just also got so angry at the fact the tobacco industry can have us hooked so easily and then we spend a fortune in them. I decided those big kno** Weren't going to get the better of me.....

[Feefbev Graduate]

Thanks........I hate that I smoke........yet miss it terribly when I try to give up. Have to say feeling quite positive today though. 9 hours with no fags and not been tempted.