New on the weight loss journey

[Prym1]

Hi All

Weighed in today - put on 12lbs giving up smoking - put it on in 9 weeks flat!

I have taken to snacking instead of smoking - that means 20 extra snacks a day - got to stop

Anyone got any hints or tips ???

Prym

[Grigid Moderator 4 stone]

Hi Prym1,

First of all, well done for stopping smoking!

We have lots of different groups on here where you'll get ideas, and support in working on reducing the snacking and turning that gain around.

All of our current groups can be found on the link I've added to this reply. The Daily Diary is where we post what our menu plans are each day, which really does help with staying on track. We also have weigh -in and exercise groups, and also a Christmas Challenge (if you can belies it's only 97 days to go!)

Have a look around, join in with the chat and if you're not sure about something just ask away.

Good luck 🍀

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg]

Hi Prym1 and welcome. Well done for kicking the habit,9 weeks is brilliant!When I quit the smokes I put on +/- 10Kg before I decided to do something about it, so you're definitely doing better than me. My problem wasn't snacking, it was real,Italian ice cream, I had a very sore throat so I ate ice cream every single day 😅

I suggest that you keep some healthy snacks handy until you get out of the hand to mouth problem. Frozen grapes and chopped veggies come to mind. Careful with any nuts as they are all quite high in calories but if you have to shell them first they will keep your hands occupied too.

Stick with both forums and you'll quit the smokes and get your figure back

[Fiadh79 Maintainer 13kg 2023 September]

Well done for quitting smoking - that's an amazing achievement.

Can you find a replacement activity to do instead of snacking? I would pick quite goofy things. Like sing my favourite song at the top of my voice, stand on the grass in bare feet. But you could try something like a mini-meditation, or go and smell some nice smelling flowers.

Years ago when I quit smoking I still took breaks to go and get some fresh air (that was actually fresh). I guess it was just a good way to reset.

[Prym1 2023 September in reply to Fiadh79]

thankyou for the ideas like the singing 😀😀

[-WeightLossWarrior- Visitor]

Congratulations on stopping firstly, I know as an ex-smoker it's a challenge but I promise you 8 years later I am SO happy I decided to quit.

I found the following helpful when I stopped:

- Write a list of the key moments throughout the day I would normally smoke (before work, after lunch, leaving work etc) - When you think about it you probably had quite a standard routine as it's such a habitual part of a smokers life.

- Give yourself another task to fill those moments, other than snacking that can keep you busy. I found Suduko a quick way to pass 10 mins and helped take my mind off the craving too!

- If snacking is your go to thing, try and swap out as many high calorie foods for something lower. I found carrot sticks an amazing snack as they were healthy and require time to crunch so filled that gap.

Best of luck, and above everything else if I can offer one piece of advice regarding smoking, don't let you mind trick you into thinking "I've quit now, so one won't hurt" ... This alone caused me to fail my objective 5 times!!

[Prym1 2023 September in reply to -WeightLossWarrior-]

Thankyou for the support - when I gave up smoking I allowed myself to eat what I wanted - hard to change that cos its nice - tryin g to eat more sensible now carrots a good shout

So tempted to just have one ciggie I must admit but sooo aware 1 would lead to hundreds

Prym xx

[Hidden in reply to Prym1]

Well done for giving up. I think accepting something is an addiction that you have to take power over is a brilliant step.

I have decided some of old eating habits were addictive behaviours and have opted out of them for a while.

I think smoking is the hardest one