Quitting smoking
 

Hey all! I want to quit smoking cold turkey as I feel I’d manage that better than gradually cutting down but I’m worried about gaining weight as I do so.

I quit for 6 months five years ago and gained a load of weight but it coincided with a meds increase so I’m not sure what contributed more. Anyhoo I found it really difficult to lose the extra weight back then and I physically cannot afford to gain any more right now so tips and tricks appreciated!

Side note, I’m following a pretty decent meal plan right now and don’t intend on deviating from it so hopefully that will help. Also I’m not a nicotine craver, it’s more habitual so it’s looking for something to do whilst watching tv that’s not eating I guess.

I'm no expert and I've never smoked so this might be useless. But if it's a habit thing, can you pinpoint what it is about it that you like? Is it holding it, smell related, having something to do with your mouth etc.? Maybe if you know what it is that you like, you can work on maybe finding other things that do similar, like chewing gum, or fidget toys or scent type of stuff?

Definitely not a scent thing, they stink! I think it’s a hand and mouth thing. Fidget toy is a good idea and I have a few of them. I’m not big on gum but maybe it would be an opportunity to try and make sure I’m drinking enough water because I just don’t right now and if I sip on that it might help? Idk. Grasping at straws I think.

I was doing some research yesterday and apparently nicotine stimulates your metabolism so as soon as you quit it goes a bit banjaxed. I’m just going to really focus on eating healthily and exercising and hopefully I won’t gain too much.

They make chewable fidget toys too! You could look into some of those? You could also look into doing some type of hand craft like knitting or sewing, etc. to keep your hands busy?

You can do it :) keep on going.