PlateauOHHHHH GOD WHY?!

In an effort to be healthier, save money, and not stink, I recently quit smoking.  I used nicotine gum, and it wasn't really that hard for me, because I had weaned myself down to just one or two cigs per day before making the transition to the gum.  

However, since I quit a few days ago, not only have I not lost weight, but I have actually put on a few pounds.  I read over my food journal and there is no caloric reason for the gain.  I ate and exercised as I have for the past 5-6 months and those habits have yielded over 40 pounds of weight loss.

So why are they failing me now?!

Have I hit an honest plateau or does this hiccup have something to do with quitting smoking?

i would think, though i can't prove, that not putting the toxins into your body (other than the nicotine gum) --and the chemicals into your body, will cause your body sometype of reaction.  when i smoked, i did it for anxiety and i found that it was an anxiety release.  if smoking was some type of anxiety release for you, i can imagine your body is now also reacting to you not doing it anymore.  i'd say adjusting....not really gaining weight.  its not that you really gained the weight, its that your body is holding onto more water -- untill it gets use to not needing it.  i tried to find something on the net about the effects, but was unsuccessful.  maybe someone here will understand the science behind it.

There is a new book out called Break Through Your Set Point: How to Finally Lose the Weight You Want and Keep It Off.

It explains why plateaus are necessary and how to work with them toward lasting weight loss.  The author, Dr. Blackburn, has been one of the top leaders in weight loss over the last several decades.  He says it is better to lose weight in increments (10%) to allow the bodies systems to reset to the new lower weight.  

its the smoking. Smoking is a well known agent in weight loss. I know alot of women who smoke just for the reason that it helps keep them skinny. I dont know the mechanics of it, but since you quit (congrats by the way), you dont have that little helper (albeit not a healthy one) anymore. I have also found from talking to family members and friends who quit that they almost immediatly always gain weight, so this is normal. your body just needs to adjust itself to doing without the cigs.

GOOD LUCK!

I just want to say thanks to those who replied for the words of encouragement!  I was mostly ranting, but it is really nice to know that people are out there listening...  Thanks Everyone!

You may also want to see about doing one of those clense things to rid your body of the toxins from smoking. I got those fud...hmmm..foot paddie thingies (sister had them...I am testing them! hehe) and I have been noticing some slight differences so perhaps there is something to them.

Couldn't hurt.

CIAO for now!

Smoking actually slightly speeds your metabolism, so when you stop, it has to bring itself back down to normal.  I say give it a week or two, and you'll level out.  Don't let it stress you into smoking again, though! :-)

Original Post by allydan:

Smoking actually slightly speeds your metabolism, so when you stop, it has to bring itself back down to normal.

 

Exactly: nicotine is a stimulant. It speeds up your metabolism slightly. You may need to either eat a little less or work out a little more to compensate for not smoking any longer.

Congrats on not smoking, though! A few pounds here and there are nothing compared to that. If only my father would follow your fine example....