I quit smoking 45 pounds ago - now what?

I have done the low carb and it was very successful, but I just do not have a desire to live off of meat and salad.  (I know there are more choices but it is restrictive and I just can not bring myself to going there again) I am concerned that now at 51 - I am not exercising, 45 pounds overweight and no clue what and where to go from here.

I have always been active and fit until the smoking started to take over and now I am ashamed of what I have become.  Not only that I have horses that are dying for attention but i am too heavy and my reflex's too slow.  I have never done calorie counting and I haven't a clue what foods to gravitate towards.  Salad - naturally, but I need more than salad.  i have had a craving for oatmeal - the old fashioned kind with bananas and maybe blueberries - yumm. Anyway I hope to make some friends and get some ideas.

As to exercise - I am statrting that. slowly but surely.  I started on my staionary bike and was doing some minor weight lifting and boxing with my husband.  I did it 2 nights in a row, and am an hurting all over right now!!!! So I guess it will be a little bit at a time.  So what is your story?  Favorite good foods? Motivation?

Finally 2 + years smoke free and now I am ready to embarke on another adventure!!! Getting my body back!

Sugar is definitely made by the devil lol. But my biggest weakness is pasta, rice, bread etc. I am a carb junkie.

I am a carb junkie too!  Anything with gravy taste better :  My husband is one of those people that can eat the side off the house and never gain an ounce.  At night I am trying to resist the temptation to eat, and he sits there snacking on cookies, donuts, chips, etc....and i just wanna scream, "this isn't fair!"

I feel your pain sister. My husband is thin as always and eats like a horse. I am alone a lot at night, not good. That is my worst time because my cicadian rythym is on a night schedule and I am awake all night and sleep during the day.He buys the groceries and he gets me 'stuff' that he knows I love to eat. God love him, he is killing me. I am just going to have to take over the shopping somehow even though I cannot waqlk for any long distances. And keep my resolve at night. Thank goodness I work the next couple of nights.

you stay strong, and i will try to do the same

I trained my husband to "love" me by bringing home my favorite snacks, and I had to retrain him to stopping "loving" me in that way.  He meant well, but yes, he's slender and eats whatever and I used to be so happy when he'd bring home my favorite ice cream or cookies (or both - righteous!)

Sugar is my drug, cake/cookies are the best, ice cream the topping of choice, but really, I can't control myself the minute sugar crosses my lips.  So most of the time I have none.  I also don't eat the fake desserts (non-fat and/or sugar-free versions) because  for me that just maintains the mindset that I need to have "treats" that are empty calories.

Instead, once a month I have a splurge meal.  I choose carefully, including a full-fat, full calorie dessert that is quality food (not Ding Dongs).  I've never binged on creme brulee.  Partly because it comes in that little dish, and partly because if I savor a good, rich dessert, I am satisfied with a small amount.

And fortunately, for now, it does not trigger a binge.  I go right back on plan for the next month.

Hooray for all of us who gave up cigs (7.5 years ago for me) and now are giving up unhealthy eating!

I showed my dog how much I love him, by giving him bites of my unhealthy snacks.  Now, he has a weight problem which can affect his life just as badly as my unhealthy eating affects mine.  So, i am trying to cut out his snacking and he doesn't understand.  I guess food is never a good way to say, "I love you".

Oh man that is harsh!!!! I have an older American bulldog and he is also over weight but not so where it is a problem.  I have a fat cat in the house and he might have a problem.  The only people food he gets is shrimp.  He loves shrimp and will do anything for it! LOL!!! But it is funny how stuff that effects us - does effect them.  Like a house cat and someone who smokes. 

I HAVE A CAT THAT TURNS OFF THE LIGHTS!!!!  Honestly, she will jump up and turn off the light switches.  Believe me, the first time she did it I thought someone was in the house; scared me to death.  If it weren't for her, I'd go crazy.  She is such company during the day when I am alone.  Now, if I can just teach her to exercise with me.  She is only one year old, so she is in great shape; not overweight.

That is so cute!! I used to have a cat that would fetch as good as any dog and for ever!!! His name was Mr. Beach it because he was a white cat that looked like he had gotten into some tar on the beach!!!  While I am at it i might as well brag a little more about him.  Someone tried to break into my apartment and he went after them.  They were trying to open the window and he attacked the guy and made such a  ruckus I was able to scare the guy away and call the cops!!! He was one in a  million.

Tuff, "Was"  Does that mean you don't have the cat anymore?

No he had a tumor in his stomach and we didn't catch it in time and it was malignant.  What is really sad is that I buried him at the house I used to live at under a huge avocado tree and I heard recently that the new owner cut down that tree. I hope Mister's grave was not disturbed.  But I know where he is now so I guess it doesn't really matter.  I miss him and while it has been about 9 years I still  occasionally call one of my cats Mister Beach it by mistake. I must sounds so strange!!! 

That's not strange.  Pets are special.  I'm so excited this am.  I have lost another 2 pounds!!  My stomach is smaller and I have more energy.  This is a great forum.  I dyed my eyebrows and yesterday my 4 yr old granddaughter said "Gammie, what's that hair above your eyes?!!!  I got so tickled.  You wouldn't believe her.  She has bright red hair, blue eyes, cute as a button.

Yeah!!! Congrats ont hose 2 pounds!!! That is wonderful!!! Keep up the great job.

Congrats on the two pounds!!!  Good job!!!  How often do you weigh?  I have started weighing every Saturday morning, so I hope I can report to you guys on Monday that i have lost a few pounds.  If ya'll don't hear from me on Monday, you will know the news wasn't good. 

Original Post by sadelynn:

Congrats on the two pounds!!!  Good job!!!  How often do you weigh?  I have started weighing every Saturday morning, so I hope I can report to you guys on Monday that i have lost a few pounds.  If ya'll don't hear from me on Monday, you will know the news wasn't good. 

Keep the faith!!!!  It is coming off really slow for me - but I am working out hard at the gym. 

I weigh once a week.  I started out weighing more often, but found that it only frustrated me - weight fluctuates too much.  Sometimes I go two weeks before I weigh.  I go more with what I look like.  I can tell my stomach is not as big and my clothes are not as tight.  This is a slow process.

Any one who has quit smoking is Super. I want to quit myself, But somehow since I have decided to loose weight and change my life style, it seems when I try to stop and seem to eat and snack more. So I'm hopingwhen I rreally start losing and get use to eating right maybe I will be able to quit easier. I smoke about a 1/2 pack a day.

Jeannie

You are right.  they say it is best to do one thing at a time.  I also lost a bunch of weight before I quit and then when I quit i thought it would be a breeze to loose weight afterwards - so I ate and ate and ate!!! LOL

If you can get into an exercise routine and a new way of eating - you really can carry that over into your quit.  The quit will be the "next thing".

In the meantime, I would love to recommend a few websites for you to check out.  The American Lung Association - then the Quit smoking link and then the FFS link.  There are modules to the left on the page and each and everyone is worth the time to practice and will teach you a lot about you.  In addition there are a lot of folks on the message board that are where you are and well, they are just great people.  Also be sure to check out Why quit,com and quit smoking online.  You will learn so much and knowledge is power.  Then when the time comes and it is right to quit - you will be armed!!!

At any rate, I wish you great success with your plan - and I look forward to the day when you say day one on your quit!!!  If I can do it - trust me anyone can!!!

Congratulations all you nonsmokers!

I quit in January, just over two months ago.  I am not sure why but I cannot wait till I am over the three month mark.  I will somehow feel I really quit.  I have to say it was the best and hardest thing I have ever done. 

Hi All -

Here I am with a bunch of firsts.  This is the first forum I have ever joined.  I have never counted calories in my life.  I quit smoking almost 2 yrs ago and gained 20 lbs.  Might not sound like much, but I am only 5' 2" and it is ALL in the middle - looks like I'm pregnant.  Clothes are impossible.  I counted my calories all week (first time) and walked 2 miles 4 days.  I did not lose anything so am very depressed about the whole thing.  I am enjoying reading the entries on this web site and find all of your stories encouraging.  Keep writing!