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!

Ok, I've read all the replys here and decided this thread was the appropreiate place for me to do my first post.  I quit smoking too, I think about 9 or 10 years ago.  I know it sounds odd to not know for sure, All I know is that we quit not to long after our grandsons were born and that was 1999.  Anyway, I too gained tons of weight, but at the time I didn't care.  Now I do.  I have about 73 pounds to lose according to CC.  I admire anybody who can quit smoking, (including myself :) It's not easy!  The one tip I have for all those newly quit smokers.. when the time comes and you tell yourself.. "just one, won't hurt", don't do it.  I think that was hardest for me, but I knew just one would lead right back to a full time habit.  I'd been there before!  

I think the suggestions for an "ex smoker" group would be helpful, now all we need is someone who knows how to put it together!  Those who have not been there, just don't get it!

Laurinda

Ok, I've read all the replys here and decided this thread was the appropreiate place for me to do my first post.  I quit smoking too, I think about 9 or 10 years ago.  I know it sounds odd to not know for sure, All I know is that we quit not to long after our grandsons were born and that was 1999.  Anyway, I too gained tons of weight, but at the time I didn't care.  Now I do.  I have about 73 pounds to lose according to CC.  I admire anybody who can quit smoking, (including myself :) It's not easy!  The one tip I have for all those newly quit smokers.. when the time comes and you tell yourself.. "just one, won't hurt", don't do it.  I think that was hardest for me, but I knew just one would lead right back to a full time habit.  I'd been there before!  

I think the suggestions for an "ex smoker" group would be helpful, now all we need is someone who knows how to put it together!  Those who have not been there, just don't get it!

Laurinda

You can include me in your merry band of 'x-smokers'.  I used hypnosis and kicked the habit over two years and about 60 lbs ago.  Sucks!!  I was prepared to gain a few lbs...but a few turned into a few too many.  In all honesty I was actually thinking of taking up the habit again 'cause I'm not happy with the speed this weight is coming off.  I seem to remember that cutting  the calories was so much easier with a cigarette and a coffee....that usually curbed any cravings I had.  Then, I think about the cost of the bloody things now (about $10 here in Canada) and I just can't justify the expense or the fact that I'd go back to that habit after this long.  Still, the thought is there and I was actually wondering about the 'just one' thing. 

Hi All

I am also an  ex-smoker (just over 7 years now) and I gained about 25 lbs when i quit, I am finding it very hard to get rid of the them, I guess partly because my eating habits changed when I quit but also because of menopause, it seems to so much harder to loose weight after that set in, has anyone else noticed that?

I have to agree with those of you who say its the hardest thing you'ver done and the "just one wont hurt" thoughts ( I swear its the Devil himself whispering in your ear) are very strong and tempting, I have never given in to them because i know i would be back smoking a pack a day in very little time and the cost alone (im in Canada as well) is enough to deter me.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone and getting some tips maybe on this menopause thing if anyone has any ideas

Shailiz,

Please don't do it.  The weight thing is hard I know and, it's not healty, but smoking is even worse for your health.  We are at an age now that we won't be so lucky to side step the negative effects of smoking.  Lets see, what are the negatives about smoking.... they are expensive, they make you stink, they offend others (I know. that was not my main concern when I smoked either), they cause numerous health problems....

When I quit I swore I was not going to become one of those snooty ex-smokers, whom I considered to be worse than those who never smoked, but here I am, butting my nose into others business!

Work on the weight, it will be slow, but it will come off!  Remember how long it took you to stop smoking?  I do, it took me about 25 years!  See, I could quit whenever I wanted too, I wasn't  addicted... I just didn't "want" to quit... yeah.. right!  It was HARD!! Don't want to do that again.  No, sure it would help me get the weight off anyway..

Good luck and don't give up!

Laurinda

Original Post by nean53:

When I quit I swore I was not going to become one of those snooty ex-smokers, whom I considered to be worse than those who never smoked, but here I am.....

Laurinda

 I do so agree with this statement.  I stopped 3 1/2 years and 25 pounds ago and I never would have thought I would find the smell so offensive, but I do.  I have even had to stop reading a library book because it reeked!  I try to remember that I was on the other end of those cigarettes for years and keep quiet, but I make every effort to avoid contact with people who smoke.

I firmly believe cigarettes are just as bad an addiction as heroin or cocaine, but there is no rehab for smokers.  I absolutely support the idea of a group for ex-smokers, both to be a support system for the smoking and because I think we have a slightly different perspective on weight loss.

Thanks to all of you for your candor!