Still Not Smoking and Other Things

[jannieC]

Not that anyone has asked :rolleyes: , but I still haven't had a cigarette and it's been 6 weeks, 1 day (no, I'm not a freak- I have one of those <a href="http://www.quitmeter.com/index.php">Quit Meter</a> things that tells me this.

It's been really hard. I am (was) a 20+ year hardcore smoker. My husband and I almost killed each other about 3 weeks ago (he quit too). I would say it was one of the bigger fights we've had in our 10 years together :distress: . We both did smoke that night (he had a whole one and I had 3 drags) but I think it's safe to say that we're winning this battle.

Between quitting smoking and the holidays, I realized I gained 15 lbs! So my mother and I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. I've lost 3.6 lbs so far and my mom has lost almost 5! My goal is to lose 15 lbs and get back to 130 and my mother is trying to lose 60 lbs. This has really helped with the quitting smoking because now instead of cigarettes, I'm thinking about food all the time! When I look at how I'm eating now, I can't believe the way I had been eating for the past few years. You know how people say, "I just eat whatever I want, whenever I want..."? Well, that really was me. I would never deny myself anything. If I wanted to eat something, I would. If I wanted to eat WAY TOO MUCH of something, I would. There has never been any kind of limit set on eating. Amazing. On the one hand, I've been able to spend many years enjoying fabulous, fatty, rich foods. On the other, I have a taste for that kind of food, which makes it extremely hard to change. But, I think quitting smoking prepared me for anything. If I can quit smoking, I can do anything.

Part of me feels weird not smoking and eating well. I feel like a traitor to the type of person I've always seen myself as. Like, as if becoming a healthy person is betraying the "real" me. That's hilarious. And stupid. I have a feeling that eventually, I am going to feel great about all this, physically as well as mentally.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that with everyone. Kind of a long and boring post, but if <i>anyone</i> is thinking of quitting smoking and would like some support, please PM me anytime.

[SuzeQuze]

Well, I am so proud of you! You had a rocky start but have made it so far. Congratulations! The hardest part is over.

It really is hard to change your eating habits but good for you for tackling them. You really will feel a lot better. I'm amazed that you are doing that so soon after quitting!

Sorry to hear about your fight with your husband. That is sort of inevitable with you both quitting at the same time. Hopefully you've made up! Nice work, now go get yourself something fabulous! :lol:

[GypsySorcerer]

Congratulations! You've already accomplished a lot. :woohoo: My dad quit chewing tobacco about a year ago, after using for almost 25 years non-stop. I mean, the only time he wasn't chewing was when he was eating or sleeping. If he can do it, anyone can. Keep up the great work.:thumbsup:

[hayley]

Way to go, yo. I've officially had one cigarette in the last 34 hours and I am not a happy camper. I caved yesterday afternoon, realizing I hadn't had a "last" cigarette.

Weight Watchers is such a great program. There are a lot of great online resources for the program- the forums on weightwatchers.com are really helpful, and everyone should have www.dwlz.com bookmarked- she compiles points values for almost every chain restaurant you can think of.

Good luck!!

[seeker007nmss]

Here is what it calculated for me:

1883 weeks, 6 days, 9 hours, 42 minutes, 43 seconds :D

But then again, I never smoked. I am a milkaholic instead. :nod:

[gldstwmn]

Congratulations! It sounds like you are making some very postive choices with your life. Keep up the good work.

[amber]

That wasn't boring at all. You may not believe me, but I was actually thinking about you and Sara1998 yesterday, and I was going to ask about it.

First, let me just say: :blob2: :xoxo:
And - way to go, Haley, if you can go another few days, i'm sure you'll get it. I've always found the first 4-8 hours the hardest.

Congrats on your weight loss as well.

Now the part where I kind of talk about myself. hee.
I quit December 6th, so I guess that's about 8 weeks. I didn't gain weight, I was actually less hungry after I quit smoking. But I already had weight to lose. :p I've lost about five lbs. The thing I looked forward to the most about quitting smoking was being able to exercise more. Right around the time I quit, my right leg got a severe pain thing in my hip/butt joint. I still have it. So I cut the hill thing to only once or twice a week, instead doing yoga and extra sets of "weights" at home (sit ups, push ups, calf ups, butt ups) - but that's not as cardiovascular or as fun as hiking. So that's been a bit disappointing, but not too bad - I realized if I hit the ibuprofen pretty hard, the hike is no prob. :laugh: My eating is healthier, but I haven't made any drastic calorie reductions. I've been keeping track of my calories every day, and am sometimes able to keep it around 1400 (ideal), but more often it's 1500-1900. I try to do the trade in exercise since that is easier for me than dieting. I have cut my meat to almost none and added vegetable and nut servings, and I'm proud of that.

It is weird to think of yourself differently, isn't it? I've been making a point of consciously thinking of myself as the new type of person. You know, instead of being slacker-girl-who-likes-to drink-and-smoke (but still exercise)-and-is-poor in my head, I'm girl-with-goals-who-can-accomplish-things-and-be-fit-and-healthy.
Oh, and I've only drank 3 times since then as well. I've had cigarette those times, too - there was no subsequent backsliding. :)

I'm so very proud of you, quitting after 20 years is amazing. I only smoked 10, and in some ways didn't totally think of myself as a smoker.
Oh, have you been setting aside like 5-10 bucks a week? You know, the amount you spent on cigarettes? I totally wanted to do that but am way too poor. :laugh: I think it would be cool, though - you'd have an extra 5-800 dollars a year to treat yourself.

gah, blah blah! :rolleyes: gotta go - I'm starting my stupid internship that I have to complete for school today - 10 hours per week volunteering at earthjustice. It's cool, but now I have a whole extra job that I don't get paid for, and I have to wake up two hours earlier almost every day of the week. :mad: At least it's at earthjustice. I would have felt bad about working there if I still smoked. :woohoo: and it's also an extra 40 blocks to ride my bike every day, so that's good. I guess. :rolleyes:

[sara1998]

That wasn't boring at all. You may not believe me, but I was actually thinking about you and Sara1998 yesterday, and I was going to ask about it.
Well... I quit on September 8, 2005. It's been 21 weeks, 6 days, 13 hours, 39 minutes, 13 seconds. I've given up 4,607 cigarettes and have saved $691.05! :lol: Amazing, I say. Jannie... I almost feel like a traitor myself. But, I'm a traitor who can now do 3 flights of stairs multiple times a day, and 20 minutes of cardio every night. Don't sound like much? When I first started the cardio, I couldn't get past the first 10 minutes. :o After I quit and the holidays, I realized I put on around 20 lbs. I'm kinda heavy to begin with, so it's 20 lbs. I can't put on. I started eating so much more healthier, and I'm not buying fast food for lunch, I'm not drinking soda. I feel great. I have saved so much money between quitting smoking and quitting fast food. I don't know if I've really lost any weight... but I really am trying. Keep up the good work, everyone who has quit. And Hayley, stick with it. It's well worth the effort and bitchiness.... :nod:

[jannieC]

It really is hard to change your eating habits but good for you for tackling them. You really will feel a lot better. I'm amazed that you are doing that so soon after quitting!

I really felt like I had to, and initially it was dreadful. I ended up really sick and when I told my doctor that I had quit smoking AND had just joined Weight Watchers, she felt so sorry for me!

Sorry to hear about your fight with your husband. That is sort of inevitable with you both quitting at the same time. Hopefully you've made up!

We did- that night. It was just a major blow up on both of our parts. :)

Way to go, yo. I've officially had one cigarette in the last 34 hours and I am not a happy camper. I caved yesterday afternoon, realizing I hadn't had a "last" cigarette.

Hayley, I am SO feeling for you right now. I had to use the nicotine patch for the first 2 weeks or I think I would have lost my mind. It *does* get better. Even now, 6 weeks in, I'm still craving a cigarette. But I'm not alternating between suicide and homicide when I think of a cigarette now. PLEASE hang in there!

The thing I looked forward to the most about quitting smoking was being able to exercise more.

I wish I could adequately express how foreign exercise is to me. My husband, step-son and I went on a very brisk 30 minute walk the other night, and it *did* feel good. Plus, I got three extra WW points to use (which I didn't, thank you very much). I'm really looking forward to the day when it (exercise) becomes fun for me. Or when those endorphins kick in, and I actually crave the exercise. That may happen, right? I will say that even though my legs and butt were killing me from the walk, I was *not* winded- yay! :woohoo:

Oh, have you been setting aside like 5-10 bucks a week? You know, the amount you spent on cigarettes?

Oh Amber, you are so precious. $5-$10/week? Try $21 a week. One pack a day at $3/pack. EVERY DAY. For now, I'm spending part of it on Weight Watchers ($10 a week). I just can't even believe I have spent so much money on cigarettes in my lifetime. The husband and I are trying to plan for a little trip for ourselves. We never took a honeymoon (when we married 5 years ago) so we're thinking somewhere tropical. :)

Thank you to EVERYONE who offered support and congratulations- I really, REALLY appreciate it :xoxo: .

[hayley]

Hayley, I am SO feeling for you right now. I had to use the nicotine patch for the first 2 weeks or I think I would have lost my mind. It *does* get better. Even now, 6 weeks in, I'm still craving a cigarette. But I'm not alternating between suicide and homicide when I think of a cigarette now. PLEASE hang in there!
I smoke about five packs a week, whatever that equates to per day, but I've only been smoking that much for a couple of years. The physical cravings aren't bothering me so much- it's the behavior. I'm used to lighting up when I'm in the car, I'm used to taking my smoke breaks downstairs (the only thing that has kept me sane here at work for awhile)... we'll see how it goes. I just kinda decided a couple days ago that I wasn't going to buy any more. I think I'll be able to keep off them- the one thing I will say that I know I'm going to miss, pardon the TMI, is that post-coital cigarette. So cheesy, but oh so true.

Oh Amber, you are so precious. $5-$10/week? Try $21 a week. One pack a day at $3/pack. EVERY DAY.

$3 a pack?!@! God. Cook County prices are $5.50-$6.50/pack depending on where you are. If I succeed with quitting smoking, I'm going to save myself about $120/month. That enough is motivation to quit.

ETA: Jannie, are you doing Core or Points at WW? I tried Core and couldn't do it.

[jannieC]

$3 a pack?!@! God. Cook County prices are $5.50-$6.50/pack depending on where you are. If I succeed with quitting smoking, I'm going to save myself about $120/month. That enough is motivation to quit..

Well, I do live in The South. That pretty much says it all.

ETA: Jannie, are you doing Core or Points at WW? I tried Core and couldn't do it.

I'm doing Points for now. I would love to get to the point where I was doing Core and stayed that way (such a healtheir way to eat) but I can't see that in the near future. It works for a LOT of people. The son of one of my Hospice patients lost over 150lbs on Core and still going strong.

[SuzeQuze]

I smoke about five packs a week, whatever that equates to per day, but I've only been smoking that much for a couple of years. The physical cravings aren't bothering me so much- it's the behavior. I'm used to lighting up when I'm in the car, I'm used to taking my smoke breaks downstairs (the only thing that has kept me sane here at work for awhile)... we'll see how it goes. I just kinda decided a couple days ago that I wasn't going to buy any more. I think I'll be able to keep off them- the one thing I will say that I know I'm going to miss, pardon the TMI, is that post-coital cigarette. So cheesy, but oh so true.

$3 a pack?!@! God. Cook County prices are $5.50-$6.50/pack depending on where you are. If I succeed with quitting smoking, I'm going to save myself about $120/month. That enough is motivation to quit.

ETA: Jannie, are you doing Core or Points at WW? I tried Core and couldn't do it.

It equals 14.29 cigarettes per day. That's not too bad.

I really missed the smoke breaks too, Hayley. I wound up taking a walk to get coffee in the afternoon instead. That helped.

Is there a way you can avoid driving for a little while? Or, just clean your car and make it smell nice so you don't want to stink it up. I don't know. Making changes helps because it really is a habit and shifting your behaviors around helps break it.

[DavidMn]

Not that anyone has asked :rolleyes: , but I still haven't had a cigarette and it's been 6 weeks, 1 day (no, I'm not a freak- I have one of those <a href="http://www.quitmeter.com/index.php">Quit Meter</a> things that tells me this.

It's been really hard. I am (was) a 20+ year hardcore smoker. My husband and I almost killed each other about 3 weeks ago (he quit too). I would say it was one of the bigger fights we've had in our 10 years together :distress: . We both did smoke that night (he had a whole one and I had 3 drags) but I think it's safe to say that we're winning this battle.

Between quitting smoking and the holidays, I realized I gained 15 lbs! So my mother and I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. I've lost 3.6 lbs so far and my mom has lost almost 5! My goal is to lose 15 lbs and get back to 130 and my mother is trying to lose 60 lbs. This has really helped with the quitting smoking because now instead of cigarettes, I'm thinking about food all the time! When I look at how I'm eating now, I can't believe the way I had been eating for the past few years. You know how people say, "I just eat whatever I want, whenever I want..."? Well, that really was me. I would never deny myself anything. If I wanted to eat something, I would. If I wanted to eat WAY TOO MUCH of something, I would. There has never been any kind of limit set on eating. Amazing. On the one hand, I've been able to spend many years enjoying fabulous, fatty, rich foods. On the other, I have a taste for that kind of food, which makes it extremely hard to change. But, I think quitting smoking prepared me for anything. If I can quit smoking, I can do anything.

Part of me feels weird not smoking and eating well. I feel like a traitor to the type of person I've always seen myself as. Like, as if becoming a healthy person is betraying the "real" me. That's hilarious. And stupid. I have a feeling that eventually, I am going to feel great about all this, physically as well as mentally.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that with everyone. Kind of a long and boring post, but if <i>anyone</i> is thinking of quitting smoking and would like some support, please PM me anytime.What else can I say but keep up the good work. I'm behind you!:)

[jannieC]

Well... I quit on September 8, 2005. It's been 21 weeks, 6 days, 13 hours, 39 minutes, 13 seconds. I've given up 4,607 cigarettes and have saved $691.05! :lol: Amazing, I say. Jannie... I almost feel like a traitor myself. But, I'm a traitor who can now do 3 flights of stairs multiple times a day, and 20 minutes of cardio every night. Don't sound like much? When I first started the cardio, I couldn't get past the first 10 minutes. :o After I quit and the holidays, I realized I put on around 20 lbs. I'm kinda heavy to begin with, so it's 20 lbs. I can't put on. I started eating so much more healthier, and I'm not buying fast food for lunch, I'm not drinking soda. I feel great. I have saved so much money between quitting smoking and quitting fast food. I don't know if I've really lost any weight... but I really am trying. Keep up the good work, everyone who has quit. And Hayley, stick with it. It's well worth the effort and bitchiness.... :nod:

I don't know how I missed this post (we must have been writing at the same time). That is so great. xoxoxo

[skcin]

Congratulations to all of you! I quit 5 & 1/2 years ago, with the exception of 3 or 4 drunken cigs a year, and it's the best thing I ever did for myself. It always gets worse before it gets better (psychologically AND physically) but you will get through it. Keep it up, ladies! :thumbsup:

[strandinthewind]

. . . with the exception of 3 or 4 drunken cigs a year . . . .

OMG - I MUST be there for those!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My smoking is still off and on. I go weeks and then I'll go out and want one. But, Lent is a comin and no booze during Lent = no cigs!!!!!!!!

[DavidMn]

OMG - I MUST be there for those!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My smoking is still off and on. I go weeks and then I'll go out and want one. But, Lent is a comin and no booze during Lent = no cigs!!!!!!!!Whoa man good luck with all that!!:lol: Are you going to NO for Mardi Gras btw?

[strandinthewind]

Whoa man good luck with all that!!:lol: Are you going to NO for Mardi Gras btw?

I have reservations and my friend and I may go. But, I really am trying to stick to my budget and that will be at least $1,000 weekend with the hotel, etc. So, I most likely am not, which is sad.

[DavidMn]

I have reservations and my friend and I may go. But, I really am trying to stick to my budget and that will be at least $1,000 weekend with the hotel, etc. So, I most likely am not, which is sad.Well, you'll be there in spirit I'm sure.

[strandinthewind]

Well, you'll be there in spirit I'm sure.

Yep!!!!

In fact, the thing about Mardi Gras is it is all about where you stay. I have friends there who live about a mile or two outside of the downtown/Quarter area and I could stay there for free. But, going home at night in a cab (after waiting at least an hour to get one) is next to impossible because they get paid by the person (special event fare) and I am usually alone, so they do not just want my $25, when the 200 other people wanting to get a cab will be three in that same cab. So, you have to stay in a hotel, which is at least $200 a night and more like $250, which is getting off cheaply during that time.

Who knows though - I may go :eek:

[DavidMn]

Yep!!!!

In fact, the thing about Mardi Gras is it is all about where you stay. I have friends there who live about a mile or two outside of the downtown/Quarter area and I could stay there for free. But, going home at night in a cab (after waiting at least an hour to get one) is next to impossible because they get paid by the person (special event fare) and I am usually alone, so they do not just want my $25, when the 200 other people wanting to get a cab will be three in that same cab. So, you have to stay in a hotel, which is at least $200 a night and more like $250, which is getting off cheaply during that time.

Who knows though - I may go :eek:You only live once right?:thumbsup: I would go again just to have another beneigt(SP?)

[SomeKindaMother]

Whoo hoo! Good for you sweetie! I quit 14 years and 4 months ago and let me assure you...it gets LOTS better. I don't miss it AT ALL!!!! (14 years???? Damn, I'm OLD!)

Kelly :)

[DavidMn]

Whoo hoo! Good for you sweetie! I quit 14 years and 4 months ago and let me assure you...it gets LOTS better. I don't miss it AT ALL!!!! (14 years???? Damn, I'm OLD!)

Kelly :)Well, I'm 34, almost 35....:eek:

[amber]

I wish I could adequately express how foreign exercise is to me. My husband, step-son and I went on a very brisk 30 minute walk the other night, and it *did* feel good. Plus, I got three extra WW points to use (which I didn't, thank you very much). I'm really looking forward to the day when it (exercise) becomes fun for me. Or when those endorphins kick in, and I actually crave the exercise. That may happen, right? I will say that even though my legs and butt were killing me from the walk, I was *not* winded- yay! :woohoo:



Oh Amber, you are so precious. $5-$10/week? Try $21 a week. One pack a day at $3/pack. EVERY DAY. For now, I'm spending part of it on Weight Watchers ($10 a week). I just can't even believe I have spent so much money on cigarettes in my lifetime. The husband and I are trying to plan for a little trip for ourselves. We never took a honeymoon (when we married 5 years ago) so we're thinking somewhere tropical. :)

Thank you to EVERYONE who offered support and congratulations- I really, REALLY appreciate it :xoxo: .

You're off to a great start with the exercise. You absolutely will feel better if you exercise, and it's the key to keeping weight off, of course. It will probably also help to heal/clear out your lungs faster. Don't forget to stretch, it will make you less sore and more likely to exercise. You know what is (I think) easier than cardio that you can add? Weight bearing exercises. You can buy little dumbells, or not - situps, pushups, calf raises, squats, leg lifts, etc. - they're free, great for you, and pretty simple. I do mine while watching TV.

Sorry! I used to smoke 1-3 packs a week, American Spirits (they last a long time) and they are $5 a pack here. I usually only smoked three packs if I drank a lot. So I usually smoked 3 packs. :laugh: JK, it was usually 2. That is very cool that you and husband are planning trip.

[SomeKindaMother]

Well, I'm 34, almost 35....:eek:

Well, I'm 39 and in May I'll be.... gulp :eek: :eek: :eek:


Kelly :)

[SuzeQuze]

I have reservations and my friend and I may go. But, I really am trying to stick to my budget and that will be at least $1,000 weekend with the hotel, etc. So, I most likely am not, which is sad.

Aren't you sort of obligated to spend some money in NOLA to help them get some dollars there? ;) Not that I'm pushing you into debauchery or encouraging it in any way. :]

[GypsySorcerer]

Now the part where I kind of talk about myself. hee.
I quit December 6th, so I guess that's about 8 weeks. I didn't gain weight, I was actually less hungry after I quit smoking. But I already had weight to lose. :p I've lost about five lbs. The thing I looked forward to the most about quitting smoking was being able to exercise more. Right around the time I quit, my right leg got a severe pain thing in my hip/butt joint. I still have it. So I cut the hill thing to only once or twice a week, instead doing yoga and extra sets of "weights" at home (sit ups, push ups, calf ups, butt ups) - but that's not as cardiovascular or as fun as hiking. So that's been a bit disappointing, but not too bad - I realized if I hit the ibuprofen pretty hard, the hike is no prob. :laugh: My eating is healthier, but I haven't made any drastic calorie reductions. I've been keeping track of my calories every day, and am sometimes able to keep it around 1400 (ideal), but more often it's 1500-1900. I try to do the trade in exercise since that is easier for me than dieting. I have cut my meat to almost none and added vegetable and nut servings, and I'm proud of that.

It is weird to think of yourself differently, isn't it? I've been making a point of consciously thinking of myself as the new type of person. You know, instead of being slacker-girl-who-likes-to drink-and-smoke (but still exercise)-and-is-poor in my head, I'm girl-with-goals-who-can-accomplish-things-and-be-fit-and-healthy.
Oh, and I've only drank 3 times since then as well. I've had cigarette those times, too - there was no subsequent backsliding. :)

I'm so very proud of you, quitting after 20 years is amazing. I only smoked 10, and in some ways didn't totally think of myself as a smoker.
Oh, have you been setting aside like 5-10 bucks a week? You know, the amount you spent on cigarettes? I totally wanted to do that but am way too poor. :laugh: I think it would be cool, though - you'd have an extra 5-800 dollars a year to treat yourself.

gah, blah blah! :rolleyes: gotta go - I'm starting my stupid internship that I have to complete for school today - 10 hours per week volunteering at earthjustice. It's cool, but now I have a whole extra job that I don't get paid for, and I have to wake up two hours earlier almost every day of the week. :mad: At least it's at earthjustice. I would have felt bad about working there if I still smoked. :woohoo: and it's also an extra 40 blocks to ride my bike every day, so that's good. I guess. :rolleyes:

That's cool you'll be at Earthjustice. :)

I wish I had your will when it comes to exercise. I HATE it. Especially cardio. I really want to stop eating meat, too; and that's also hard for me. Any tips? :wavey:

[cliffdweller]

Oh, and I've only drank 3 times since then as well. I've had cigarette those times, too - there was no subsequent backsliding. :)

Ummm, this is what i would have a hard time quitting. Not that I'm a lush or anything, but I do drink more than once a week that's for sure, and beer is my weakness, especially the dark ales :rolleyes:.

[strandinthewind]

Aren't you sort of obligated to spend some money in NOLA to help them get some dollars there? ;) Not that I'm pushing you into debauchery or encouraging it in any way. :]

Yes, I am!!!!!!!

Oh Well, maybe I can dance on a bar in my underwear (or Speedo) and earn some cash!!!!

[SuzeQuze]

Yes, I am!!!!!!!

Oh Well, maybe I can dance on a bar in my underwear (or Speedo) and earn some cash!!!!

Honey, I am sure you have many talents that can earn you some cash! Just remember, your hedonism is really altruism. :thumbsup: :lol:

[strandinthewind]

Honey, I am sure you have many talents that can earn you some cash! Just remember, your hedonism is really altruism. :thumbsup: :lol:

A la my avatar!!!!!! ;)

[amber]

That's cool you'll be at Earthjustice. :)

I wish I had your will when it comes to exercise. I HATE it. Especially cardio. I really want to stop eating meat, too; and that's also hard for me. Any tips? :wavey:
Uh...tips...don't buy any meat? :laugh: I can't really think of anything special, it's just a craving you have to ignore or substitute like most others. Instead of buying meat last week, I bought walnuts. And there is such a vast array of yummy "meat" substitutes out there that it's pretty easy. For ground type beef, I prefer Boca. For veggie burgers I prefer gardenburger, but other kinds are good, too. Boca makes good fake sausage links. There's tons of veggie meals in the frozen foods section at my Whole Foods that look delicious.
One of the things I have to be careful of if not eating meat is not overloading on sugar or simple carbs (drinking is the worst). That messes with blood sugar, and makes you crave protein to stabilize your insulin. So it's a good idea to eat more complex carbs, and fibrous carbs.

Maybe you should just set a goal to try it for one week - I think you'll find it's a lot easier than you suspected, and if not, you have the knowlege that you can go back in a couple days.:shrug:

Going Vegan - now that's pretty tough. At least if you are just vegetarian you can have dairy.

[amber]

Ummm, this is what i would have a hard time quitting. Not that I'm a lush or anything, but I do drink more than once a week that's for sure, and beer is my weakness, especially the dark ales :rolleyes:.
Yes, it seems hard. I just felt craptastic and wasted too much time if I drank. And I smoked like a chimney. But that is because usually I wouldn't just have "a beer", or "a couple glasses of wine" - I would drink to excess. And I kind of had to "quit" drinking to quit smoking. Last week I did manage to have "a glass of wine" but I wanted more but didn't have any money. :laugh:
So, while I can drink sparingly, it's difficult - and therefore I just save drinking for "occasions" - like a few weeks ago my bf Rain suprise visited me in town, and we went out and got ripped - occasions like that. :) Then I don't feel bad.

If you don't drink that much, I wouldn't worry about quitting anyway. :woohoo:

[GypsySorcerer]

Uh...tips...don't buy any meat? :laugh: I can't really think of anything special, it's just a craving you have to ignore or substitute like most others. Instead of buying meat last week, I bought walnuts. And there is such a vast array of yummy "meat" substitutes out there that it's pretty easy. For ground type beef, I prefer Boca. For veggie burgers I prefer gardenburger, but other kinds are good, too. Boca makes good fake sausage links. There's tons of veggie meals in the frozen foods section at my Whole Foods that look delicious.
One of the things I have to be careful of if not eating meat is not overloading on sugar or simple carbs (drinking is the worst). That messes with blood sugar, and makes you crave protein to stabilize your insulin. So it's a good idea to eat more complex carbs, and fibrous carbs.

Maybe you should just set a goal to try it for one week - I think you'll find it's a lot easier than you suspected, and if not, you have the knowlege that you can go back in a couple days.:shrug:

Going Vegan - now that's pretty tough. At least if you are just vegetarian you can have dairy.

That's one thing I'm afriad of. I am addicted to carbs as it is. :laugh: But I've been adding more veggies, etc.

I don't eat pork and can do without beef. Chicken is probably what I have the most trouble not eating. I can only imagine how challenging going vegan would be. I know I would be healthier if I did, though.

[amber]

That's one thing I'm afriad of. I am addicted to carbs as it is. :laugh: But I've been adding more veggies, etc.

I don't eat pork and can do without beef. Chicken is probably what I have the most trouble not eating. I can only imagine how challenging going vegan would be. I know I would be healthier if I did, though.

Me, too. I said I try to be careful. :D No chicken for a week - how hard can that be? :shrug: You could even buy Boca chicken patties. :cool:

[GypsySorcerer]

Me, too. I said I try to be careful. :D No chicken for a week - how hard can that be? :shrug: You could even buy Boca chicken patties. :cool:

It wouldn't be hard for a week at all. I guess if you stop eating it, you won't crave it.

[amber]

It wouldn't be hard for a week at all. I guess if you stop eating it, you won't crave it.

Oh, right. At least to some degree.

I still want hamburgers. I think I always will. :laugh: I think I made a deal with myself that if I really didn't eat any meat, that I could have a hamburger once a month. And also Salmon once or twice a month.

[cliffdweller]

Oh, right. At least to some degree.

I still want hamburgers. I think I always will. :laugh: I think I made a deal with myself that if I really didn't eat any meat, that I could have a hamburger once a month. And also Salmon once or twice a month.


Mmmmm, I can't give up grilled salmon. I make mine with a kick ass marinade...drool...

[amber]

Mmmmm, I can't give up grilled salmon. I make mine with a kick ass marinade...drool...
Exactly. I looooooooove Salmon. I can usually only afford it once or twice a month anyway, if that - so my "rule" isn't exactly too high of an expectation. :laugh:
Tell me, what is your marinade made of? I don't usually flavor mine much, because I love the natural taste - but of course I want to try different ways. My cats practically kill each other over the salmon skin bits, too.

[GypsySorcerer]

Oh, right. At least to some degree.

I still want hamburgers. I think I always will. :laugh: I think I made a deal with myself that if I really didn't eat any meat, that I could have a hamburger once a month. And also Salmon once or twice a month.

:laugh:

Sounds like a good deal. :D

[cliffdweller]

Exactly. I looooooooove Salmon. I can usually only afford it once or twice a month anyway, if that - so my "rule" isn't exactly too high of an expectation. :laugh:
Tell me, what is your marinade made of? I don't usually flavor mine much, because I love the natural taste - but of course I want to try different ways. My cats practically kill each other over the salmon skin bits, too.


It's a marinade I buy that's pre-made. It's like a teryaki/honey concoction. It is out of this world. They (can't remember the brand!) also make a really good Cajun mariniade that I sometimes use too. I always marinade for 24 hours and poke the salmon thoroughly with a fork so the flavor seeps in every pore of the fillet. Now I'm hungry for salmon!

[estranged4life]

smoked more than 3 packs of cigarettes in my whole life, Last time I tried one was March 21,2005 due to obvious stress...Only smoked half a cig that evening/night since Deb bought a pack to calm her nerves (Weird, she was stressed moreso than I thought...She was and is a former smoker!)

I think smoking would not relax me the way it does everyone else in my family...Too pent up and angry, thus my drawing towards death/black metal which gives me somewhat a relief.

Besides, with the health issues I am currently suffering through smoking would not be wise at this time.

Anyways, congrats to anyone who can stop smoking...It must take alot of work to be successful!!!

[Patti]

Congratulations to all of you who have successfully quit smoking!

I had my last cig at 7:30am Monday morning, so I've been smoke free for about 58 1/2 hours and I have never felt so lousy in my life. I've coughed more in the last three days than I have in the last three years. I've quit smoking many, many times, but I'm really going to try hard to make it stick this time. I've always gained weight and gotten depressed so I start again. I already exercise a lot, so I just have to be really conscious of my food intake for a while and hope for the best. So, any good thoughts anyone could send my way would be very, very much appreciated!

And H, please stop now before it gets to be such an ingrained habit as it is for me. I've smoked off and on (mostly on) for 30+ years. You haven't smoked for that long, so it's not a way of life for you yet. Don't make it that way. I don't want you to end up like me!

[jannieC]

Congratulations to all of you who have successfully quit smoking!

I had my last cig at 7:30am Monday morning, so I've been smoke free for about 58 1/2 hours and I have never felt so lousy in my life. I've coughed more in the last three days than I have in the last three years. I've quit smoking many, many times, but I'm really going to try hard to make it stick this time. I've always gained weight and gotten depressed so I start again. I already exercise a lot, so I just have to be really conscious of my food intake for a while and hope for the best. So, any good thoughts anyone could send my way would be very, very much appreciated!


Yay Patti- you can do this. I wish I could tell you how badly I felt when I first quit. I walked into my doctor's office and when she asked me what was wrong, I said, "I feel like ****!". I feel 150% better now, and you will too.

To answer the other question (I'm too lazy to do the QUOTE thing):

I was a vegetarian for 12 years (see, I'm old too- 39 this year) and what I always told people was to try NOT eating meat for just one day a week. Then, wean yourself off day by day. I went cold turkey (heh) because I read a book called, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0380719010/qid=1139442727/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-2759221-2341752?s=books&v=glance&n=283155">May All Be Fed : 'a Diet For A New World'</a> (I <i>think</i> this was the book, I thought the title had the word "Gentle" in it, but whatever). Anyway the book that I can't remember the title of changed my life. When I first went vegetarian, I lost a lot of weight. Eventually, I evened out. I would like to go back to eating no meat- I felt so much better about myself then.

Can I just say that I love you guys? Because I do; I am really loving this conversation.

[amber]

Good job, Patti! I don't understand in what way you guys feel bad when you first quit smoking. Do you feel like you have a cold, or do you get headaches, or what? I only noticed being squirrely talky from too much oxygen, (:laugh: )decreased appetite, and needing less sleep.

:confused:
I wish I could cough something up, I haven't coughed up anything. :(

[Janet]

Wow you guys are amazing.

I am surrounded by people who just are able to quit their bad habits and grow out of them.

Me? I eat horribly and have gained 20 pounds in 2 years. I smoke like 5 packs a day. I drink a lot.

I have tried to quit all three but I guess that's too much at once.

Eating was number 1. I have totally quit all fast food but I'm not perfect ( and I won't be until I quit working at Dominos 60 hours a week) but I hope to lose 20 pounds by spring. It's difficult ( as I type this I just ate raisonettes LOL) but I'm trying.

Cigs...well in NJ they are banning it from public places. BOOM...I think a lot of people feel they will quit when this happens. If I can't drink when I go out, I barely smoke any other time.

Drinking....that's too much fun to quit but I will say...I can't remember the last time I drank until I got sick. I did that for a long, long time but now it's like...as soon as I feel it, I stop.

So maybe I am not doing too bad...baby steps..but you guys are total inspirations!!

[CelticGypsy]

Why is it when you are on a diet like WW's or Atkins, you are always thinking of food constantly. When I am not dieting, I rarely eat. lol Weird:confused:

[CelticGypsy]

Not that anyone has asked :rolleyes: , but I still haven't had a cigarette and it's been 6 weeks, 1 day (no, I'm not a freak- I have one of those <a href="http://www.quitmeter.com/index.php">Quit Meter</a> things that tells me this.

It's been really hard. I am (was) a 20+ year hardcore smoker. My husband and I almost killed each other about 3 weeks ago (he quit too). I would say it was one of the bigger fights we've had in our 10 years together :distress: . We both did smoke that night (he had a whole one and I had 3 drags) but I think it's safe to say that we're winning this battle.

Between quitting smoking and the holidays, I realized I gained 15 lbs! So my mother and I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. I've lost 3.6 lbs so far and my mom has lost almost 5! My goal is to lose 15 lbs and get back to 130 and my mother is trying to lose 60 lbs. This has really helped with the quitting smoking because now instead of cigarettes, I'm thinking about food all the time! When I look at how I'm eating now, I can't believe the way I had been eating for the past few years. You know how people say, "I just eat whatever I want, whenever I want..."? Well, that really was me. I would never deny myself anything. If I wanted to eat something, I would. If I wanted to eat WAY TOO MUCH of something, I would. There has never been any kind of limit set on eating. Amazing. On the one hand, I've been able to spend many years enjoying fabulous, fatty, rich foods. On the other, I have a taste for that kind of food, which makes it extremely hard to change. But, I think quitting smoking prepared me for anything. If I can quit smoking, I can do anything.

Part of me feels weird not smoking and eating well. I feel like a traitor to the type of person I've always seen myself as. Like, as if becoming a healthy person is betraying the "real" me. That's hilarious. And stupid. I have a feeling that eventually, I am going to feel great about all this, physically as well as mentally.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that with everyone. Kind of a long and boring post, but if <i>anyone</i> is thinking of quitting smoking and would like some support, please PM me anytime.


Forgot to say...........good luck with WW's and your mom too. It is a good program. Good luck with no smoking too. I applaud your great efforts and your hubby's too.

[amber]

Wow you guys are amazing.

I am surrounded by people who just are able to quit their bad habits and grow out of them.

Me? I eat horribly and have gained 20 pounds in 2 years. I smoke like 5 packs a day. I drink a lot.

I have tried to quit all three but I guess that's too much at once.

Eating was number 1. I have totally quit all fast food but I'm not perfect ( and I won't be until I quit working at Dominos 60 hours a week) but I hope to lose 20 pounds by spring. It's difficult ( as I type this I just ate raisonettes LOL) but I'm trying.

Cigs...well in NJ they are banning it from public places. BOOM...I think a lot of people feel they will quit when this happens. If I can't drink when I go out, I barely smoke any other time.

Drinking....that's too much fun to quit but I will say...I can't remember the last time I drank until I got sick. I did that for a long, long time but now it's like...as soon as I feel it, I stop.

So maybe I am not doing too bad...baby steps..but you guys are total inspirations!!


That doesn't sound too bad. Hey, I'm addicted to only working 20 hrs. per week, so you're way ahead of me there. I didn't quit smoking when they banned it in public places here. In fact, I don't think when I started smoking you could smoke in public places. You think you'll quit, but really everyone just goes outside the bar and chats with everyone else who is smoking.
Oh, and I gained 20 lbs in 6 weeks, so don't feel bad.
People here inspire me, too. :)

[Patti]

Good job, Patti! I don't understand in what way you guys feel bad when you first quit smoking. Do you feel like you have a cold, or do you get headaches, or what? I only noticed being squirrely talky from too much oxygen, (:laugh: )decreased appetite, and needing less sleep.

:confused:
I wish I could cough something up, I haven't coughed up anything. :(

I felt like I had the flu and the worst cough ever. Today hasn't been quite as bad, but the cravings have been worse today. I'm thinking that may be because the nicotine is finally leaving my system and my body is trying hard to get a fix before it's too late.

Amber, I've quit smoking before and never coughed at all. This is the first time it's been like this for me. But I also smoked like double the amount I normally do last week, so maybe that's why????

[jannieC]

I felt like I had the flu and the worst cough ever. Today hasn't been quite as bad, but the cravings have been worse today. I'm thinking that may be because the nicotine is finally leaving my system and my body is trying hard to get a fix before it's too late.

Amber, I've quit smoking before and never coughed at all. This is the first time it's been like this for me. But I also smoked like double the amount I normally do last week, so maybe that's why????
Your lungs are clearing themselves out. Or, trying to anyway.

[Patti]

^Yeah I know they're trying to clear out, but I was wondering why the cough this time and not any of the other dozens of times I quit.:shrug:

[hayley]

^Yeah I know they're trying to clear out, but I was wondering why the cough this time and not any of the other dozens of times I quit.:shrug:
Because your lungs know this is the time you're going to stick with it! GO PATSY POO! :blob2:

I had one cigarette yesterday at 2:30, and I'd had one at the exact same time the day before. 2:30's long passed today without me thinking about it, so it must be alright.

I love smoking. I don't particularly want to quit. I'm doing it for three reasons- 1) Saving money, 2) When I smoke, my boyfriend smokes too, and he shouldn't, because he's a cancer survivor and it's big on his list of no-no's, and 3) I want to see if I can actually commit to something and do it. I don't think any of these reasons are the right ones.

[Patti]

I love smoking. I don't particularly want to quit. I'm doing it for three reasons- 1) Saving money, 2) When I smoke, my boyfriend smokes too, and he shouldn't, because he's a cancer survivor and it's big on his list of no-no's, and 3) I want to see if I can actually commit to something and do it. I don't think any of these reasons are the right ones.

Ya know, H, I like to smoke, too. I didn't particularly want to quit either, except I know it's really bad for me and I've been doing it far too long for it not to have done some long-lasting, if not permanent, damage. And I had some health issues start creeping in the picture and had three different doctors tell me it was time to quit. That's kind of scary. I mean doctors never say, "oh yeah go ahead and smoke." But this time they strongly recommended I walk away from the cigs, so I think I shall do my best to listen to them.

You're right about the reasons not being the "right ones", but if they work, then it's all good. But you do really have to want it for yourself.

[amber]

you two who like to smoke (who doesn't?) - Can you tell the difference in your lung power when you exercise? You know, that you can't exercise as long or as vigorously? Part (part? who am I kidding?) of why I quit is so I could lose weight more easily, and in general just look better for longer. Vanity, in other words. Oh, and to smell better.

[Patti]

I never had a problem with lung power while I was smoking. I could run a few miles, play racquetball for a couple of hours, or do an aerobics video fairly easily. What I did notice before is my pulse rate really dropped. My pulse rate is really low as a smoker (about 62 bpm). When I've quit smoking it's dropped down to about 50 bpm. And I will have an increased lung capacity without smoking, it just stands to reason. I haven't really been able to exercise since I quit, other than walking, because I can't breathe deeply or I go into major cough mode. Isn't that weird?!

[amber]

I never had a problem with lung power while I was smoking. I could run a few miles, play racquetball for a couple of hours, or do an aerobics video fairly easily. What I did notice before is my pulse rate really dropped. My pulse rate is really low as a smoker (about 62 bpm). When I've quit smoking it's dropped down to about 50 bpm. And I will have an increased lung capacity without smoking, it just stands to reason. I haven't really been able to exercise since I quit, other than walking, because I can't breathe deeply or I go into major cough mode. Isn't that weird?!

That sounds great, actually - your lungs are expectorating quickly.
I guess some people just have stronger lungs. My dad gets really high scores on those breath tests at the doctor, and not just for a smoker - He's smoked for 40 years or so, I guess.
I like to blame my weaker lungs on the immense amount of second hand smoke my parents perpetrated on me growing up.

[jannieC]

I loved to smoke. Loved it. I would give a lot right now to have a cigarette. But I am not letting those bastards (the cigarettes) win.

When I quit last year (for 3 weeks) I had a horrible cough and congestion, "Quitter's Flu". This time I have had every single other possible side effect of quitting EXCEPT a cough. :shrug: I don't know why that is. Drink as much water as you can, Patti. That will really help with the cough.