Guess it's time for me to join you here

[Elaine]

I cannot believe how much weight I have gained in the past couple of months!!

I am beginning my diet Wed (my son and I do food shopping Tues nights) so I will have all the healthy foods in place and I even bought a new scale (hmm, guess my old one was a little "off").

So now I am just getting the mind set going so I can KTQ and LTF (lose the fat)

[Graciedonovan]

Elaine, good for you. I need to LTF also. If you find a magic way, please pass it on. One word of caution. I know that you've been quit for over 2 months now, but don't stress over the weight gain. If the diet starts to weaken your resolve to stay smokefree, dump the diet. You'll have plenty of time later to LTF, after all, it's not going anywhere, right? ;D Your quit, not your weight should be your main priority. You'd have to gain tons of weight before it would be more detrimental to your health than smoking. So, if you're ready, go for it. If not, it won't hurt to wait a bit longer. I'll get off my soapbox now. Good luck.

[Elaine]

Thanks for the advice, Gracie. I actually find the weight gain bothers me a lot so I feel comfortable that the time to get on the diet wagon is now.

I don't know if there is any easy way to stop eating everything in sight (I wish there were!). I just have to be told how much I can eat and not allow myself to run rampant through the pantry So I have my handy-dandy charts reminding me what a "serving" is and I'm ready to go!!

Thanks again for the encouragement and words of wisdom.

[Graciedonovan]

One thing I did with this, my final, quit is to identify if I was really hungry. Eating won't satisfy a craving, and smoking will not satisfy hunger, but the sensations are very similar. I didn't really gain any weight with this quit, but I did with my last one, and never took it off. If you think you're hungry, wait 15-30 minutes. If you still feel hungry, check what time you ate last. Also consider that it might be a nasty little craving. I don't know if any of this will help, but thought I'd throw it in anyway. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Elaine]

Great advice and I will definitely try it out. This morning marks the first day of controlled eating. I look forward to fitting in my jeans properly again!

How often does everyone weigh themselves?

[Graciedonovan]

I usually weigh myself no more than once a week, but preferably every 2 weeks. I know people who weigh everyday. That would drive me crazy. The water weight fluctuation alone would be frustrating.

[Elaine]

5 pounds (I know it's all water but who cares?)...I even made it through Thanksgiving without much of an issue. Now onward to Christmas goodies and treats!

[lilone]

Wow Gracie I just read one of your reply I think I will try that and see if that works for me.
Hugs Lil One

[sandyf]

Hi Elaine, It looks like we have a lot in common. I need to join this camp as well. I'm geared up ane ready for the next battle but wouldn't it be nice to just have access to some magic pills to take away all these quirky, irky urges to smoke,eat,kill people etc .

[Flo]

"One thing I did with this, my final, quit is to identify if I was really hungry. Eating won't satisfy a craving, and smoking will not satisfy hunger, but the sensations are very similar... If you think you're hungry, wait 15-30 minutes. If you still feel hungry, check what time you ate last. Also consider that it might be a nasty little craving."

Very astute! Yes, I think for me sometimes I get the two mixed up and your advice is good. Wait 15-30 minutes.

I also find that staying active helps. If I'm sedentary, I get hungrier more often.

It also helps to at least keep good things around if you do eat - peanuts, fruits, whole grains - and throw out the chips, the candy, the pop. That way, you're at least getting real nutrition while you gain

I am currently trying to remember to walk away before I'm full. Sounds easy but it is quite hard. I guess I'm not used to denying myself.... but I don't want to gain a lot of weight and get down on myself after this gift of quitting smoking so I'm determined.