Gained

[Kate113]

I've gained a few pounds but it's not from eating things I shouldn't. I quit smoking. Not that I WANT to blame anything other than myself, but I did read that nicotine is an appetite suppressant. My husband has some health issues and we both had to quit smoking asap. By doing that, I've gained about 12 pounds! I'm so upset because losing weight was my top priority and now it has to take a back seat to not smoking. I'm hoping that my body is getting used to being smoke-free and will go back into weight loss mode.

How many of you have quit smoking? What were the effects on you while doing Atkins? Any suggestions or advice you can give me?

[Lyssie]

Re: Gained

I quit smoking while Atkinsing.. and was *very* lucky. I didn't gain, I just stopped losing for a little while. I kinda combated against it by making sure I was spending at least half an hour of doing cardio each day too and keeping things closer in check. I had carb cravings instead of nicotine cravings, so I kept a *lot* of snacks around. Nicotine raises metabolism, so while you quit, it uhmmm... gets slower... so I suggest making sure you're getting in your exercise (not that I wouldn't suggest this anyway)... plus when you quit, it makes doing cardio *sooo* much easier. The first week I quit I could run on a treadmill for about 30 seconds and then feel like I was going to die, now I can do about 23 minutes straight running!!

[hereIam]

Re: Gained

(((hugs))) I'm sure your body is just in shock and reacting to such a drastic change. Stay with it and the pounds will come off in time!