Does Smoking Effect Weight Loss?

[Nat]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a smoker and was wondering if anyone on the program is as well. I read somewhere that smoking can play around with insulin and seretonin and was wondering if this can slow down weight loss on Cohens.

When I went to my initial Cohens info session, the consultant said that smoking didnt matter but that I probably shouldnt quit while on the program because the program is already such a drastic change in my life. She said to do one thing at a time. The problem with that is that im tired of smoking and wanting to give up.

I'd like to hear about other ppl experiences with this - especially if you've quit during the program and if quitting had any effect on weight loss. I know that a lot of ppl (not on diets or Cohens at the time) put on weight when they quit smoking ( I know I did when I quit in the past) so was wondering if the same happens on Cohens. Would it be an idea to quit gradually (by reducing the no. of cigs every day), rather than go cold turkey and shock the body?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone,

Nat

[asy]

Nat...

I'm really struggling with how to reply to this thread.

I can see the consultant's point, but, I'd almost go the other way. If you're only going to do one at a time, I'd give up smoking first. The reality of it is smoking will kill you more likely than being overweight will.

My birth mother died at age 53 from a small cell carcinoma of her lung, she was a heavy smoker for many many years. She lived a hard life, well, she did it to herself mostly, but, she really beat her body around. Watching her die of cancer made damned sure I'll always be a proponent of giving up smoking. It's not just nasty and smelly, it's DEADLY.

I know you know this. I know you've heard it before, to the point where you're probably sick of it, but, hell, I'd be remiss if I didn't SAY it out "loud".

My very serious advice would be to give up smoking. Give it up COLD TURKEY. Just like you'll be giving up sugar when you go on Cohens. I know it's difficult. It won't be easy. But you want to have kids one day, and you really don't want to be a smoking mum. Nothing worse than that second-hand smoke. Also, you don't want your children to watch you die of lung cancer. Trust me.

Does hubby have any holidays owing? Can the two of you go on a holiday for a week or so while you give up? I'm wondering whether travelling and being really busy for a week or so will help and keep your mind off things. (Does hubby smoke?) It'd be much harder, I'd think, to sit at home not doing much while you gave up. That temptation always there...

OK... I've probably said enough... Hope you didn't mind the honest approach.

asy

[Nat]

Hi Asy,

No, I didnt mind the honest approach at all - I much appreciate it actually.

The funny thing is agree with you wholeheartedly - smoking is nasty, it is smelly and I simply dont enjoy it anymore the way I used to. Im really tired of it and I want to give up - for good this time.

I've given up before and have found it quite easy both times (was never really a heavey smoker) but then I'd go out for drinks with friends (almost all my friends smoke) and stupidly have just ONE cig and there goes my quitting out the window. I think I stopped smoking those times because I just wanted to see if I could - not because I really wanted to. Actually that sounds a bit like my previous weightloss attempts - I just wasnt really ready!

Hubby's not a smoker (thank goodness) so I wont have his smoke in my face when I do give up so that will make things a little easier.

Anyway, have to run and throw those dirty dirty smokes in the bin. If it slows down my weightloss or makes me a little more hungry, so be it. I'd rather put up with a week or 2 of that then get sick in the future from my own stupidity.

Thanks Asy

Nat

[asy]

You know, when something's not fun anymore it's not really a chore to give it up.

I'm positive it'll be EASY for you this time, and what's more important, PERMANENT.

You know where to find me if you need a pep talk.

asy