[gagalu]

Originally Posted by mandalinn82

Most research I've read supports the idea that smoking does, at least to a measurable degree, effect metabolism. Basically, when you deprive your body of oxygen while simultaneously feeding it a stimulant (nicotine), your heart rate increases substantially. An increased heart rate burns more calories, regardless of whether it comes from exercise or the replacement of oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide.

Luckily, you can get the same heart rate raise, with none of the carcinogens and oxygen deprivation, by upping your exercise. The added benefits: exercise is shown not only to make cigarette cravings easier to manage (increasing the chance of success), but actually acts on the same neurotransmitter pathways as nicotine, releasing dopamine into your brain and helping to mediate some withdrawal symptoms. So if you want to kick your weight loss back into gear while simultaneously making your quit more likely to stick, exercise more! Weights, cardio, etc.

this is the greatest advice. i say you give this a shot!

[JM14534]

For me, smoking has had the opposite effect. I LOVE (I mean LOOOOOVE) having a cigarette after a big meal. It was almost better than the Thanksgiving dinner knowing that I would be having one after. I used Chantix to quit in the past and it did work without cravings or without weight gain. However, I fell off the non-smoking wagon and started again and I gained again. I'm doing well now (-2lbs/week) and by no means endorse smoking. I will be quitting again soon and hopefully for the last time. Push yourself in the gym and monitor EVERY calorie (and make wise choices) and hopefully you can get back to dropping those pounds like you do those cigs! Best of luck!!!