[Pearl54]

Well this is a first for me in many ways.
I definitely need help losing weight and finding support online seems like a great idea.

I quit smoking in May (a 40 year addiction) and have gained about 30lbs. I was already overweight but not so that I had difficulty wearing clothes or just functioning.
No I find both difficult UGH!

I live in a rather remote area about 3 miles up a canyon in the heart of the Cascade Mtns. So no fitness clubs or community pools or malls to go walking in. I also work out
of my house and it entails a lot of sitting at the computer. Sedentary hardly describes me.
So I need a kick in the butt to get excersizing, and help with eating decently.
I had done the South Beach and lost some weight years ago. But anymore I just want to eat right and lose weight permanently not by some fad diet that makes life an ordeal.

So what's for breakfast?

[Haley8203]

hey! i quit smoking in july and 30lbs magically appeared on me! i had 2 servings of veggie booty for breakfast lol

[Pearl54]

You'll have to define 'veggie booty'. LOL
Looks like you have done amazingly well.... 60LBS-go girl!!

[Lizabeth2]

Pearl, congrats on quitting smoking! I quit some years ago and have never regretted doing so. I went through the 'change of life' at same time. Gained 80 lbs. and never even saw it adding up. Bad knees now. Bad metabolism now. I'm glad you are catching your weight in the bud and while you can still exercise. It's harder when you get older, but not impossible. This forum and 3 chicks is a really good way to stay in touch with people who can help and give support. You go girl! Find what works for each of us.

[pucedaisy]

if you quit smoking you can do ANYTHING!!!

[CruiseCAT]

Congrats on the not smoking. As a social smoker (several times a year) I know how difficult this is. I seem to think that I NEED to smoke while I'm on vacation. I'm sure the on again off again has contributed to my weight gain over the years.

Anyway, for breakfast this AM I had a yogurt, scrambled egg with a sprinkle of cheese and about 2 oz. of chicken.

[chick_in_the_hat]

First -

Second - on quitting smoking!! Sorry about the 30 pounds - but as an ex smoker I say it's better than still smoking by a long shot.

As for which plan - there are tons. The fact that you are looking for a lifestyle change and not a "diet" tells me you are on the right track. 3FC has reviews of pretty much every plan here

As for exercise - I'm lucky to work part time at a gym...but people swear by DVD's like Leslie Sansone and Jillian Michaels There are tons of reviews here and here.

[Haley8203]

thanks pearl but it was 90 before i gained back the 30. veggie booty is in the chip aisle of the natural food section you get quite a bit for 130 cals. I don't know how to explain it lol ill see if i can find a pic

[Haley8203]

here it is

[Alana in Canada]

Hey Pearl54!

Same thing happened to me! 30 lbs, exactly. Funny, that.

Breakfast for me is 1/4cup (uncooked) whole grain cereal, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4c dried cranberries and 2 Tbsp chopped pecans. And coffee.

I have no idea if this is a good "diet" breakfast!

I just know that so far I've noticed I'm better able to control the ravenous cravings for "something sweet" if I include protein with every meal.

A vegetable omelet is another fantastic breakfast for me but I'm not sure if the toast (even though it is whole wheat) is a good idea or not at this point.

I'm just experimenting with finding out how to best control my urge to munch, right now. I'm still craving sweets something awful. (Two months quit as of tomorrow!)

Glad to have you on board!

[kittycat40]

You've done an amazing thing for your body!!

Stick around and get some tips and support for continuing to care for yourself. You are worth it!!

[Pearl54]

Thanks for all the replies and support.
I also am going through the 'change', though I seemed to be on the other side of the curve. So not a spring chicken... 54 is my age and it is harder to get motivated at this age.
I also find protein and low carbs helps keep the 'starvation' feeling away, but I get tired of eggs for breakfast and who can afford steak.
I like the idea of a veggie /protein type breakfast just haven't found anything easy enough to become habit.

The holidays are hard with kids home and everyone expecting the traditional mom cooking. I am hoping I can come up with a plan to start the new year out with.