I gained 20 lbs after quitting smoking…

I gained 20 lbs after quitting smoking… and this is how I took my body back in 2 months.

After 18 years of smoking, I finally quit. One year smoke-free, but no one talks about what comes after. The cravings, the emotional eating, the weight gain… I felt like I lost control of my own body.

So I decided to fight for it.

For 2 months straight:

– Home workouts (cardio + weights) 4–5x a week

– Calorie deficit: 1200 (month 1) → 1400 (month 2 and ongoing)

And let me be real with you…

I wasn’t perfect.

Some days I ate dessert.

Some days I skipped workouts.

Some days I felt like giving up.

But I didn’t.

Because this isn’t about being perfect — it’s about refusing to quit on yourself.

This is what consistency looks like.

Not flawless. Not aesthetic. Just real.

I’m not done yet. Not even close.But I’m proud… because I didn’t quit this time.

If you’re in that “in between” phase “where you don’t feel like yourself yet” - keep going. That’s where the change is happening.

Watch me go even further. 🔥

#losingbodyfat #transformationaljourney #recoveredlife #smookingfree #losingtheweight

Chicopee

Chicopee
5/2 Edited to

... Read moreQuitting smoking is a monumental achievement, but the journey afterward often comes with unexpected challenges like weight gain and emotional struggles. In my personal experience, the 20 lbs I gained after quitting felt daunting, yet it taught me valuable lessons about resilience and self-care. Incorporating a blend of cardio and weight training at home 4–5 times a week not only helped me burn calories but also boosted my mood and energy levels during a vulnerable time. Managing my calorie intake with a thoughtful deficit — starting around 1200 calories and adjusting to 1400 as I progressed — was crucial. However, I learned to balance discipline with flexibility, allowing myself dessert on some days and skipping workouts occasionally without guilt. This realistic approach kept me motivated because the journey to health shouldn't demand perfection but consistency. One aspect rarely discussed is the intense cravings and emotional eating after quitting smoking. Acknowledging these feelings and finding healthier outlets, such as mindful breathing or engaging in home workout inspiration videos (like those featuring adidas FIGER HILF), helped me redirect my focus away from cigarettes and unhealthy snacking. If you’re in the phase where you feel “in between” — no longer a smoker, yet not fully yourself — stay patient. This phase signifies transformation. Your body and mind are adapting. Embrace the progress and setbacks equally, and remember that reclaiming your body and life one step at a time is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

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