- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- moms today articles
- moms today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Confessions of an Ex-smoker
Winning the Battle Against Nicotine By Teri Brown
Unfortunately, research shows that it is harder for women to quit than men. "They are less likely to initiate quitting, and when they do, relapse is more common," Fitzgerald says. "Women who utilize nicotine replacement methods such as the patch or gum should be aware that the nicotine does not seem to reduce cravings as well as it does for men. In addition, women may experience withdrawal symptoms more intensely and appear more likely to gain weight upon quitting."
Weight gain is one of the most pervasive fears women have when it comes to quitting smoking. That was certainly true for me. I once quit smoking for three months and gained 40 pounds. Most cigarette smokers know that you need to smoke right after you eat. My original solution to that dilemma was to not stop eating ever. Then I started smoking again and immediately thought, "Great, now I'm fat and I smoke!"
"I tried the pills, patches and gum, and they didn't work, so I began exercising and walking around the block when I had a craving," she says. "In the beginning I was seen walking the block at least 15 times a day!"
One major hurdle for women trying to quit is handling the negative mood swings and tension that builds in the body. Another hurdle is how to address the weight gain. The No. 1 method for regulating mood and weight is exercise. Moderate, consistent exercise raises energy levels, is associated with increased positive moods and helps to curb the cravings for both nicotine and food.