Is Quitting Contagious?

It seems that quitting can be contagious.

That undertaking a difficult task is easier to do with the help of someone you love. Nearly 5 million people die each year around the world from smoking-related causes [source:Harvard Univ]. About one-third of these deaths are due to heart disease and stroke -- not a pleasant way to go out.

If you and a friend, relative or spouse smoke, try quitting together. That buddy you take smoke breaks with at work? Give it a go as a team. It's a radical thought, but you could always step out and enjoy some fresh air together instead.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/quitting-smoking-contagious1.htm

10 Weeks. Keep on Truckin'

86.5 Kilos

10 Weeks and still smoke free. This is starting to grow on me.

I have put on weight but my waist remains the same so it is in part due to a lot of working out.

To quote from Mr Natural you gotta keep on Truckin'.

I ran into a friend who broke up with his lover after 7 years 2 months ago and started smoking again after being off the cigs for 3 years. I hope he gets things together soon and quits again.

I was out to the club last night. Drank more than I should have. In the outdoor terrace half the people were lounging and smoking. Inside on the dance floor they were pumping artificial smoke which was almost as bad. Needless to say I didn't last too long.

Off to the gym today

Autumn at the Door

84.6 Kilos

The leaves are beginning to turn. Crisp sunny autumn days are in arrival, perfect for bicycle excursions. As the cooler weather arrives only the die hard smokers sit outside. I saw my friend Greg last night. He was a having a (good?) time drinking beers and smoking with friends. He got a little defensive when I told him my quit had stuck now almost for 2 months. He started mumbling about how I have renounced all my vices (I don't drink a lot, no smoking) and how he is still "enjoying" life.

It is not easy for good friends to always accept changes we make in our life styles even if it is for the best.

Day 19 - Get the Urge? Sing a Song!

82.6 Kilos

With so much swimming and exercise I am eating more than usual and even indulging in an evening gelato without putting on weight. It was stracatella and cocconut last night.

One of my techniques to fight the urge of the wanna smokies is to put on some music and sing along.

It is another hot day, forecast to be over 35 degrees, and I have tickets for Tosca in the Arena this evening... It was a good performance with innovative staging.

I'm really feeling improved breathing.

Link to Article

There is No Substitute for Time

Day 18 - Keep it Under Your Hat

82.6 Kilos

A Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Gelato from Venchi. it will cost 30 minutes in the pool but it's worth it!

People don't want to hear about your new found freedom so it is best to set an example but keep your secret under your hat. I am going to try to limit my vaunting about not smoking on this blog.

It's great to not have to work during the hot days of summer and we are having an african scorcher this week. I am going to the pool this morning.

Day 11 - Pool Party

83.6 Kilos

We are having wonderful summer weather with tempretures in the 30's C (90's F). I am becoming a pool bum. One advantage of lots of sport and swimming in addition to helping detox is that you can indulge in some extra treats like an after dinner geleto without adding weight.

I am drinking loads of water and I think this along with the excercize and warm weather is helping me de toxify more quickly than I would in winter time.

Day 9 - Cravings like backround Noise

Weight 83.6

It was a strange sensation yesterday. Strong cravings have been replaced by a sensation of wanting to smoke with every breath but it is less of a craving than an insidious backround noice easily distracted. I was a bit tired yesterday and that may have stimulated this state of mind. This generally makes them more sensitive to my situation.

I felt good about being out with smokers last night, I was in the Piazza (see photo). Of course it is still tempting to smoke when you are around smokers in a social situation but I always let them know that I have quit right away.

Friday Night Out

83.8 Kilos

I had a good time Friday Night. Saw some friends at Re Carlo Bar. Rudy was smoking. We had beers and I picked up his pack of cigs to smell them... yuck.... I was out until late but I am really happy to celebrate 7 days smoke free. Busy weekend ahead

Day 7 - The Cigars

84.1 Kilos.

Tomorrow will mark one week.

I really have not been giving a lot of thought to my cigars during this week of quitting. I still have a humidoor in the house with about 400 fine cigars. Havanas and Dominicans. I saw a friend who is a Cigar appasionato in the Piazza. This reminded me of my cigars so I went up to my flat and took a few boxes of Romeo y Julietas and gave them to him along with a cigar punch.

I decided to take a puff of the cigar. Even though it was a fine aged Havana and I did not inhale, It did not taste good. Heavy and it left a bitter aftertaste. I am sure that the cigars will not represent a temptation for me.

I will probably send the Domenican Cigars to the States to be auctioned off for charity. and give some as gifts.

A friend at the Gym who quit 10 years ago told me that his big cravings hit more than one year after he quit on a half dozen occations. He had to use a little will power not to succomb and then it passed. His last craving happened a couple of years after he quit.

I did 20 laps at the pool today, and gym time. I am really gettig hit by cravings this evening after dinner. I have taken no nicotine supplements either yesterday or today. I'm going to take an after dinner walk and treat myself to an ice cream.