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.

1 comment

Related posts

A side-by-side comparison showing a woman's weight loss transformation from 168 lbs to 145 lbs. The left image shows her in underwear, and the right image shows her in a top and denim shorts, both taken in a bathroom setting.
A detailed breakfast meal plan listing items like oven-roasted turkey breast, protein coffee, cottage cheese, liquid egg whites, plant-based milk, an everything bagel, and cheese slices, totaling 618 calories with specific macronutrient breakdown.
A detailed lunch meal plan titled 'Viral sweet potato bowl,' including avocado, cottage cheese, ground beef, sweet potato, and honey infused with chilies, totaling 604 calories with specific macronutrient breakdown.
From 168 145 lbs without giving up bagels & pasta
In 2022, I lost 40 lbs after having my baby… but when we PCS’d from VA, life hit hard. Stress, moving, heat, and everything falling apart — I gained the baby weight back. Even though I’ve been consistent in the gym since 2022, my diet fell off in 2023 and portion control was my biggest struggle.
Olwyn Bostic

Olwyn Bostic

641 likes

A side-by-side comparison of a woman's body, showing a 'Before' image with a fuller figure and an 'After' image with a more toned physique, illustrating a 22 lbs weight loss journey.
A close-up of a healthy meal featuring a bowl of food topped with fresh cilantro and a large bowl of green salad with tomatoes and avocado in the background, promoting healthy eating.
A woman in a car, holding a bouquet of blue hydrangeas, with text overlay emphasizing the importance of drinking water instead of soda for a healthy lifestyle.
How I lost 22 lbs
Hello everyone—whether you’re on a weight-loss journey or not! 🌱 After having my baby and starting to breastfeed, I’d find myself raiding the fridge like a starving zombie 🧟‍♀️. Unsurprisingly, I gained weight fast. It eventually got to a point where even getting out of bed felt hard. Any moms here
sasha.shakueva

sasha.shakueva

894 likes

How I gained 100lbs while being "healthy"
My story: I gained 100lbs while being an avid hiker. Each day I walked at least a mile (usually way more) and hiked any chance I got, which usually consisted of 3-4 miles hikes on average. I was also vegan and what most people would consider "healthy". I ate lots of fruits and vegetables, g
Thoughts Of Moss🌿🌊

Thoughts Of Moss🌿🌊

597 likes

Size 12 to Size 4
At 5’3” I reached 165 lbs (Size 12) after a difficult pregnancy. Post partum depression made it hard for me to lose the weight. For 2 years I tried everything to lose the weight but I just couldn’t. Then after 2 years I figured out the formula that works best for me. I started walking 3 miles a day
Raisa

Raisa

247 likes

A side-by-side image shows a person's weight loss transformation. The left depicts a larger individual in a pink shirt and black leggings. The right shows the same person, significantly slimmer, in a black sports bra and leggings. The image is titled 'Weight Loss Advice!' and includes 'Lemon8' and 'PhotoGrid' branding.
Weight Loss Advice! 100+ lbs down ✨
Hey babes! Long time no chat 🥺. I wanted to hop on here and talk about some of the biggest tips I could give to someone on a weight loss journey. Here are a few things you should know about me! 🫶🏽 I am 22 yrs old! I am 5’5 🫶🏽 My highest weight was 352 lbs 🫶🏽 I started my journey in March
CurlyGainz

CurlyGainz

969 likes

A smiling woman in a maroon crop top and distressed denim shorts stands outdoors. Text overlay reads 'What I Learned When I Gained 200lbs', reflecting the article's theme of personal experience with significant weight gain. A Lemon8 watermark and decorative leaf are also visible.
I Gained 200 Lbs 🫠
I was always overweight, but between 2016 and 2017 I gained TWO HUNDRED POUNDS in just over a year after starting Lexapro. Here are some things I didn’t know until such a drastic change: -You have to re-learn your balance. You’ll waddle until you learn how to walk. Stairs will be scary. You’ll ha
Chelsea Magwire

Chelsea Magwire

860 likes

I Lost 12 lbs in 12 days doing this detox✨
WARNING⚠️ This is just a detox before starting a regular diet: The Detox Diet is a diet that was recommended by a doctor outside of the US, it is extremely strict and it is mind blowing. I have always been a thin girl through Middle and High School but college hit and it was the most weight
Mirna Abdou

Mirna Abdou

549 likes

A split image showing a woman's body transformation, with '130' on the left and '143' on the right, indicating a 13lb weight gain in one month, in a gym setting.
A close-up of a breakfast plate containing waffles with strawberries, scrambled eggs, and sausage, with text encouraging eating breakfast as soon as you wake up.
A hand holding a packaged snack containing honey roast turkey breast, Colby Jack cheese, and wheat crackers, highlighting 14 grams of protein per serving.
I gained 13lbs in 1 month.
I’ve been 130lb since I was highschool. I still can’t believe all I had to do was lock in for one month imagine 1 year! Let’s start the new year off right. Matter of fact we can start right now. Get up sis! #gainweightgainconfidence #getting gains #gainweight #workout # #workouts
Jaelanae

Jaelanae

603 likes

I Gained 30lbs from this BBL Protein Shake 💪🏾
1,114 calories & 52g of protein for #musclegains What do yall want to see next? What I Eat in a Day, my Overnight Oats Recipe or my Glute day Routine? #proteinshake #musclegaintips #glutetransformation #howtogainweight
Danni Ventura

Danni Ventura

959 likes

4lbs in TWO DAYS! Weight Gain Meals for 2025🏋️‍♀️💪🏾
This year I really want to put fitness first! I’ve always had a love for exercise and being fit, however, dealing with Diastasis Recti and trying my best to balance my personal schedule being a mom has been a little challenging. Nonetheless, I’m putting myself up to the challenge this year😤!! I
Honeyguava

Honeyguava

24 likes

I gained weight w. NO Supplements 🫶🏾
just getting my protein intake through meals by eating 3-4 meals a day w. snacks in between & strength training.. sn: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking supplements!! I personally just want to see how my body performs naturally & I want to avoid any artificial ingredients! I
VK FIT ᢉ𐭩

VK FIT ᢉ𐭩

1692 likes

I gained 40 pounds of muscle in the past three yrs
That’s important to note is that 80% of it is what you eat and 20% the workout
Hannah.Carolina

Hannah.Carolina

199 likes

A woman in a black graduation dress and cap, holding a diploma, stands in front of a large wooden door. Text overlay states "How I lost 50 lbs. And gained back my confidence."
A woman takes a mirror selfie in a bathroom, wearing a black long-sleeved crop top and black pants. Text overlay reads "From sad and depressed And feeling ugly."
A woman sits on a concrete ledge by the ocean, with a large rock formation in the water behind her. She wears a black off-the-shoulder top and shorts. Text overlay says "To happy and free from self loathe."
How I lost 50 lbs. and gained self love
I just came back from vacation and cannot begin to describe just how amazing I felt. I was able to wear the cutest outfits and best of all feel great while doing so. I have been skinnier in the past. I have had less stretch marks and cellulites than now and I have been way more toned. But for the
Dayanne Marie

Dayanne Marie

814 likes

From a woman who gained 40lbs of muscle. 💪🏾
Good foods to eat to also break down protein and assist in digesting it fully! Ginger Kefir Papaya PINEAPPLE, one of my FAVORITES Lemon/LIME Avocado Yogurt (high in probiotics) Dragon Fruit Kimchi Sauerkraut Mango Honey BANANAS Kiwifruit Honey (can put it on your yogurt, on top
Empress Mitt Bee 🤍👸🏾👑

Empress Mitt Bee 🤍👸🏾👑

15 likes

A person in a crop top and leggings displays their midsection, with an arrow pointing to their stomach and text overlay 'I gained 9lbs!!!', documenting their weight gain progress.
I gained 9lbs!!!
#weightgain #weightgaingoals #weightgainshakes #weightgainsmoothies #health
Nef

Nef

51 likes

How I gained 20lbs in 1 week
The Formulation 🐐

The Formulation 🐐

18 likes

Gained 20lbs my first year of nursing school
First I would like to make it clear that I am in NO WAY stating that I am overweight, that being skinny equates to beauty, or anything like that. I am just sharing one of my growing insecurities for those who may feel the same. I neglected my personal health goals for academic perfection. B
MonicaBSN

MonicaBSN

24 likes

I gained over 100lbs during pregnancy 😳
TRANSPARENCY POST ✨ I started off at 167lbs and right before I gave birth I was 270. During pregnancy I found out I had hypothyroidism which cause my metabolism to slow down. I truly believe we are called on our own journey and the destination to our growth doesn’t ever look the same. &
Ri

Ri

471 likes

I Gained 20 Followers! 😆
I’m excited about my 20 followers, Hey 👋🏽 new besties 🥰! Gaining followers on a new app is major and fun to me! This may seem small to some but a major milestone for me! #lemon8challenge #lemon8diary #growmyaccount #thankyoutollowers #lemondiary #happiness
Niki Cheri

Niki Cheri

33 likes

How I gained 40lbs in one month
Gain weight and curves naturally when you shop with us 🫶🛍 Click website link in our bio to shop🍑🛍 #fyp #foryoupage #satisfying #asmr
Luxe kollection🛍✨

Luxe kollection🛍✨

43 likes

You gained over 20+ lbs pregnant! Here’s help‼️
If I started pregnancy overweight + gained 20+ lbs in the first trimester… here’s exactly what I’d do 👇🏾 ✨ Learn what foods is work for my body so I stop gaining so fast ✨ Add in some lite walks, water aerobics, or something you enjoy that you did prior to pregnancy ✨ Build habits NOW so that
NeshiaRebuilds

NeshiaRebuilds

0 likes

60lbs Lost, Faith Gained— Through worship ✨🌸
Through every challenge and every moment of doubt, I turned to God in worship, and He gave me the strength to transform. Losing 60lbs wasn’t just about physical change—it was a journey of deep faith and trust in His plan. With every praise, every prayer, and every step, I felt His presence guiding
Christy Villegas

Christy Villegas

572 likes

From 205 lbs to 135 lbs
#weightloss #keto #motivation Diet played the biggest part of my weight loss journey. Also, I would fast from after dinner to lunch the next day, I went on 2-3 3 mile walks and drank 8 cups of water daily, no smoking or drinking, and cut my carb and sugar intake. I slowly incorporated heal
gh3tt0fab0lus

gh3tt0fab0lus

1011 likes

How I lost weight 🫶 and GAINED muscle
HELLO 🍋 1- Everytime you try to go to the gym and be consistent…your mind will seem to make up excuses as to why you can’t. It often feels like an uphill battle,but if you slowly ween into small habits,you’ll find yourself being 110% consistent. (Ex: start practicing meditation 🧘🏻‍♀️ or do a wo
Doll✨

Doll✨

133 likes

If you gained 30lbs since Jan
Follow these specific instructions
ThePTBossOfficial

ThePTBossOfficial

3 likes

How i gained 40 lbs in 2 months
#gettoknowme I was average 115 for all of 2024, the smallest i ever was, ya know, stress and whatnot. In October 2024 I decided to go on weight gainers (Idiasbody pills), i upped my protein intake by drinking two protein shakes a day, by December i was 135 lbs, fast forward to today i am 155 lb
Danei 🦋🌹🧞‍♀️

Danei 🦋🌹🧞‍♀️

97 likes

2.5 years postpartum : what helped me drop 70lbs
SAVE FOR LATER Gained 105lbs during pregnancy and I am officially 100lbs away from my pre-baby weight. I said 70 instead of 100 because I’m not counting the baby or water weight. I wanted to share with the mommas out there who are shocked at their bodies and maybe second guessing why your sn
Ri

Ri

15 likes

How I lost 74lbs postpartum in less than 5 months✨
My cover photo is the day before I went into labor with my son at 38 weeks. The second photo is the day after I delivered him I gained 70 pounds with my son. And after delivery, I had only lost 5 of those pounds. I was so upset because I was told that I was a baby well my fork to mouth diseas
LetsBeBestieBoos

LetsBeBestieBoos

40 likes

How I gained 13 lbs in a week
#CapCut
Nick Flores

Nick Flores

0 likes

A split image shows a woman's body transformation from November 2023 to May 2024, highlighting a 20lb weight gain. She poses in black athletic wear, demonstrating increased muscle mass and curves.
A woman in a blue sports bra and shorts stands with her back to the camera in a gym, showcasing her physique at 150lbs. An arrow emphasizes her glutes, illustrating intentional body changes.
A woman in a white sports bra and shorts poses in a gym, reflecting on the principle that muscle growth requires a caloric surplus, allowing for lean gains with minimal body fat.
why I gained 20lbs on purpose...
I have put on 20lbs since November 2023 and here's why: you cannot grow muscle in a deficit or even maintenance calories. So do not believe anyone that tells you, your gaining muscle in a deficit because its scientifically not POSSIBLE. You have to eat in a SURPLUS to GROW. BUT when done c
Peyton Fallis

Peyton Fallis

124 likes

50 lbs lost, gained 28 during pregnancy & back down 35 in 7 months🙌
It’s been a journey for sure #postpartum #weightloss #mom #gym #gymtok
Ashlene.fit

Ashlene.fit

21 likes

I gained 40 pounds. Not because I forgot how to eat healthy, but because the weapons formed against me these last three months have been prospering lol so try to keep up. Last September, I got into a near-fatal car accident. I slammed into a 18-wheeler. This left me with moderate to severe head
Healthy Black Girl

Healthy Black Girl

7 likes

Gained some lbs and a new title
I’m so proud of myself! Now to get skinny again! #foryou #newgrad #rn #nurse #cna #babynurse
Jaiden Pierpont

Jaiden Pierpont

0 likes

See more