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Discover the life-changing benefits of quitting smoking. Learn about our experience and the positive changes we noticed since kicking the habit.
As you may know, we quit smoking on January 29, 2012, because it was the right thing to do.
We have been tossing the idea for over a year and had to jump in head first.
Our friends were excited when we told them because they genuinely wanted to see us live a healthier lifestyle.
I am naturally fit as my job keeps me that way, but I do everything right, including lifting weights, sports, and eating healthy.
Mrs. CBB is also fit and enjoys walking and the occasional run on the treadmill.
Smoking was always our downfall and a way to cope with stress and everyday life.
Today, I’m ending our four-part series about quitting smoking with the final results.
I’ve linked the other parts of this series at the end of this blog post.
Changes After Quitting Smoking
Below are some of the changes we noted since quitting smoking.
Feeling Healthier
I don’t get winded as fast when working out at the gym.
My lungs are open and fresh, and I can carry out anything.
Being active three days a week is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle.
You don’t have to be a big gym buff like I am, but simply walking the dog or to the park gets you out of the house, and moving is what is essential.
Mrs. CBB likes to do this with her friends, which is a great way to motivate each other.
Overall, she has more energy and it doesn’t take her long to fall asleep at night.
Learning To Eat Smarter After Quitting Smoking
Eating healthy has been a mix of simple and challenging times, which is not uncommon for most people.
When we quit smoking, we had cravings, mainly sweets such as my famous Fudgy Brownies.
We hope to keep our weight down and continue fighting the sweet and salty cravings.
Although brownies are not healthy, they are perfectly fine as an occasional treat.
Work hard and reward yourself with money, health, and good eats.
Grocery Shopping Accountability
Initiating The Grocery Game Challenge on Canadian Budget Binder has encouraged us to buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, and grains instead of convenience foods.
We are working hard at making these lifestyle changes so we don’t undo the hard work we’ve accomplished.
Meal planning has helped us list healthy meals we want to eat during the week.
Quitting Smoking Makes You Smell Better
My friends come around to play basketball more often now that I am motivated to get outdoors.
We no longer smell like smoke, and our sense of smell has improved.
This was a big deal, especially as I love cologne and fresh smells.
There wasn’t a time when I’d be bothered that I smelled like smoke.
I can smell smoke from a mile away, but I don’t discriminate as I was once in their shoes.
It’s unpleasant after smelling second-hand smoke, and you won’t realize it until you quit.
Increased Happiness Since Quitting Smoking
Our overall appearance seems brighter and rosier, and we love to have a good laugh and take the piss out of each other even more now.
We focus on our relationship goals with the time we have gained from not smoking.
Spending more time together in this world was at the top of our list; after all, love is what we make of it!
Financial Savings Of Quitting Smoking
So, even though the Driven to Quit Challenge is over, we are happy to say we have remained smoke-free since our quit date in January 2012.
We have saved over $300 by quitting smoking and gained back weeks of our lives.
Also, our life insurance policy costs will be reduced after one year of being smoke-free.
The cost of smoking on your health and budget is phenomenal, and if I could beg you all to quit, I would.
It’s up to you to make that lifestyle change.
Getting Our Health Back On Track
We will continue this challenge as a lifestyle change and challenge ourselves to stay smoke-free for the rest of our lives.
Even if we don’t win a prize, we know there is no prize big enough to conquer what the rest of our lives together will mean to us.
We want to thank our family, friends, and fans for their continued support, The Smoker’s Hotline, and The Driven To Quit Challenge.
Without all of you, this would never have happened.
You need a great support system when you quit smoking, and that is what we get from all of you, so thanks!
We love you all!
Update 2024 – We are still both smoke-free!
Cheers,
Mr. & Mrs. CBB
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Very happy that you decided to end the addiction. I ended mine 24 years ago with no regrets. Keep on living healthy.
Thanks so much, we feel like totally different people. I wish all smokers could experience this feeling one day! Cheers Mr.CBB 🙂 and congrats to you as well.
Good for you! this is a difficult task but so worth it! Keep up the good work!
Thanks it truly has been life altering for us. The hard part is for me to stop making brownies… 3 times in 3 weeks so far! Thanks for reading and posting I appreciate all the support. Mr.CBB x
Keep up the great job guys!!!!!! It is amazing the changes you get once you quit! Sadly, no one realizes them untill after they do, or more people would stop smoking! That first step is the hardest ! Congrats to you both!
Thanks Ann, we’ve come a long way and hope to inspire others to hold our hand over to the other side!! Cheers. Mr.CBB
Congratulations! It’s such a difficult thing to do! I quit 5 years ago this October and my hubby quit a year ago this past Christmas Eve. It has been difficult at times and the hubby still really misses it but the health of our son keeps him motivated.
It’s best to find motivational goals now before it gets to the point where the motivation is either death or a life threatening disease from smoking. Good for the both of you. You made the best decision of your life! Your son will be thankful to have mom and dad around a little longer because they quit! Mr.CBB
It is hard. Congratulations!!
Cheers mate Im lovin all the true benefits of love, health and happiness! Mr. CBB
I quit 11 years ago when I found out my daughter had asthma. Turns out it did wonders for my asthma too!! Congrats again!
Cheers Shelley, I’m glad you were able to get out,,,,it’s not easy but attainable. Mr.CBB 🙂
for all my friends trying to quit, read this and the best of luck !!!
Thanks Dwayne! I hope it inspires your mates to get back on track with life.. it’s so worth it! Mr.CBB Cheers.
cant imagine having a better sniffer causeas hubby says i can smell a flea fart lol
Angie, if your sniffer is stellar now, just think what it would be like if you quit lol… It’s amazing what you start to smell. The pantene shampoo my wife said was amazing and she had never smelled it so intense like she has since quitting. It’s a good thing!
Cheers Angie,
Mr.CBB
I need to quit too:S WTG!!!!!
If I can do it Wendy, Anyone can…just keep that in the back of your head. You will be SO happy, it’s like a whole new world has opened up. Cheers Mr.CBB
I shudder to think of how much we spend on cigarettes each year. Both hubby and I talk of quitting “oneday” but that day never arrives. I’m very afraid to take the plunge as previous attempts didn’t work out very well. I hate to say it but it is almost like I would have to become ill directly due to smoking to finally get the motivation 🙁 Keep it up….you’ve come this far hopefully there is no turning back!
We quit after 15 yrs of smoking or so, and we were armed with everything… and you know what.. we still have everything.. it was all in our head. The wife had 2 pieces of nicorette and I had 8 and thats it.. we have a full stash of gum, candy and patches… that we will donate to friends and family. If you need support.. come chat with me or you can click on the links to driven to quit in the posts and they have an amazing help line team whom we talked to on several occasions. Good Luck. Mr.CBB