Congrats on giving up smoking - give yourself a pat on the back!

fruit, nuts, humous, yogurt, plain popcorn are my fave snacks.
To stay motivated my sister and her mate go to the same gym so that makes me go also its friendly competition!!
Do both classes and your own workout or u will quickly get bored. Good luck!!

Cucumbers. Slice 'em up and sprinkle a little salt on them. Nothin' better. Plus, if you get stressed, put a couple slices on your eyes or forehead & think NICE thoughts. I never have less than three cucumbers in my fridge.

Hmmmm.....I guess I wanna know what you like to eat - what do you crave for? And then we can find some substitutes. As far as mental motivation....(here comes the cheese)...I think about the family I want to have and how I want to be healthy and strong to watch them grow up. I want to play with my kids and not feel run down. I think it's more of a proactive approach for me. I guess bottom line is: do it for you and the ones you love. Look at your wife and the baby she's carrying and know that they want you around!

First congrats on quitting smoking. I know it's not easy; I quit after smoking for 40 yrs and it's tough.
What you problem seems to be is with replacement. I had a problem with just automatically reaching for a smoke, then being frustrated and so replaced the activity with something else. You are using food. You need to find some sort of replacement that is not going to pile on the weight. I used werther's hard candies and then changed to juice and water. You could try baby carrots or pieces of broccoli or something that's going to keep you busy.
It's a struggle that is more worth it than you can imagine. You will be freed, liberated.

Now for the exercise, well, you need to find what form is fun for you. What do you like to do? Honestly. Try it all! Sign up for all kinds of classes at a gym that spark your interest. You never know until you try something. I tried spinning a couple months ago when my trainer said to find some form or cardio.
I found that I really like it! I was doubtful at first, but gave it a decent change. I got bike shoes and a gel seat cover and spin 3 times a week.
I find the treadmill boring because walking is dull and running hurts my knees.
I like the stairmaster but my hip tires quickly.
I like the eliptical but it is also a bit boring.
That's why I like the spinning; it's fast and hard and definitely is a full body workout.

Now you need to do the same thing.
Find your own passion.
Nobdy will keep doing what they don't like, right?

There are some great web sites out there for answers to your questions i.e. mayoclinic.com,health.com,nutritiondata.com,and webmd.com toname a few. You should study the glycemic index for the foods with the lower numbers and use them as snacks or meals. It will give you lots of choices and food and not much in calories.

crazyaces....I am going through exactly the same situation you are. I quit smoking a month ago and have been eating everything I can get my hands on.
I am especially graving sweets. Something I really never ate before. I have always been a salt aholic ...but things seem way to salty...but the sweet tooth...dang!
Plus I have gained around 8 pounds. YIKES !

Yesterday...I started dieting again. I am not like obese my any means..just a little pudgy.
I am only 5 feet tall...so any weight I gain .it shows.
Plus I am back on the treadmill. Can't see spending $1500 on a treadmill and letting it be a dust collector.

Find you a work out partner...and maybe compete with them. Make your own Biggest Loser Club and set yourself some goals.
enough of my going on....
just ramblin on. (lol)

I wanted to go for the choc. chip cookies on the counter and opted for a protein shake instead with a banana in it. got my choc. fix and nutrition in one fell swoop all while being full. it takes alot to steer away from that. you can invest in a bag of shelled sunflowers which will take you forever to open and after a handful of them, you're over it, also getting the psychological effect of what would happen if/when you put a smoke to your mouth.