Boy do I know what you're talking about. This is sad to admit but I actually put off quitting for a long time because I was scared I'd gain weight. First of all, eight pounds is not that much -- have you ever lost eight pounds and been shocked that no one but you noticed? It's the same thing! I am sure no one around you has any idea. Plus, it'll be a hell of a lot easier to work that eight pounds off when smoking isn't interfering with you being able to exercise to your full potential.
In the meantime, maybe find a form of exercise you don't have to do outdoors for these winter months? I have really been getting a lot out of yoga lately. There is so much emphasis on breathing in it, so it gives me the chance to feel good about quitting, plus it's super relaxing -- I find that the hours after doing it are a guaranteed time when I don't think about smoking and those are still few and far between for me. For me at least, just doing something can make me feel better even if it's not actually having any impact in terms of my weight. When I get to feeling fat and I don't think there's anything I can do about it, so I just don't try, it just gets worse and worse and worse. I tend to do that a lot in the winters and I know I will really have to fight it this year.
All that being said, don't be so hard on yourself. What you're doing for your body is so wonderful and kind and you should be really proud. You'll have your whole life to be physically fit after this period of time, which will one day seem like it was really short. And we always scrutinize ourselves about our weight so much more than other people do.
I also just have to say that I really relate to your thing about people not supporting you as much anymore. It isn't that I expect the people in my life to exhibit sustained sympathy for something that has nothing to do with them, but it's just weird when everyone's like "Okay, you're a non-smoker now!" but I still feel like a smoker in every way except that I am not technically smoking. I guess it's nice that they have that image of me and I should be excited to grow into it. But it still sucks.