The decision to quit the butt is perhaps your first step in the journey to quit. The other steps are conquered using various methods. From conventional ones like nicotine patches and prescribed medicines, to finding support groups in friends and family or working out to keep your mind otherwise occupied.
To make the journey a little smoother, here are diet tips that will help you to quit.
Plenty of Liquids
Plenty of water, fresh fruit juices and even herbal tea, have slowly grown synonymous with a healthy diet and lifestyle. It comes as no surprise that they help you in your fight here as well.
Along with its countless benefits, these keep your body hydrated and full, which in turn keeps you from getting tempted to have a smoke.
Both alcohol and caffeine have been known to induce cigarette cravings in some individuals. By reducing or eliminating the intake of these beverages, especially in the initial stages of quitting, one can potentially reduce the frequency of cravings.
Crunchy Vegetables
One of the challenges faced by those quitting smoking is missing the hand-to-mouth action. Incorporating crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers can emulate this action. These vegetables are not only healthy but are also low in calories and can serve as a distraction from the urge to smoke.
Salty foods
It may sound a little odd but eating some salty food or just placing a bit of salt on the tip of your tongue goes a big way in reducing the urge for nicotine.
So, the next time you are close to giving in to the urge of taking a puff just grab some (and I do mean a small quantity) french fries, popcorn, chips or a piece of salty cheese and munch on that instead.
Spices
Some common spices found in our daily cooking like cinnamon, ginger and turmeric also help you beat the temptation.
Chewing on a bit of ginger is an excellent way to help you forget about smoking. Of course, your taste pallet would like it more if a spoon of sugar or honey accompanies the ginger.
Fruits
Both dried and fresh fruits have proven to play a helpful role in the battle to quit smoking. Fruits high in fiber, like apples help you feel full. This in turn reduces your urge to smoke a cigarette.
Berries like blueberries, strawberries and mulberries help in your quest to quit the unhealthy habit. The fragrance of dried fruits simply helps reduce the craving to smoke.
Introduce Nuts Moderately
In moments of intense cravings, a small handful of nuts can be a healthy alternative. They are satiating, nutritious, and the time taken to consume them can help divert attention from the urge to smoke.
Chocolate
Good news for people who love dark chocolates! Along with being great for your heart, brain and skin; dark chocolate also plays a helping hand when you try to quit smoking.
See Also: Health benefits of quitting smoking
Vitamin C
When you smoke, your body slowly starts getting depleted of Vitamin C. This leaves you with a shortage, which nicotine then fills. Eating foods that contain vitamin C like Guava, tomatoes, lemons and oranges will help decrease the urge to smoke.
You should keep reminding yourself what fueled your decision to quit. Willpower and dedication will help you to successfully work these tips through. And if nothing works you can opt for e-cigarettes – the safest and healthiest substitute to smoking.
Sources & Links
- http://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2013/twenty-foods-help-you-quit-smoking-035014.html#slidemore-slideshow-1
- http://drantoniohowell.com/quit-smoking/5-diet-tips-to-help-you-quit-smoking
- ecigarettereviewed.com/study-e-cigarette-flavors-important-for-quitting-smoking
- farm4.staticflickr.com/3327/3608991362_3964a4b7f5.jpg
- Photo courtesy of Founding Farmers by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/foundingfarmers/4742292295/