Thinking of quitting smoking or do you know anyone who is trying to quit?
Let us tell you one thing about quitting – it can be one of the most difficult habits to break, but it is definitely doable. All it requires is a great amount of willpower, commitment and awareness about NRt products like anti nicotine gums, patches, tablets and so on.
While you do all of this, there are certain food items that can help you manage your nicotine cravings and help you in your quitting journey. Although eating is not very much directly related to the smoking habit, it is a great distractor. There are some food items that even make cigarettes taste terrible.
In this blog, we will introduce you to certain foods that will help you fight against nicotine and cigarettes while also helping you build your health:
- Milk
This wonderful liquid is not only good for your bones and teeth but is also a super drink that will make you give up smoking. Whenever you have an urge to light up a cigarette, consume a glass of milk right then. And if you end up smoking, it will taste really bad.
While it is not clear what component in the milk gives rise to this bitter taste but some believe that the bitter result is caused due to the chemical reaction between lactose and tobacco smoke. - Nuts
Full of protein, nutrients and energy – they are the perfect snacks to much on. Whenever you feel like smoking, just reach out to nuts. It will not only help you manage your hunger caused by nicotine cravings but will also help deal with oral fixation. The soluble fiber in the nuts will slow down your digestion. They can be highly effective in helping you quit while managing your weight. - Cinnamon
Known to have hundreds of benefits like helping in weight loss or managing blood pressure etc, it is one of the tastiest ways to manage nicotine cravings. Simply inhaling deeply on a cinnamon stick mimics the deep drag on a flavourful cigarette. You can chew on a small piece of cinnamon stick to curb your cravings. - Ginger
We just know to use ginger mixed with honey when we are having a sore throat and stuffy nose, but this herb is actually more than that. This root is also great in curbing all urges for smokers. Grind one piece of ginger, mix it with a spoon of sugar and consume it. It will help you to take smoking out of your mind. - Vit C food
Immunity boosters – there are a number of Vitamin C foods that you can munch on throughout the day. Foods like guava, berries, and sliced tomatoes with a dash of pepper and salt are some you can try.
Apart from these, do not forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water is an essential element that keeps our body fresh, nourished and healthy. Drink lots of water so that your tummy also gets full. This will also help in fighting the smoking urge. Pair these items with Anti Nicotine Gums and you will be all set to tackle the nicotine urges with ease.
Now that you have gone through the items that you should include in your diet, here is a list of food items that you should be avoiding while smoking:
1. Alcohol
People usually end up smoking after having a few beers or some other form of alcohol. Hence, it is recommended to stay away from alcohol while you are on your quitting journey. It will help you stay in charge and not give into the urges that easily.
2. Coffee
Unlike milk, coffee adds to the taste of cigarettes. Caffeine in coffee adds to the buzz of cigarettes, making you smoke more or making smoking more enjoyable. It is advisable to stop drinking coffee as it will help you stay away from cigarettes as well.
3.Meat
Another thing that goes really well with cigarettes is – meat. These fatty foods add to the taste of cigarettes. We are not asking you to turn into a vegetarian while you are trying to quit, but you can definitely try to cut down on meat during this time.
Include or avoid these foods while trying to quit and we are sure that you will not only give up smoking but will also have a lovely body. This will help with weight management as well. Many people who quit end up overcompensating by eating junk or unhealthy food items that leads to weight gain. But if you are smart about the food you eat, it will be all ok in the end.
At last, remember that quitting is a journey. Even if you relapse, do not worry. Stay committed to your goal. Fight your best, stay motivated and seek support (whenever needed). You can either reach out to your friends or even get professional help.