20 Healthy Foods & Drinks That’ll Help You Quit Smoking
You may ask anyone who has already quit smoking or is attempting to do so, he or she will give you an exact picture that this has been one of the hardest things they have ever done.
We all know that nicotine is quite addictive and it is very difficult to not go for a small smoke break in an entire day, but as they say, nothing is impossible in the world of nutrition. Some of the nutritionists at Grow Fit explain to you the certain foods that can really help you liberate from this habit.
Also, it is suggested aptly that it becomes immensely important to avoid any sort of triggers while trying to quit smoking, hence consumption of alcohol should also be kept to a minimum while you’re trying to quit. Even a trip to a bar, or anywhere which is related to smoking or even drinking can set off cravings.
When you’re trying to quit smoking, food serves a couple of important functions. One, it gives you something to do with your mouth instead of smoking, and, two, there are actually some foods that have been proven to make cigarettes taste terrible. Alcohol, caffeine (especially coffee), and red meat actually make cigarettes taste good and also can set triggers to have just 1 smoke at the least, hence all these are a complete no-no as advised by the nutritionists at Grow Fit.
Quitting smoking requires a whole lot of willpower, commitment, and determination. There are dozens of methods for quitting, from going cold meat, to gradually reducing your intake, to gums that can be chewed best when you have the maximum sensation of smoking to prescription medicines. But one of the most important and valuable tools at your disposal is something you already consume every day which is our very own food. So, here are 20 foods which will keep your cigarettes at bay.
1. Cinnamon: Cinnamon, as we all know have hundreds of benefits be it weight loss or managing blood pressure etc, one of its use comes to rescue when you are trying to quit smoking. 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.
2. 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 as suggested by the best nutritionists at Grow Fit. This root is very good to curb 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.
3. Milk: Milk is one of those all nutrient inclusive food that provides comprehensive nutrition to the body. But not only that, the nutritionists at Grow Fit explain that it can also help you to quit smoking. The smokers who drink a glass of milk before smoking are likely to develop an aversion to the taste of their cigarettes. They often complain that the cigarettes had suddenly developed a bitter after taste. So the best way to stay away from cigarettes is to sip on milk and bingo get nutrition out of it too.
4. Vegetables: Some vegetables such as celery, zucchini, cucumber, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage also leave a bitter aftertaste (just like milk) when had before smoking. Furthermore, eating a lot of these vegetables can decrease the intensity of nicotine dependence. So nibble on fresh carrots and celery, or enjoy a delicious spinach salad the next time you feel like smoking.
5. Salt: Try to eat a lot of salted foods to quit smoking. The salt content in the food will help curb your desire to smoke. But don’t be too dependent on chips or the processed foods, much on our very favourites like salted peanuts, salted almonds or cashew nuts, roasted and salted makkhana/channa etc
6. Vitamin C foods: There are a number of Vitamin C foods which you can munch on through the day. Foods like guava, berries, sliced tomatoes with a dash of pepper and salt are some you can try.
7. Dark chocolate: When compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is the best for you if you are trying to quit smoking. So that is a win-win situation treat yourself with a piece of rich and exotic dark chocolate whenever you have an uncontrolled urge to smoke, this will calm your nervous system and help you divert your mind from smoke.
8. Dried Fruits: Fragrance of dried fruit helps lower the cravings to smoke. Consuming them will also make a difference in helping you stop smoking.
9. Turmeric: This Indian spice is one of the best ingredients to add to any dish. The spice lowers the smoking urge for those who want to stop this bad habit.
10. Fruits: Fruits like apples which have a higher fibre content will make people feel full thus preventing them from smoking. You feel so filled up after you have consumed fibre fruits that you will no longer feel the urge the smoke. Hence, the best way comes out is to eat properly and consume high fiber foods as they delay gastric emptying and help you cube the overdependence on smoke
11. Omega-3 fatty foods: Certain food textures can also help smokers fight the craving to smoke. Crunchy foods tend to be more satisfying for the quitter. Foods like beans and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 and smokers to not crave for smoke.
12. Popcorn: Popcorns serves two functions – firstly, it acts as a delicious snack a smoker can munch on and enjoy the taste and not think about smoke and secondly, it gives a salty shoot to the taste buds again curbing the urge to smoke. You should try to have popcorn without butter to help stop those nasty urges of smoking. These popcorn give you that salty taste which does not taste good when you smoke.
13. Cheese: Now who does not love this wonderful item of food, I am sure everyone does. Just think about how jaw-dropping the taste would be of an exotic salad with that liquid cheese in it with a little olive oil dressing. Grab a piece of cheese to curb the urge to smoke. Salty cheese does wonders for people who want to stop smoking.
14. Fresh juice: All fresh fruit juice, especially orange juice, are rich in Vitamin C content which somehow satisfies the taste buds and lower down the sudden urge to smoke. Have a cup of fresh juice especially when you know you will be tempted to smoke.
15. Water: Drinking lots of water will keep your body hydrated and thus will keep your tummy full too. This, in turn, will prevent you from wanting to smoke.
16. Blueberries: Any type of berry will help you to stop smoking. Strawberries, mulberries are some of the foods to help you quit smoking.
17. Herbal tea: Sipping on a hot glass of herbal tea will help you in reducing the urge to smoke a cigarette. So can sip on any tea that serves you good taste like Green tea, Cinnamon tea, Chamomile tea, Lemon tea, Jasmine tea etc
18. Fish: Salmon and tuna are some foods that can help you to quit smoking. These two types of fish will leave a taste in your mouth which one will not like after smoking a cigarette.
19. Smoke substitute: Keep substitutes handy that you can suck or chew on, such as carrots, pickles, apples, celery, raisins, or sugar-free gum or hard candy.
20. Ginseng: This Chinese herb can do more for you than weight loss. Ginseng has been shown to prevent the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It should not be used daily but can be used 3-4 times a month.
Quitting smoking may seem quite challenging, but few simple dietary modifications can come to your rescue and help you in not digging a grave for you yourself. One small step can change your life!
Make your own success story of quitting smoking today and turning into a healthy, sound and a happy individual by getting a personalised consult and coach at Grow Fit. Download the Grow Fit app on Google Play or App Store today for a free consultation with our specialists.
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