If you’re trying to quit smoking, you’re probably looking for all the help you can get. There are a lot of different ways to quit smoking, from nicotine replacement therapy to prescription medications. But did you know that there are also foods that can help? Certain foods have properties that can make quitting cigarettes easier. These “anti-smoking” foods can help reduce cravings and make the quitting process a bit easier. So if you’re looking for some extra support in your quest to ditch cigarettes, read on for a list of foods that can help!

Nuts

Smoking increases the body’s levels of omega-6 fatty acids and decreases omega-3s, which leaves smokers with a higher risk of coronary heart disease and increased susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. But nuts are packed with beneficial omega-3s, so they can counteract some of the negative effects of smoking on your body. 

Furthermore, Omega-3 in nuts helps with hair growth, thereby minimizing the effects of nicotine hair loss. They’re also high in magnesium, another beneficial mineral for quitting cigarettes that helps relax muscles and lower stress. Plus, they’re delicious!

Green Tea

Coffee and cigarettes are a popular mix, enjoyed by most smokers. But coffee also contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can make it harder to quit smoking. Green tea, on the other hand, provides the same mental stimulation but without the high amounts of caffeine. Also, green tea has been shown in studies to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and anxiety associated with quitting as it contains L-Theanine; an amino acid commonly used as a relaxing agent. 

Bananas

Smoking cigarettes causes low levels of potassium, an essential dietary mineral required for proper electrical signaling throughout the nervous system. These signals allow your heart to beat regularly and work properly, so low potassium can lead to an irregular heartbeat. Eating bananas helps restore normal potassium levels in the body after quitting smoking because they are full of this beneficial mineral. Bananas are high in vitamin B6 as well, another nutrient that has been shown to have mood balancing and soothing qualities. 

Beans

Legumes, beans, and lentils all contain complex carbohydrates which trigger feel-good endorphins in your brain when you’re eating them – without causing any blood sugar spikes as simple carbs do! These foods are high in fiber too so they keep you fuller for longer which helps.

Moreover, many people have reported a spike in their weight after quitting smoking as nicotine speeds up your metabolism. Therefore, eating food high in fiber and low in fat helps with keeping your body weight in check.

Dark chocolate

Plain dark chocolate is a rich source of magnesium and antioxidants, which have been shown to calm the nervous system and help improve sleep.  If you find it too hard to go completely cold turkey from your usual cocoa fix try switching to organic 70% or more dark chocolate as your palate will become accustomed to the taste over time, making it easy for you to live without those added sugars found in many brands.

Popcorns

Munching on popcorn to curb your random but very frequent cravings is a smart trick. It’s not only going to keep you from swallowing cigarettes, but also make you feel full for longer periods of time. Besides, it helps you take control over your emotions and helps reduce stress levels which is a major factor in leading back to smoking addiction.

Cherries and Watermelons

Forget about all foods rich in vitamins A and C when trying to quit smoking as they will only result in making you feel hungrier than usual. The good news is that there are also other options such as cherries or watermelons which contain mostly water and fiber, so it’s going to fill up your stomach without adding extra calories. On top of this, they’re packed with antioxidants too, reducing inflammation in the body.

Salty Food

Cravings are more intense for smokers who are trying to quit, but the majority of these cravings come from oral habits rather than real hunger. Because smoking is often an enjoyable part of eating, some people experience intense food cravings after quitting. Eating salty foods can alleviate cigarette cravings by satisfying your compulsion to hold something in your mouth. 

Dairy Products

Usually, cigarette smokers complain that dairy products such as milk or yogurt make cigarettes less palatable. So their regular consumption might help an aversion toward the taste of cigarettes. 

Eating yogurt with fruits or berries might be a healthier alternative for persons who quit smoking and want to tackle the sugar craving caused by nicotine cessation.

With the help of these foods, you can quit cigarette smoking and become a healthier person. We hope this blog has helped you in some way to quit cigarette smoking. Our goal is for all of us to be healthy, happy and able to live our lives without the worry that comes with addiction. Thank you for reading!

Kathleen Yates