To fight cravings, keep substitutes handy that you can chew on, such as carrots, pickles, apples, celery, raisins, or sugar-free gum or hard candy, says Seema Singh.
When a person tries to quit smoking s/he might feel some psychological or physiological problems.
There may be some withdrawal symptoms or severe cravings, weight gain etc.
On World No Tobacco Day, celebrated May 31, here are some tips to help you quit smoking.
Chew on gum and mint
They help to cut down the struggle with the craving. Both gum and mints last for a long time, so you can keep chewing or sucking until your craving dissipates.it keeps your mouth busy.
Have ginseng Tea
This special drink that can help you while quitting the smoking; it could reduce the appeal of smoking.
Have dairy products
Milk/yogurt or dairy products and vegetables make you taste cigarettes worse so consuming milk products and vegetables will be helpful in the process of quitting smoking.
How to fight cravings
When you quit smoking, you taste and smell better so food becomes enjoyable. This may also increase your appetite.
When you get cravings, you may feel mood changes, there may be changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
Here are some tips so the cravings will get better:
- Keep substitutes handy that you can chew on, such as carrots, pickles, apples, celery, raisins, or sugar-free gum or hard candy.
- Avoid spicy and sugary foods. Spicy and sugary foods tend to make people crave cigarettes more.
Increased appetite is a common withdrawal symptom after quitting.
It tends to last longer than other symptoms.
Nibble on low-calorie foods
Low-calorie foods such as carrot sticks, apples and other healthy snacks, can help satisfy your need for crunch without adding extra pounds.
By eating 4 to 6 meals everyday your sugar levels will be maintained, body energy will be balanced and this prevent the urge of smoking.
Stretch out meals. Eat slowly and pause between bites to make a meal more satisfying.
Treat yourself to something special. Celebrate staying quit.
What to avoid
Certain foods act as cigarette taste enhancer like meat, alcohol and alcohol, so please avoid them.
In the end you should understand your own habits.
Observe when and why do you want to smoke.
What kind of mood motivates you to smoke?
Once you understand your smoking pattern and triggers it becomes easy to modify habits and needs in your own way and the journey becomes easier.
You must also try to keep your mind busy.
Include some exercise, walk or any hobby in your daily life.
Seema Singh is chief clinical nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
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