Most people who smoke really wish that they wouldn't. They are well aware of the hazards of smoking and many among them really want to quit. Many of them try quitting, few are successful but a lot of them fail miserably and go back to their old habits. Quitting requires a lot of desire, determination, and commitment. The more you learn about your options and develop a proper plan for quitting, the easier it will be.
Main reason quitting is such a difficult task is because nicotine is a very addictive substance. It messes with your mind and keeps it asking for more. There are a lot of methods that will help you quit smoking. These include nicotine patches, hypnosis and prescription medication etc. However, little do people know that the best of the method is actually sitting in their own refrigerator.
Yes! You guessed it right. It is food. So let's look at some foods that can help you stay tobacco free:
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Milk and dairy products: Milk is one of those all nutrient inclusive food that provides comprehensive nutrition to the body. But did you know that it can also help you to quit smoking. Dukes University revealed that smokers who drank a glass of milk before smoking didn't like the taste of their cigarettes. They complained that the cigarettes had suddenly developed a bitter after taste. You can also dip your cigarettes in milk and let them dry. Every time you'll smoke one of these milk dipped cigarettes, you'll extinguish it half way through because of the horrendous taste it leaves in your mouth. Also, next time you think about smoking, you'll remember how your last cigarette tasted.
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Certain vegetables: Some vegetables such as celery (use carrots if you don't like celery), zucchini, cucumber and egg-plant also leave a bitter after taste (just like milk) when had before smoking. Furthermore, some specialists claim that eating a lot of these vegetables can decrease the intensity of nicotine dependence. However, stay away from sweet vegetables like peas and corn. The glucose in them can increase your craving by stimulating the areas of your brain responsible for pleasure and satisfaction. So nibble on fresh carrots and celery, or enjoy a delicious spinach salad the next time you feel like smoking.
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Orange juice: Cigarettes rob you of your vitamin C supply, leaving you with a deficiency which the nicotine fills. So if you want to kick the habit fast, start drinking more orange juice or eating more fruits like oranges, lemons and pomegranates that are packed with this powerhouse vitamin.
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Salt: Whenever the desire to smoke overpowers you, you should eat something salty or lick a little salt with the tip of your tongue. This kills your urge for smoking.
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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.
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Gum: Chewing sugar free gum when you have the urge to smoke is a good way of keeping the mouth busy.
Make sure you avoid alcohol, caffeine, and red meat when you are attempting to quit smoking. These foods have the effect exact opposite of milk. They make cigarettes taste better.
When you are trying to quit, every little thing helps. When it comes to quitting, food may very well be your ally. Embrace this friend as together you can fight the war hard and emerge victorious.
