To address their craving for cigarettes, most people tend to eat more than their usual. It gives them something to be busy with instead of smoking, and it seems to satisfy their craving. And because of this, most smokers would gain weight after they quit. Some would also refuse to quit for the fear of weight gain. However, eating certain type of foods can actually help you quit and keep the extra weight under control.
Healthy Eating Habit
When you stop smoking, the food you eat becomes an important part of your quit program. The reason is, you need to deal with your hand-to-mouth craving. So instead of chewing candies or munching potato chips on your breaks eat seeds, grapes, nuts, berries, or sliced carrots and celery. These food alternatives give your body the essential vitamins and nutrients. Keeping a sugarless gum handy is also a good alternative.
Without nicotine, you’ll feel much hungrier as it suppresses your appetite. Another trick to keep your diet under watch is to have your meals in several small proportions instead of one large meal. Have several small healthy snacks throughout the day. It also help stimulate your metabolism.
What to Eat
When you quit, you’ll experience low blood sugar. You need foods that slowly release sugar to your body to keep your blood sugar stable. Brown bread, whole meal cereals, pears, apricots, natural yogurt, and whole wheat crackers make excellent snacks. Also food that are rich in serotonin, the “feel good” hormone, like fish, turkey, chicken, beans, and nuts help prevent depression. While egg whites, fish, beans, poultry products and other food rich in protein helps improve your concentration. This food group is very beneficial for working individuals. Fruits and vegetables like orange, pineapple, kiwi, banana, and green leafy foods are good source of Vitamin C and B that keep your immune system strong and help prevent different types of cancer. These foods also promote proper digestion.
Rehydrate
Always drink plenty of water to help flush the toxins out of your body. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals and toxins that are absorbed by your body. To flush it out, your body needs to rehydrate. Drinking tea and milk also help speed up the process and relax your body before sleeping. On the other hand, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks as they boost your cravings.
Proper diet with regular exercised further strengthens your body. Exercise also keep your cravings under control. When you feel like lighting up, doing some push-ups, or sit-ups, or simply going for a walk in the park, or playing with your dog help wean off the craving and keep your mind away from smoking. Also, regular exercise stimulate the release of endorphin which help improve your mood. Getting a new a sport also help keep your body healthy and speeds up your recovery.
