Most people who smoke really wish they didn’t. Of course we all know the dangers of the tobacco habit, but it requires a lot of desire, determination and commitment to quit. And, ironically enough, when you are down in the dumps in the process of quitting, the comfort you crave most is your old friend the cigarette. Researchers can’t explain why, but they think that some foods may alter saliva production and temporarily change taste buds in a way that makes cigarettes more or less palatable.
Here are the five magic foods that will make the challenge a little easier.
1. A glass of milk
Milk is one of those all nutrient inclusive foods that provides a multitude of goodness to the body. We all know them bones, them bones need calcium and milk delivers on it, but it can also help you quit the habit. 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 aftertaste.
2. Certain vegetables
Some vegetables like celery, carrots, courgettes, cucumber and aubergines can also leave a bitter aftertaste in your mouth when eaten before smoking. Furthermore, some specialists claim that eating a lot of these vegetables can decrease the intensity of nicotine dependence. However, do 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.
3. Some Fruits
Cigarettes can rob you of your vitamin C. Certain fruits like oranges, lemons and pomegranates or their juice equivalents are packed with the powerhouse vitamin, helping stave off your craving for the tobacco.
4. Something salty
When the craving calls, just nibble on something salty like crisps or a snack or, equally, lick a little salt with the tip of your tongue. This can kill your urge for smoking.
5. Sugar-free chewing gum.
For a lot of smokers, the habit is the action of smoking even more so than the nicotine fix. Pop a bit of gum in your mouth and keep yourself busy to fight off cravings.
And…
For the more extreme habit-kickers, the Chinese herb, ginseng, has been proven to prevent the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, in turn helping to kick the cravings. It should not be used daily but can be used 3-4 times a month.
Quitters beware: Meat, coffee and alcoholic beverages can make cigarettes taste better. Avoid at all costs.
