Choose Foods That Can Help You Quit Smoking

You might have heard that sugarless candy, fruits, vegetables, popcorn, and other snacks can help satisfy the need to keep your mouth busy after you’ve quit smoking. But did you know that some foods and drinks can make cigarettes taste bad, meaning you’ll be less likely to want to smoke after eating them?

In a recent study, smokers found that cigarettes tasted worse after they drank water or juice and after they ate fruit, vegetables, or dairy products. In fact, earlier research showed that smokers tend to eat fewer fruit, vegetables, and dairy products than nonsmokers do; perhaps they realize, consciously or not, that these foods make cigarettes taste bad.

The study also found that certain other foods and drinks make cigarettes taste better, encouraging smokers to light up. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and meats all enhanced the taste of cigarettes.

• Carry a bottle of juice or water with you, especially when you know you’ll be tempted to smoke.
• Have an apple or a bunch of grapes at those times you were used to lighting up.
• Keep cut-up vegetables, such as celery or carrots, on hand.
• Grab a piece of cheese to curb the urge to smoke.

If you light up a cigarette, you’ll find it will taste pretty bad. In addition, try to avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine if you can—you’ll avoid enhancing the cigarette’s taste. Even reduce cravings by avoiding the situations where many people are likely to smoke, such as in bars or during coffee breaks. Moreover, if your nerves are already strained by the stress of quitting tobacco, going easy on alcohol and caffeine may help you keep your cool.

It may seem overwhelming to try to change several habits at once—quitting smoking while trying to eat more healthy foods, drink more water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Treat yourself gently, and don’t bite off more than you can chew (unless it’s a veggie!). Your main goal is to avoid using tobacco. Considering these useful hints may help reduce cravings while you quit.