Many people set a New Year's resolution to quit smoking. But how can you maintain this and resist the urge? Primarily by avoiding these foods and performing these exercises.
According to Pensionist, an expert from gosmokefree.co.uk states that there are five key foods to avoid when quitting smoking, as certain ingredients like sugar can become addictive substitutes, while others can worsen symptoms.
Foods and beverages to avoid when quitting smoking
Spicy foods, sugary snacks, fried foods, and excessive salt: "It's important to be mindful of your diet, as spicy and sugary foods can trigger nicotine."
The expert continued: "Moreover, if you choose excessively sugary foods when quitting smoking, you run the risk of developing a sugar addiction as a substitute for nicotine."
Furthermore, "fried foods should be avoided as they can contribute to excess fat around the torso and put pressure on the diaphragm. For anyone quitting smoking, this increased pressure can worsen breathing difficulties and make the journey to quit smoking more challenging."
Excessive salt
Warning about excessive salt, the expert notes: "An overconsumption of salt can result in fluid retention in the body, creating additional weight around the diaphragm. This also causes extra pressure, which can restrict breathing and make it harder to stick to your goals."
Coffee acts as a trigger
Another strong trigger when quitting smoking is coffee, as the expert explains: "Coffee acts as a trigger for smoking nicotine, because the caffeine in coffee enhances the stimulant effects of cigarettes and creates a synergistic rush."
The expert adds: "The pairing of coffee and cigarettes often becomes a habitual and reinforcing routine, strengthening the connection between the two and making it challenging for those trying to quit smoking."
Common side effects of quitting smoking can include mood swings, coughing, sleep difficulties, and cravings for unhealthy foods. Understanding and preparing for these side effects can contribute to a more successful and sustainable journey towards a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle.
The expert continued: "For those who have difficulty managing the side effects, you should practice breathing exercises and meditation, build your exercise routine to have a healthy outlet for your frustration, and contact a counseling service if you need to talk."
