Buy lour Quit-Smoking Aids
If you smoke more than a pack a day, you may want to consider using nicotine gum or patches, or discuss other prescription medications with your doctor. If you plan to use a quit aid such as nicotine gum or patches, you can find them in most drug stores or large supermarkets with drug departments.
Be sure to carefully follow the directions on the packaging, and if you plan to use nicotine gum, make sure to avoid eating and drinking for at least 15 minutes before chewing it and an additional 15 minutes while chewing it to prevent reduced absorption of the nicotine. Especially avoid drinking acidic beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks that can interfere with the efficacy of the gum.
Get Rid of Your Cigarettes
Before your Quit Day, throw away all of the cigarettes in your home or anywhere else you may have a stash: in the pocket of your coat, in the car, or in the office. Do the same with lighters, ashtrays and matches. Make it impossible to get a cigarette without going to a lot of trouble.
Stock up on Healthy Snacks
Eating healthy snacks is a great way to get you through your Quit Day and satisfy the craving to smoke. Place a bowl of fruit on the kitchen table and stock your cupboard with some low-calorie, easy-to-grab foods. Having healthy snacks around the house and your workspace can help when you need something to satisfy your urge to smoke. Below are some suggestions for healthy snack foods to stock up on before your Quit Day:
Beverages:
- Low-calorie beverages, such as sugar-free iced tea, sodas, and flavored waters.
Produce
-Your favorite (raw) vegetables. Carrots, celery, cauliflower, and peppers are great snacks; try them with low-fat dressing or cottage cheese.
-Fruits: apples to eat on your way to work or for baking with cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar. Buy ingredients for fruit salad or delicious smoothies, using peaches, plums, pineapple (fresh or canned), pears, cantaloupe, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries ( which are rich in vitamin too ) ! Don’t forget to look in the frozen food aisle at the store because you’ll be able to find an assortment of frozen fruits that are great to eat cold.
Non-Perishables:
The snack and cereal aisles can offer some sweet and crunchy alternatives such as low-calorie fruit bars and fig bars, oven-baked chips and pretzels, air-popped or low-fat popcorn. Mso try wheat or graham crackers, rice cakes, ready-to-eat cereal (to munch on, without milk), or shredded wheat. Buy sugarless gum or candy to keep around the office or in your purse, briefcase, or backpack.
Frozen Foods:
Frozen fruit bars, sugar-free popsicles, and low- or non-fat frozen yogurt are great desserts or in-between meal treats.
Dairy:
Buy 1% or skim milk (mix with cocoa for sweetness if you like) and low-fat cheese sticks (string cheese) .
DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF
While eating fruits, carrot sticks, or other healthy foods is an excellent replacement for smoking, sometimes a piece of it just doesn’t satisfy and ifs that piece of chocolate that you really crave. If a piece of chocolate will keep you from reaching for a cigarette, then so be it. Just be sure that if you are going to eat some of the more fattening or high-calorie foods, you do so in moderation.
You don’t have to deny yourself food, but keep in mind that the foods you’re craving may be high in calories. Try eating an apple or a celery stick to satisfy most of your cravings, and reserve a piece of chocolate for the really tough craving. If you tend to snack on chips, replace them with baked chips or pretzels or other low fats yet delicious meal.
