Good Foods for People Quitting Smoking

Most smokers worry about gaining weight when they quit smoking, and some may use it as an excuse to avoid quitting. Regardless of weight gain, quitting smoking will benefit your health in many ways. There are ways to reduce the chances of weight gain or at least reduce the amount of weight you may gain. Replacing cigarette breaks with a short walk and eating the right snacks can help to reduce cravings and weight gain. Eating foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and small portions of sweet and salty treats can help to curb cigarette cravings.



Fruit: Fresh fruit is healthy and usually an easy-to-grab snack. Bite-sized fruit such as grapes, strawberries, cherries and raisins can be eaten at room temperature and do not require utensils. Having bite-sized fruit available when you have a craving can be helpful. In addition, you can select dehydrated fruits as well such as mangos, banana chips, apple chips and apricots. Dehydrated fruit lasts longer and is a handy and tasty snack to have on your desk at work.

Vegetables: Fresh vegetables such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, green beans, mushrooms, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and broccoli are tasty raw and healthy for you. If you are craving a cigarette, grab a small dish of some fresh vegetables to help pass the urge and reduce weight gain. Most grocery stores sell vegetables already cut up for an added convenience.

Nuts: Raw nuts such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are packed full of important nutrients and even help lower your cholesterol and reduce the chances of heart disease. Nuts are bite-size, and they last a long time. Carrying a sandwich bag of mixed nuts around will help with any on-the-go cravings you may have, and they will also provide your body with fiber and vitamin E.

Sweet and Salty Snacks: If you are craving a sweet or salty snack, consider eating rye crackers, pretzels, dry cereal, rice cakes, unbuttered popcorn or low-fat baked potato chips. Since some of these snacks may not be as healthy, try to stick to the serving size by pre-portioning the snacks into small sandwich bags. It will add to the convenience as well, you will be able to grab a little snack when you are on the go.