Quitting smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health, says Rohit Shelatkar, Fitness & Nutrition Expert, VP, Vitabiotics.
Withdrawal can be challenging, says Rohit Shelatkar, but it can help if you look at the symptoms as signs that your body is recovering. Common symptoms include cravings, restlessness, trouble concentrating or sleeping, irritability, anxiety, increases in appetite, and weight gain.
Many people find withdrawal symptoms disappear completely after two to four weeks. Changing your routine, including exercises and balanced meals can help avoid those triggers that tell your brain it’s time for a smoke.
Quitting Smoking is not an unattainable task, you just need a comprehensive approach towards your goal. Thankfully, certain foods can be a potential benefit for smokers to quit smoking.
Vegetables such as celery, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and eggplant are muscle foods. They contain folic acids and vitamins that will make your body dislike the taste of tobacco, as the muscles relax and flush out toxins while reducing stress levels.
Drinking a good deal of water will allow your body to begin to flush toxins out of your system, as well as help balance out your appetite and reduce cravings.
Smoking is known to exhaust stores of Vitamin C, which is important to boost your immune system and safeguard your lungs. Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, pomegranates, and grapefruit help replenish Vitamin C levels, as well as protect against illness and infections.
Any sports activity will distract you from the thoughts of smoking, improve your mood, help you cope with stress, and make you feel more energetic. A 30-to-40-minute session of badminton, squash, cricket, football, etc. will increase the overall body stamina and reduce the craving to smoke
Make sure you avoid alcohol, caffeine, and red meat when you are attempting to quit smoking as these items only increase your craving for nicotine.
Rohit Shelatkar admits that quitting an addiction isn’t easy, but says it can be accomplished with discipline and sturdy willpower. "Just like smoking is a choice, not smoking too is a choice. Keep yourself motivated to stick to your healthy lifestyle and you will surely start to crave only for a better life," he adds.