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Foods That Help Curb Cigarette Cravings

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Cigarette smokers know the urge. You may be having a cup of coffee, waiting on a street corner, in a bar or restaurant or outdoor café and suddenly, the urge to smoke hits. You want to have a cigarette: now, not later. It’s one of the reasons e cigs, which rely on flavored american e liquid instead of tobacco, are increasingly taking over the smoking scene.

The limits of smoking

The politics surrounding traditional cigarettes are some of the most airtight laws around. Even if you have the opportunity to smoke, you may find yourself constrained. You often have to go out in the cold, rain or oppressive heat, stand far enough away from others who may be bothered by your smoke, and then make sure you have a lighter or matches, not to mention your cigarettes.

No SmokingYou’re also undoubtedly aware of the health implications that come with smoking, the social stigma of being a smoker and the negative perceptions that are sometimes created when you light up in front of the judgmental public.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to tamp down the urge to smoke until you’re in a more comfortable place. There are actually foods that can reduce your tobacco cravings for a time, enabling you to get through whatever you’re doing with a minimum amount of discomfort. These magical little food items have a chemistry that works on your physiological and psychological needs and can hold them off until you can do something about it.

Craving inhibitors

Dairy goods, particularly cheese, are good inhibitors, working on your brain to deliver a satisfying rush of wholesome satiation. Similarly, nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews and flaxseeds contain enough flavor stimulants and energy to curb your smoking urge.

If your tastes run to something a tad more exotic, cloves and/or clove oil on the back of the tongue can tame the raging beast of the moment. Keep in mind we’re talking about the spice and not clove cigarettes! And, if you’re not a fan of anise—the flavor that’s responsible for the taste of black licorice—you may want to consider something other than clove as a craving suppressant!

Cinnamon is also a reliable suppressant. A cinnamon stick or mint can halt the smoking urge and make your breath minty fresh, enhancing your public perceptions. You can also keep a few cinnamon-flavored toothpicks handy. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, oranges can restore Vitamin C lost through smoking and help with a sudden crave attack. Grapefruit, blueberries and pineapple also work well.

One of the toughest places for smokers is the theater, where two to three hours of sitting in an enclosed space can cramp your smoking style. Never fear—popcorn’s crunchiness and salt has a calming effect on your body’s needs. Just have it air-popped instead of slathered in whatever sauce the chain claims is butter and you’ll make it through a double feature!

Tell us which of these great options helps you curb your need for a smoke and if you’ve ever gnawed on a cinnamon stick or eaten an orange in the wake of a major craving!