(NaturalNews) As any smoker trying to quit knows, the process of giving up the habit isn't always easy. Quitting "cold turkey" is virtually impossible, as the urge to light up lingers, and a return to the behavior after not too long is common. In fact, nicotine has been shown to be as addictive as heroin, reinforcing the fact that trying to quit is indeed challenging. (1) Furthermore, trying methods that involve skin patches, e-cigarettes, pills and even hypnotherapy can be costly, harmful to health or ineffective.

However, there are certain foods that can naturally keep the urge to smoke at bay, while also helping to heal the damage that's taken place in a smoker's body.

Foods that fight urge to light up

Crunchy, healthy foods

Because smoking dulls taste buds, a person in the process of quitting has a newfound appreciation for the taste of foods. For this reason, as well as the tendency to fulfill the hand-to-mouth habit, weight gain is common among people trying quit. (1) Rather than reaching for processed junk foods like chips that lead to weight gain and fill the body with toxins, choose ones that are just as flavorful but significantly healthier.

The American Cancer Society recommends such foods, explaining that these kinds of low-calorie choices have the ability to satisfy cravings without leading to extra weight gain. (2)

Carrots, nuts, celery and grapes are all ideal foods that not only satisfy smokers' cravings but provide the body with necessary physical and emotional health benefits as it starts repairing itself. For example, nuts contain serotonin, known to boost the mood and help fight depression, a feeling that many smokers experience upon quitting. (1)

Give superfoods a try

Superfoods are great for the body anyway, but some are known to fight nicotine cravings. An amazing combination of maca and mucuna, for example, has been shown to help wean smokers away from their habit by reducing the desire to light up while keeping any related mood swings in check. (3)

Food and drinks to avoid

Avoid alcohol, sugary foods and spices, as they are known to intensify the urge to smoke. (2) Be sure to drink plenty of water and fill up on a great deal of fruits and vegetables.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.livestrong.com

(2) http://www.cancer.org

(3) http://www.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia