Congratulations on deciding to finally give up smoking. In order to be sure you have the best chance at success, we’ve compiled a few food types that you should avoid for the best result. You may be wondering; why should certain foods be factors in the smoking cessation process? This is because cravings for certain foods can trigger cravings to smoke, so avoiding these foods and certain consumption behaviors around food will help you succeed in butting out for good:

1. Caffeine and coffee
Yes, coffee can be a destructive influence on smokers. What do most smokers think of when you mention coffee? A cigarette break, of course. It’s important to give up coffee at the same time as cigarettes so your mind doesn’t make you crave the automatic habit of smoking. If you drink coffee and smoke after a meal, try to substitute a healthier habit for afterwards. Put your favorite dessert on the table without coffee. Move to another room as well so you don’t get tempted and you can lose the association for smoking and eating. Make sure you aren’t overindulging in the favorite dessert by portioning it out for each day.

2. Alcohol
Alcohol is a recreational libation that’s rarely enjoyed singularly. A cocktail is most popularly followed by another and another. The mind of a smoker will want to pair it with a cigarette if they often smoke at parties or in social settings, so even drinking at home is not a great idea when you want to quit successfully.

3. Sugar
Sugar is another craving that’s enjoyed when people seek comfort. That’s why sweet stuff is comfort food. Smoking pairs just as well with dessert as it does coffee or a cocktail after a stressful workday. Get the pattern here? Anything which represents comfort or is a craving is a danger zone for a smoker trying to quit. Studies have shown that eating all American favorites like steak or any red meat such as a burger and even pizza will increase your desire to smoke. Spicy foods like Cajun or curries do the same. There are links to nicotine toxicity and digesting certain foods.

4. Low calorie foods
You would never think so, but low-calorie foods can increase the desire to smoke. Why? Smoking gives a great sense of satisfaction and pleasure to your brain. When you eat low calorie or less tasty foods, you often want something more. That something more will be a post-meal cigarette when you’re used to smoking. In fact, it gives you an extra push toward the habit if you have friends around you who smoke and eat with you.

Maybe it’s time to change up your lifestyle, one unpleasant habit at a time. One step at a time is all you need to concentrate on to give yourself the space you need to quit at your own pace. In addition to avoiding certain foods, your doctor can prescribe several nicotine replacement products and smoking cessation products that can help you quit.

There are a lot of helpful smoking cessation products on the market from patches to gums. If you’re having a hard time quitting, then use one. This will give you the head start you need in case you slip up a bit here and there, which is normal and understandable. There’s no shame in giving yourself the best chance possible. It’s good to consult your doctor before taking any type of nicotine replacement product.