For someone who is trying to stop smoking, a cigarette is the first thing you will think about when you’re bored and a popular reason to begin to smoke again. In the past, smoking cigarettes kept your hands and mouth very busy a lot of the time.  Therefore the outcomes of quitting smoking, often causes one to gain weight.

Your taste buds begin to improve which leads you to constantly need something in your mouth. Smoking also increases your metabolism, so when you stop smoking, your metabolic rate begins to fall and your weight increases because your body now burns fewer calories. Plus, the absence of nicotine causes your insulin level to rise, leaving you hungry.

Instead of grabbing for a bag of chips or a snickers bar, it may be helpful to keep your hands and mouth busy by turning to healthier options which will not only allow you to feel better, but look better as well. Below is a list of foods that are sure to keep you busy without sabotaging your diet:

High-fiber cereals: As you’re well aware, cereals contain a satisfying crunch factor for your teeth and mouth.

Carrots and celery: This will keep you healthy while giving you a satisfying crunch throughout the day — and you can eat tons of without worrying as much about calories.

Sugar-free gum: A calorie-free way to get through the day.  Chomping away on sugar-free gum allows one to go through the motions of eating without actually eating.

Sugar-free mints: Similar to chewing gum, these breath-fresheners give the mouth an activity without calories.

Pistachio Nuts: Opening up each shell will keep you busy and satisfied when craving a smoke

Apples: They’re filling, and they boost the body’s energy level significantly. Apples are a sweet, large and crunchy route to satisfaction.

String cheese: You pull on it in tiny pieces and it comes off like string. It can easily take up 20-25 minutes of your crave time if you want it to.

Low-fat popcorn: Popcorn is a healthy snack that contains a lot in a bag on few calories. Microwave a bag to keep your hands and mouth busy. 

Popsicles: Do to the fact that they are so cold, it will take you a long time to lick and get to the bottom.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.