Smoking harms nearly every organ of your body like the cardiovascular system. Smoking raises your blood pressure and puts stress on the heart. You can develop blood clots. For this reason, smoking is the main cause of heart disease.

In addition, smoking damages the lungs. A chronic cough and emphysema is just one harmful result of smoking. Your lungs over time will be inflamed resulting in breathing problems. Our lungs carry oxygen to major parts of our body, but smoking replaces oxygen with carbon dioxide which damages our lungs. There is good news if you stop smoking early. When you quit, many of these issues are lessened. To help bring your body back to normal, there are certain foods that can help.

Smoking reduces your appetite therefore you are depleting your body of necessary nutrients. Naturally when you stop smoking a side effect is weight gain. However, this is avoidable if you eat the right foods like delicious snacks that are healthy and non-fattening:

1. Yogurt with fruit

Loaded with calcium and protein, yogurt with fruit is delicious and a healthy snack when you feel like you need a cigarette. Adding fruits to your daily diet will help restore the necessary nutrients that your body needs.

2. Nuts

Nuts are one of our healthy snack fats filled with protein. Eating an ounce or more gives you added energy and stabilizes your blood glucose levels. For example, pistachios are one of the healthiest. Their healthiness means no weight gains and improved health.

3. Popcorn

Yes, popcorn is a healthy and enjoyable snack to eat when you want to grab a cigarette. Granted, this snack should not be covered in butter. It is a great substitute distraction of placing something in our mouth.

4. Sugar-free gum

Ex-smokers have commented that chewing sugar-free gums and mints helps to keep your mouth busy. Flavored mints, gum, and candy can help when you feel a cigarette craving coming on.

5. Beef and turkey jerky

Beef and turkey jerky as great quick snacks. They are filled with protein that is lessened when you are a heavy smoker. As long as you don’t eat a whole package of beef or turkey jerky in one sitting, you are eating a low-calorie snack.

6. Hummus with veggies

Veggies with hummus is a healthy snack made from mashed chickpeas, spices, and olive oil. As a dense spread, it has a good flavor. This combination is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein that will replenish your body.

7. Whole grain crackers

Consuming healthy snacks throughout the day helps keep you feeling energized and aids in weight management. They are packed with vitamin B, iron, and a load of fibers. They contain no sugar and are low in sodium. Eating whole-grain crackers with the above snacks like yogurt, veggies with hummus, or a combination of beef and turkey jerky and Whole-grain crackers make a healthy meal.