Kick the Habit Maybe it started when you were younger, or maybe it was just an occasional social break at work. Whatever the root is of your smoking habit, you know you want to quit. Smoking poses a hazard to your health, and the feel-good effects of the addictive ingredients make you want to keep doing it. But you’re ready, and you can overpower them. Here are some suggestions from the American Lung Association to give a one-two punch to nicotine and say goodbye to your toxic friend once and for all. GET RID OF TRIGGERS. Throw out all the items related to your habit — ashtrays, cigarettes, lighters, sprays — anything that makes you think of lighting up. If you light up when you’re stressed or nervous, try to get to the core of that behavior before you turn to the nicotine. If your smoking is work- related, replace it with a healthier habit, like taking a walk around the block with a friend who doesn’t smoke.
3 Tips for Giving Up Smoking
WAIT 3–5 MINUTES. This is how long a craving lasts, so if you can beat the clock, you’ll gain momentum to get past the next one. When the craving hits, call a friend, put on some music, or watch a video — anything positive to distract yourself and get through the tough minutes. TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. The first 7–10 days will likely be the hardest, but those cravings may never completely go away. Use a calendar to chart your progress, putting a dash next to each day that you go without smoking, and begin to connect those dashes to make a quitting chain. Use it as motivation — don’t break the chain. When you’ve kicked the habit, find a way to celebrate. Maybe it’s getting a new hairstyle or taking a weekend trip. And if you want one, the team at Livingston Dental can help you create a smile to match your new lifestyle. Call us today to learn about our restorative and cosmetic dentistry options.
LOOK TO OTHERS FOR SUPPORT. Connect with others who have quit or don’t smoke. Talk to them about strategies for quitting. Letting others know that you are trying to quit will provide you accountability and encouragement to stick with your goal.
Puzzle Time! Spiced Pumpkin Seed Crunch Ingredients
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
• 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds • 1/4 cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
Directions • 1 large egg white • 1 teaspoon light agave syrup • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds 1. Heat oven to 300 F. 2. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. 3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg white, agave, salt, and spices. Add nuts and seeds and toss until evenly coated.
4. Using a slotted spoon, strain spoonfuls of mixture over bowl and transfer to baking sheet. Discard excess egg white mixture. 5. Bake 20–25 minutes, tossing once. 6. Let cool and serve.
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