Smoking can be very harmful to your health. Heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD), chronic asthma, and lung cancer have all been linked to smoking. However, quitting is not easy. Triggers like stress can cause you to pick that cigarette back up. Did you know that certain foods can also trigger intense nicotine cravings?

Here are some foods to avoid if you are trying to kick the smoking habit:

1. Coffee

Nobody wants to hear that their morning cup of Joe can stimulate the cravings for a cigarette. It’s true. Coffee contains caffeine, a highly addictive stimulant. This stimulant can increase your desire for a stronger stimulant, one containing nicotine, a cigarette. The java you enjoy is also associated with break times, friends, and – you guessed it! – smoking. Your brain and body associate a cup of strong black brew at break time with that cigarette. It may be helpful while you are quitting smoking to quit drinking that caffeinated beverage. You could also have your morning Joe in a smoke-free zone to lessen the temptations associated with it.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol and smoking seem to go hand-in-hand. If you drink, you want to smoke. Stress may be the link between the two. Why do people go to a bar? To hang out and de-stress. Of course, grabbing a beer gives a certain false security; so do cigarettes. For many people, the more they drink, the more they smoke. It would then seem wise to stop the consumption of alcoholic beverages. You could also stop going to places where it is served (bars, parties, etc.) until you have completely stopped smoking. If you still desire going to these places to be social with friends, buy Nicorette patches for these occasions. Many Sunday papers carry quit smoking patch coupons. When you get to the bar, order non-caffeinated beverages or virgin drinks. This will give you the socialization aspect without the trigger.

3. Low calorie foods

It seems sensible to want to ward off weight gain during smoking cessation with low-calorie foods. However, this is not sound advice. Lowering your caloric intake actually triggers stress in the body, causing you to want a cigarette. Low calorie foods, particularly those containing aspartame or other artificial sweeteners can be detrimental to your attempts to quit smoking. It is better to use portion control and eat the foods you love.

4. Sugary foods

Sugar is a stimulant. It increases energy and causes blood sugar spikes. You will have great energy temporarily, but then you ‘crash’. The blood sugar spikes and drops can cause depression, appetite spikes, and the need for more sugar – and possibly a cigarette. Instead of reaching for a sugary snack, reach for frozen grapes. They are naturally sweet and take longer to eat.

5. Spicy foods

Cayenne peppers, curries, and other spicy foods can trigger a nicotine urge. The reason may be because they mimic the ‘heat’ of a cigarette and that smoldering, smoky heat that lasts a long time. Avoid these types of foods while you are trying to quit smoking.