I always tell people that want to lose weight by going on a diet that they shouldn't diet, they should change the way they eat. It is much more permanent solution than one of those trendy (and disgustingly unhealthy) diets like South Beach or Atkins. A diet helps take the weight off but all too typically people revert to their old habits of eating and quickly put the weight back on.

Sipping Tea

Stopping smoking is much the same. Most people have attempted to quit smoking at least 5 times, obviously unsuccessfully. And the reason is that they are able to stop temporarily but quickly revert to their old habits and start smoking again because they did not bother to make a lasting lifestyle change.

Although quitting smoking is the goal, it is not enough to just give up cigarettes for a couple of reasons. Smoking is psychologically addicting. This means cigarettes are associated with many daily activities like coffee, driving, breaks from work, alcohol, socializing, and more. Something about these daily occurrences needs to change so that they are no longer associated with smoking and now associated with something else. And the new healthy habits help reinforce the good positive decision to quit smoking. When you start feeling healthier and more energetic after quitting, which does happen (I promise), all of a sudden cigarettes aren't what you crave to make yourself temporarily feel better.

Daniel Siedman, Ph.D., director of smoking cessation services at Columbia University Medical Center, wrote in his book "Smoke Free in 30 Days" that, "Often, it is not enough to "give up" a habitual behavior... without finding a new, more rewarding behavior or attachment... it is important to develop new behavior patterns to replace the old."

After someone stops smoking it can take up to 6 weeks to completely get over the nicotine withdrawal symptoms, for most people it is much less time. In that time it is important to use something like Quit Tea to help alleviate those symptoms, also a great option for that something else rewarding to replace cigarettes. But most importantly in that time you should develop new habits. For long term success with smoking cessation you must change your lifestyle.

Here are a few tips for replacing those old habits and getting set on a new lifestyle for long term success.

Try replacing coffee for black or green tea. They don't have as much caffeine so be careful about caffeine withdrawal headaches, but they do have some and are a great alternative if you are used to having a cigarette with your coffee.

During your drive try listening to tapes or podcasts, something interesting like short stories, educational, or motivational. And bring a thermos of Quit Tea, or something to sip or eat.

While you are out of the home and need a break from work, make sure you can make or drink a cup of Quit Tea or bring a thermos of it from home, and have a tasty but healthy snack, something to keep your mouth busy. Try making yourself a trail mix with nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips.

Instead of going out drinking after work or in the evenings, join a gym. The membership is definitely worth the money. Think of how much you will save on the bar tab and all the reduced future health costs!