Yogurt Yogurt definitely has an alkalinising effect. It is just as basic as milk and cream and buttermilk. It is also extremely easy to digest; people who have problems with milk can eat yogurt without any trouble. In order to go light on calories, buy plain yogurt and eat it topped with fresh fruit — sliced strawberries, for instance, or chunks of pineapple, or grated apple. Or mix it with chopped green onions or chives. Or simply enjoy a cupful of plain yogurt for its own sake. It tastes good at any time of the day or evening.
If you like milk, and have no trouble digesting it, it makes a good drink between meals. Bear in mind that fortified skimmed milk gives you all the benefits of whole milk for only half the calories.
Basic Bonanzas Certain dried fruits have a remarkably alkalinising effect. Some kinds of nuts can be extremely helpful, too. These foods are very easy to keep on hand, so they are a natural when you feel the urge to pop
Something in your mouth. They happen to be high in calories, however, so think of them as a Bonanza to your Stop Smoking Diet only if your weight seems well under control:
- raisins
- dried apricots dried figs
- dates
- almonds
- Brazil nuts
Be sure to look for the small, handy packets that many of these foods come in. Raisins, for example, can be bought in sets of tiny cartons. Almonds come in small plastic bags of whole or slivered nuts. Small portions of these Basic Bonanzas, wrapped or packaged, can be stashed in pocket, briefcase, office desk drawer, or the glove compartment of the car.
Bottled water Soda water has an alkalinising effect. So do many of the bottled mineral waters now available. Lots of people find these bottled waters very refreshing to drink, especially when they are served with ice and a piece of orange, lemon or lime. Keep a few bottles of soda water and mineral water in the refrigerator. Keep a small bottle or two in your office, along with a bottle opener and a box of straws. You can even stash a six-pack of small bottles in the boot of the car.
To see the refreshing ways in which you can enjoy soda water and mineral water on the Stop Smoking Diet, look at the recipes that follow. If you do not like too many bubbles in your drink, you can use a still rather than a carbonated water, or simply stir the glass of carbonated water until it is no longer effervescent.
