Why actor Ben Affleck is frequently seen eating apples

Images of actor Ben Affleck consistently eating apples instead of cigarettes have sparked speculation about a simple behavioral change technique that could trick taste buds and naturally curb addiction.

On 28/4, Ben Affleck appeared stylish in Los Angeles with a new "accessory", completely replacing the usual Dunkin’ iced coffee or cigarette. The 53-year-old actor is believed to have switched to snacking in an effort to quit nicotine using a method dubbed "the apple technique". This was the third time this week Affleck was seen choosing an apple over a cigarette.

As a long-term smoker, Affleck announced he quit in 2007 but relapsed around 2016. While he has not officially commented on his current attempt to quit smoking, the Mayo Clinic suggests that using healthy snacks like apples or chewing gum is an effective method to combat cigarette cravings. This approach helps "keep the mouth busy", thereby reducing the urge associated with holding a cigarette.

Smoking cessation experts suggest that foods with a high crunch factor can help replace the "oral fixation" often experienced by smokers. HuffPost UK quoted Doctor Emeka Okorocha from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK as saying: "This is a simple yet very effective technique. It helps distract from cravings by altering sensory experience. You can do this with something sweet and crunchy like an apple, or even spicy or salty foods."

Ben Affleck eating an apple after exiting his car in Los Angeles on 25/4. Photo: X17

Beyond providing a satisfying crunch that can trick the taste buds similar to smoking, eating an apple also replaces an old habit. Instead of instinctively reaching for a pack of cigarettes, the act of holding an apple helps the smoker form a new, healthier behavior.

For Ben Affleck, this appears to be a quick and simple experimental method. However, for fans, it serves as a significant source of motivation. Unlike the luxurious wellness methods often seen among celebrities, this approach makes people feel they can follow suit because it does not require expensive equipment or costly rehabilitation resorts.

Doctor Okorocha explained that, fundamentally, this method tricks the brain, making it focus entirely on the taste on the tongue rather than the craving for nicotine. Additionally, the expert suggested another method: aversion therapy. This technique requires smokers to perform an unpleasant action each time they light a cigarette, gradually conditioning the nervous system and body to associate smoking with negative experiences. The goal is for the brain to automatically link smoking with discomfort.

Furthermore, less common methods such as hypnosis or olfactory training also offer some effectiveness. Olfactory training, for instance, creates a deceptive reflex in the nose, exposing smokers to strong odors like vinegar or rotten eggs whenever they consider lighting a cigarette.

To quit smoking completely, Doctor Okorocha advises smokers to combine multiple solutions simultaneously. Alongside nicotine replacement therapies such as: patches, chewing gum, inhalers, patients can also use specialized medication or support applications to achieve the best results.

Ben Affleck, born in 1972, is an American actor, director, and screenwriter. He is known for films such as Pearl Harbor, Argo, Gone Girl, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In his film career, Affleck has two Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. After Jennifer Garner, he married singer Jennifer Lopez in 2022, rekindling a romance after nearly 20 years apart. However, in 8/2024, Lopez filed for divorce.