Categories
food

If you want to lose weight, don’t chew gum

Losing weight is a constant battle for some.  And as Web Watch has told you previously, it really all comes down to taking in fewer calories than you burn up in a day.  Sure, there are other influences involved, such as the family gene pool or other non-controllable items — but for the vast majority of us, weight loss really is about reducing our food intake in a smart manner.

Orbit Bubblemint Sugarfree Gum
Orbit Bubblemint Sugarfree Gum

One common element of many diets is in flavor substitution.

Sometimes, all it takes to eliminate food cravings is to use something else that can mimic the food process, provide flavor, and give your mouth something to do.  The cure? Chewing a stick of gum.

But the question does come up – DOES GUM CHEWING REALLY HELP LOSE WEIGHT?

Sadly, the answer may be “no, not really”.

And it really could come down to the flavor of gum that you chose to chew on.  Research showed that people who chewed minty gums were less likely to snack on fruits or vegetables because of the flavor conflict in their mouth making those healthy foods distasteful…. yet high-caloric, bad-for-you-foods were willingly eaten.

Look, there’s nothing wrong with chewing gum – and chewing gum can help alleviate some hunger issues to get you over that midday hump.   But you have to be smart about it: you still need to eat your fruits and vegetables, even if you are chewing the occasional stick of Big Red.

Just force your way through the flavors, and continue to eat smart. Don’t let that sweet spearminty taste throw you off your weight-loss game.