Gum question

[sallyd]

Can someone explain to me what it would hurt to chew a small piece of sugarless gum?

[Richt]

As far as I am concerned there are 2 reasons.

a) Even though it is sugar free they are still sweet. This can so so easily kick start your cravings for sweet stuff again.

b) Due to the fact that a lot of sugar free gums are sweetened with Aspartame, and as you know that can lead to a lot of people experiencing weight loss stalls.

[not2late]

Just to add to what Rich wrote. The Hellers are the authors of the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet. It's a low carb plan similar to Atkins. They forbid gum chewing during their diet because the activity of chewing alone stimulates the body to release insulin, which can lead to blood sugar instability. Since the weight loss of most low carb diets, including Atkins, depends on stable blood sugar/insulin.

[MySongAngel]

I have to admit I've chewed gum on a couple occasions, making sure it was sugarless. Hey, when I'm going to go out with my boyfriend, I've got to do something about Ketone breath!! I've probably chewed 4 pieces through induction, and I'm on day 13. It doesn't seem to have slowed my progress, but perhaps it did trigger some mild cravings. This has been my one cheat, along with occasional caffeine. So... gum's probably not a good idea, but there's kind of this dilemma... The diet causes bad breath but prohibits gum. Chewing parsley and drinking lots of water helps, but sometimes I just didn't feel comfortable without some gum. Personally, it didn't cause any problems for me.

[not2late]

Cravings are a big deal on this diet because it's a sign of blood sugar instability....The weight loss on this diet depends partly on stabilizing your blood sugar (which keeps insulin in check).

So, if it gives you cravings, drop it from your diet.

[Elizellen]

Originally Posted by MySongAngel

The diet causes bad breath but prohibits gum. Chewing parsley and drinking lots of water helps, but sometimes I just didn't feel comfortable without some gum.

You could carry a small bottle of mouthwash perhaps, or some people take a travel toothbrush/paste so they can freshen up during the day.

[ttdriver]

I chewed Trident all through induction with no problem. Its 1 gram per piece.

YMMV. (your mileage may vary).

Betty

[chicogirl61]

When I did Atkins a couple of years ago, I chewed gum--sugar free--and had NO problems. I would just pay attn to your body and whether or not it hurts you re: cravings and stalls. I have an insatiable oral fixation and HAVE to chew gum or else I start chewing on pens and having them bust in my mouth which is no good :yikes . But, if I could stay away from it, I definitely would. I'm trying to decrease gradually...

[spazzyhilo]

or if nothing else I know that one can get sugar free breath mints

[JESTEROO]

Trident makes a gum - with Splenda. It is the Kid's Gum in the purple package , some sort of berry flavored. It is pretty good. I limit myself to one stick a day at work . . .
:nod