Extra sugar free gum

[nene1958]

Does chewing this gum add carbs to my totals? It shows 2 carbs with 2 sugar alcohols in a stick of gum.

[imagood1]

you would have to add the carbs to your total for the day -- they are empty calories since you get no nutritional value from putting them in your mouth. The sugar alcohols have been known to stall some people so you should be careful with them.

[Georgiana]

Originally Posted by nene1958

Does chewing this gum add carbs to my totals? It shows 2 carbs with 2 sugar alcohols in a stick of gum.

Everybody reacts differently to sugar alcohols. They have a laxative effect, so if your body is not metabolizing them you'll have some bathroom issues. On the other hand, if your body is metabolizing them, then you'll have to count them towards your net carbs. Of course, there's no way to know exactly how many of those 2 carbs are metabolized and how many aren't.

But why do you want to chew gum? As Carole said, it's an empty food. If chewing gum is just a habit, it would be in your benefit to ditch it. If you're worried about your breath, then brush your teeth more often, carry a small bottle of mouthwash and some floss with you and drink a lot of water.

[nene1958]

I have a job that I talk all day long and my mouth gets dry. I drink a lot and I noticed that I drink a lot less if I chew gum. So far I have lost 24 lbs in 3 weeks. Do you think I could lose more if I don't chew gum?

[phil h]

I chew gum but only take about a 1/5 of a stick at a time.Never use a whole stick per day.You get that freshness with just a dad.

[momtomany1]

I tend to do the same thing, I get the same benefit from a third of a stick of Trident and it less noticealble. I tend to believe that gums with xylitol are less of a difficulty, and they are good for the teeth. Make sure that you aren't missing out on your water, and I don't think you could lose at a faster rate lol! so I don't think your gum is slowing you. Some things you just have to get info on then make a strategic decision.

[imagood1]

Originally Posted by nene1958

I have a job that I talk all day long and my mouth gets dry. I drink a lot and I noticed that I drink a lot less if I chew gum. So far I have lost 24 lbs in 3 weeks. Do you think I could lose more if I don't chew gum?

make sure you are drinking enough water each day -- it is VERY important to drink AT LEAST 64 ounces of pure water a day.

[nene1958]

Sorry I took so long to reply. I had the weekly weigh in this morning and lost another 2.2 lbs. I guess the gum didn't hurt too much. Thanks for all of the input about sugar alcohols. I had no idea they were bad for me.