Can chewing gum help you lose weight?

trustymutsi
trustymutsi Posts: 174 Member
edited November 9 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been trying to chew gum as a replacement for overeating. I'm also counting calories and cutting out junk food drastically, but when I get the craving to eat something when I'm bored, angry, etc... I've tried chewing gum instead.

Is this a bad idea? Will it actually make me more hungry, since my stomach will probably think there's food on the way?

Thanks for any input! :)

Replies

  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    It works for some people. Not for everyone. You should be able to tell whether it's making you hungry or satisfying you.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    If you're actually hungry, then you should probably eat. If it's a craving or emotional response, then gum chewing can be a good option.
  • bms34b
    bms34b Posts: 401 Member
    I love chewing gum to help, and I find it really helps me stay away from boredom eating or drinking too sugary of drinks...unfortunately, I have a pretty severe jaw condition which makes it really painful to do. :( But, chew away! I strongly suggest the apple pie flavor form extra.
  • krystinaarlene
    krystinaarlene Posts: 54 Member
    I strongly second the recommendation for the apple pie flavor by Extra. Holy deliciousness! The wildberry remix by orbit is also super good.

    I'm a big gum chewer. I eat when I'm hungry but sometimes my body thinks it needs to eat when I'm bored, which is when.the gum comes in. I don't think it makes me more hungry. Sometimes combining a piece of gum with a big glass of ice water really does the trick.
  • firedragon064
    firedragon064 Posts: 1,082 Member
    I also like chocolate mint ice cream gum from extra.
    I chew gums to release stress. Also it keeps my mouth busy so I don't eat junk food.
    Of course it also burns some calorie (not much).
  • xSophia19
    xSophia19 Posts: 1,536 Member
    i find chewing definatley helps me to stop the snacking throughout the day!! I think this is why i have been snacking an awful lot lately during the day - because i keep forgetting to buy chewing gum! and my brain thinks im hungry - when im actually not! i just want something to munch on, and unfortunatley its calorific foods! :( soo thanks for the reminder - i will be buying chewing gum tomorrow when i visit the shops :drinker:
  • beccadaniixox
    beccadaniixox Posts: 542 Member
    I chew gum after every meal because other wise I'll think I still want to eat.
    It's just a way to keep my mouth busy so I can decide if I'm full or not.
  • I live off of peppermint gum lol not literally but just about after every meal I pop a piece of gum because I like the feeling it leaves in my mouth. I have a job where I sit in front of my computer all day and answer phones and it's easy to just sit here and snack all day so instead I chew gum and it leaves a pleasant taste in my mouth and keeps my mouth and brain preoccupied lol. It has really helped me.
  • Think il have to start chewing gum, lol!
  • lambertj
    lambertj Posts: 675 Member
    I'm addicted to Trident Cinnamon gum but be sure to log it as it does have carbs and calories even though its sugar free :)
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    I also like chocolate mint ice cream gum from extra.
    I chew gums to release stress. Also it keeps my mouth busy so I don't eat junk food.
    Of course it also burns some calorie (not much).

    The mint chocolate gum is HEAVEN. It's like pretend dessert! I'll have that after lunch sometimes just for a little something sweet. I chew super minty gum when I work out (weight lifting, not cardio). I'm not sure why but it helps me get "in the zone."
  • delong99
    delong99 Posts: 22 Member
    Sometimes I chew a strong mint gum. It makes my mouth minty and I'm less likely to want to eat anything for a while because the flavor will be "off". I think it's Extra Polar Ice.

    I also like the dessert gums (key lime pie) to trick myself into thinking I'm getting something sweet. And only 5 calories!
  • lizard053
    lizard053 Posts: 2,344 Member
    Chewing gum makes me even hungrier most of the time! Though I do really like Extra mint chocolate chip. Yummy!
    For some it works, for others it doesn't. You need to see for yourself!
  • clare07866
    clare07866 Posts: 12 Member
    I find that the gum thing works but when i'm at work i keep a packet of mints around so when i feel like being naughty and eating cake from the staff room i have a mint instead. keeps your mouth busy just long enough to realise your not hungry enough for cake! :flowerforyou:
  • TexNut
    TexNut Posts: 53
    Try drinking water in-between meals and snacks. You should aim to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day. So, if you weigh 180 pounds, that's a goal of 90 ounces of water every day! Even slight dehydration can cause you to feel hungry or fatigued.
    I used to joke that chewing gum would trick your stomach into believing something was heading it's way...but it doesn't last long! :) If you're dealing with an oral fixation or unhealthy eating behavior, chewing gum might help initially. In the long run, you'll have to address the habitual behavior or it'll keep coming back to trip you up.
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