Should you track gum?

chewylotta · 08-13-2009, 01:53 PM

Should I be tracking the amount of calories in the gum I chew? I have a terrible habit (at least it is no longer nicotine) and I usually chew a pack of sugar free gum per day. At 5 calories a pop that is 75 calories I have not been tracking. My next question is do I burn those 5 calories just by chewing a stick of gum. Therefore, maybe they cancel each other out?

Silly I know but I may be ingesting over 500 calories per week I had not thought about.

Thanks!

missjane · 08-13-2009, 01:57 PM

If you are chewing that much gum, then it gets counted.

LaraT · 08-13-2009, 02:44 PM

My rule is anymore than 5 pc's a day I count. My gum of choice is also 5 cals. Knowing I have to count keeps me from chewing it to much (can be a nervous habit for me)
I have read that you don't get the full amount of calories (unless you swallow the gum) not sure if that is true or not?

RedLefty · 08-13-2009, 02:59 PM

As long as it's xylitol gum it's still an overall health boost -- you've basically completely transformed the chemistry of your mouth and are immune to certain types of bacteria.

When I saw the thread title I envisioned police in the forest with dogs, sniffing for clues.

Aoife · 08-13-2009, 03:00 PM

that's a lot of gum.
I hope for the sake of everyone around you you're not a snapper, popper, or smacker.

missjane · 08-13-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLefty

As long as it's xylitol gum it's still an overall health boost -- you've basically completely transformed the chemistry of your mouth and are immune to certain types of bacteria.

When I saw the thread title I envisioned police in the forest with dogs, sniffing for clues.

Oh, if it's got xylitol in it, you gotta be clearing out rooms!

Phaedrus49er · 08-13-2009, 08:10 PM

Bytsi · 08-14-2009, 07:46 AM

Gum makes many people very gassy - does the xylitol not upset your stomach at all???

And I've gotta go with Aoife on this one - if you're a loud chewer or snap your gum, please STOP!!!!

avocado · 08-14-2009, 11:16 AM

If you really want to be accurate, make sure you count the number of chews with each piece.

LisaS · 08-14-2009, 12:05 PM

true confessions - I'm an unconcious snapper - well, inward bubble-popper is more accurate - if I'm working and really deep in a problem I'll do it without even realizing it - and startle myself. Good thing I'm in an office.

RedLefty · 08-16-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missjane

Oh, if it's got xylitol in it, you gotta be clearing out rooms!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bytsi

Gum makes many people very gassy - does the xylitol not upset your stomach at all???

And I've gotta go with Aoife on this one - if you're a loud chewer or snap your gum, please STOP!!!!

Xylitol has never caused me any trouble. Maltitol is the killer.