Chew on this!

Can chewing sugarless gum really help you cut calories?

Contestants on The Biggest Loser use it regularly, and studies have shown that chewing gum can help control cravings, manage hunger, and promote weight loss. Sugar-free gum is best because it is usually less than five calories per piece, compared to 10 calories for regular gum.

A few small studies have shown that chewing gum can help you shave calories. But this won't lead to significant weight loss unless you also follow a reduced-calorie diet and get regular physical activity.

Research from the University of Rhode Island showed that people who chewed gum consumed 68 fewer calories at lunch and did not compensate by eating more later in the day. Chewing gum also helped the study participants satisfy their cravings and resist fattening treats.

And there's more: Gum chewers actually burned about 5% more calories than non-gum chewers. Another study, from Louisiana State University, indicated that chewing gum was helpful in controlling appetite, decreasing participants' daily intake by 40 calories and reducing snack cravings.
Here are some tips for saving calories by chewing gum:

• Chew gum when you have the urge to eat a snack between meals.

• Pop a piece in your mouth to signal the end of the meal, or to prevent mindless munching while watching TV or at a party.

• Keep some in your purse or briefcase to help you resist high-calorie temptations.

• Keep your mouth busy with a piece of gum while you cook to prevent nibbling.

Although chewing gum can help you cut calories and avoid fattening snacks, it's important not to go overboard.

Most sugar-free chewing gums contain a low-calorie sweetener called sorbitol. A study in The British Medical Journal tells of cases of chronic diarrhoea, pain, and unexplained weight loss that was traced to excessive consumption of sorbitol-containing gum (15-20 sticks daily).

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