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]

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

[2big4mysize]

FYI just cause it says sweetened with SPlenda doesn't mean it doesn't also have sugar alcohols in it 3 in the trident

Nutritional Information
Trident For Kids® - 8 Stick Pack

Ingredients
Berry Bubble Gum: Sorbitol, Gum Base, Mannitol, Glycerin, Artificial and Natural Flavoring, Xylitol, Calcium Casein Peptone-Calcium Phosphate (Lactose-Free Milk Derivative)**, Soy Lecithin, Acetylated Monoglycerides, Sucralose, Red 40 Lake and Blue 2 Lake. CONTAINS A MILK-BASED INGREDIENT.
Recaldent® is a trademark of Bonlac Bioscience International PTY LTD.

We have a memeber here who actually was a patient of the Atkins med center when Dr Atkins was alive and he said Dr Atkins diagnoised his stalling agent as all the Sugarfree gum he wqa chewing.

Your breath from ketosis is actually acetone gas and should not smell bad Dr Atkins called it ripe apple smelling. Try brushing your teeth, gums and tongue to inprove your breath.

[Peterlock]

A great solution to bad breath is to take Spirulina

Spirulina is considered "the healthiest food in the world" it's a potent source of vitamins and minerals - in addition to a mega dose of chlorophyll which absolutely 100% gets rid of bad breath.

It's made from a special blue-green algae and has been used for centuries. You can take it in powder form mixed with water, tablets or capsules.

It's available at most any vitamin or health food shop - I take 2,000 mgs daily to learn more here's a link that may be of interest

https://www.spirulina.com

Peter ha