Alternative for sugar free gum?

[jcapulet]

I think sugar free gum is doing me in. Each stick has TWO grams of carbs I'd have several sticks a day...and that really adds up!!

I can't stand the taste of food or beverage in my mouth, and I don't want to keep running to the bathroom to brush my teeth because I snack on small things frequently (plus the bathroom at work always smells like poo!). I like the gum as a breath freshener.

I've heard of chewing on parsely, but that sounds kinda weird to chew on parsely all day Any alternatives that are Atkins friendly?

[ladyinred]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

How about breath strips? I don't think they have any carbs in them and you can get different flavours now. I use them when I have to go talk to people and I don't want to be chomping gum at them (i.e. the boss)

[BabyDreamer]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

I keep a small bottle of mouthwash around. I bought some at Wal-Mart for Diabetics so the carbs are not in there. It helps.

Deb

I think sugar free gum is doing me in. Each stick has TWO grams of carbs I'd have several sticks a day...and that really adds up!!

I can't stand the taste of food or beverage in my mouth, and I don't want to keep running to the bathroom to brush my teeth because I snack on small things frequently (plus the bathroom at work always smells like poo!). I like the gum as a breath freshener.

I've heard of chewing on parsely, but that sounds kinda weird to chew on parsely all day Any alternatives that are Atkins friendly?

[ttdriver]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

Most SF gum has SA carbs .. which are insignificant IMO .. I can't think of anyone who chews more gum than I do ..and its never been an issue for me. Did ya ever hear of anyone who gained weight because of SF gum? I haven't ... I say CHEW!

Betty

[jcapulet]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

Thanks LIR and Deb! Those are great ideas...I thought I was doomed with the gum, but I'm glad I asked!

[jcapulet]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

Most SF gum has SA carbs .. which are insignificant IMO .. I can't think of anyone who chews more gum than I do ..and its never been an issue for me. Did ya ever hear of anyone who gained weight because of SF gum? I haven't ... I say CHEW!

Betty

LOL...the idea of gaining weight on gum

I'm just trying to keep within my carb limits...the Extra gum I buy in bulk has 2 carbs per stick. I want to see if my losses are better if I cut down on them.

What are SA carbs, btw?

[adreliluc]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

I've been wondering if gum can cause cravings/hunger? It seems doubtful yet this past week I ran out of gum (I chew gum constantly!), and was surprised because my appetite was small and I didn't even think about eating when I wasn't hungry, but I didn't associate this with gum (or lack of gum) at all. But then yesterday I had a piece of sf orbit and right away I was hungry and wanted something... I made due with a diet coke but it happened again this morning, so now it's making me wonder... can it just be a coincidence?

[jcapulet]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

I've been wondering if gum can cause cravings/hunger? It seems doubtful yet this past week I ran out of gum (I chew gum constantly!), and was surprised because my appetite was small and I didn't even think about eating when I wasn't hungry, but I didn't associate this with gum (or lack of gum) at all. But then yesterday I had a piece of sf orbit and right away I was hungry and wanted something... I made due with a diet coke but it happened again this morning, so now it's making me wonder... can it just be a coincidence?

I don't think it's a coincedence. Sugar substitutes do cause cravings with some of us...if it does for you then it's probably best to avoid it. The gum doesn't do that to me, but chewing the amount I have been chewing has added some 10-16 carbs to my daily intake.

[ttdriver]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

SA = sugar alcohols

[jcapulet]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

SA = sugar alcohols

Oh thanks! LOL...now that you told me, it sounds kinda obvious

[adreliluc]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

I don't think it's a coincedence. Sugar substitutes do cause cravings with some of us...if it does for you then it's probably best to avoid it. The gum doesn't do that to me, but chewing the amount I have been chewing has added some 10-16 carbs to my daily intake.

That's true... I eat a few peices (at least) a day... I've never counted those carbs. Grrr, I might have been able to lose faster! lol... sigh!

Guess I could try to find another way of keeping my breath fresh... as you know that's a must, ketosis = stank!

[jcapulet]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

Guess I could try to find another way of keeping my breath fresh... as you know that's a must, ketosis = stank!

LOL!! I forgot about ketones showing up in my breath. I don't think I've noticed that...hm I should ask my husband. Mostly it's my pee that smells weird...I hope my breath doesn't smell funny too.

[ladysinger68]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

Can't you subtract the sugar alcohol from the carb count? Resulting in 0 grms? That was my take on it anyway.

[jcapulet]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

Can't you subtract the sugar alcohol from the carb count? Resulting in 0 grms? That was my take on it anyway.

I don't know much about sugar alcohols...I should go read my Atkins book again! I've read it many times but never paid attention to the sugar alcohols part.

Hm...it says 2 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar alcohols. Reading up on that when I get home!!

[Chris]

Re: Alternative for sugar free gum?

Personally, I pretty much avoid all sugar alcohols like the plague. However, most sugar free gums contain sorbitol, which is one of the better ones. It has a glycemic index of only 9 (out of 100), so your body is really only going to metabolize a very small amount of those 2 grams of carbs. Most of it will pass though the body, undigested (by you, at any rate -- those gut bacteria will love it, however!).