Chewing Gum Anyone? page

[frugaldad]

Looking for opinions on chewing gum after lunch. I enjoy the usual low carb meal on my lunch break, but don't want to scare others in the office, so I usually grab a piece of "sugar free" gum (Trident White, to be exact).

The gum only has 1 carb (1 sugar alcohol) per piece, but it's the sweet flavor I'm concerned with. Mark's mentioned something similar wrt to diet drinks - the rush of artificially sweetened flavors triggers your brain in the same way real sugar does.

Of course, I realize Grok didn't chew gum, but then again he didn't have to attend meetings, give presentations in a small conference room, etc.

Should I worry, or not sweat it?

[Molecular Grokologist]

Sweet tastes cause an insulin surge separate from that which occurs because of rises in blood sugar. It's not enormous, but if you're trying to lose some particularly stubborn weight, regular consumption of noncaloric sweeteners could be holding you back.

[fillyone]

My naturalist told me if I had to chew gum, chew regular old fasioned gum that doesn't have artifcial sweetners

[Molecular Grokologist]

If it's ketosis breath you're worried about, try a cup of mint tea. It freshens your breath and stimulates bile secretion to help you digest those lovely fats you just ate.

[DarthFriendly]

There are some natural herbal breath fresheners that shoudn't have any carbs, look for stuff made with clove, and peppermint oil.

[Molecular Grokologist]

A pinch of fennel seeds like they do after meals in some parts of India is also nice.

[frugaldad]

Good suggestions, thanks. And not so much ketosis breath...more like tuna, onions and celery breath. I'll look for more natural breath fresheners.

[DarthFriendly]

Tuna Onion Breath! ROFL

[verdilak]

I would go with peppermint oil if you are concerned about your breath after eating, plus peppermint oil will help settle any stomach issues that you may incur due to what you eat.

[beeface]

i will always chew gum keeps me from snacking. dont care
whatever. if i drink tea, i just get bloated and fuller.
yuck. gum works. havent gained a lb from it!
i say go ahead, plus xylitol is good for your teeth and gums, said my dentist