This is the label on a package of gum I recently bought.
If you were wondering how many calories 20% fewer calories is, it would be 1 and 1/2. Thats right, the gum company was actually marketing the fact that their gum went from 5 to 3.5 calories.
To me, this just seems crazy. Of all the things we consume each day, I hardly think that extra piece of chewing gum is going to push you from a size 10 to a size 12. Have we really gotten to a point where we are counting calories in our chewing gum? If you really want to improve your diet, I just don't think cutting gum out of it, or chewing "less fattening" gum is going to do the trick...
but on that same note, I find it sad that many girls find that they HAVE to count calories in everything they eat, or chew, in order to reach the ultimate level of "perfection"
Now, I know no one wants to hear a rant about body image issues and the such. Rather, I'm just writing about some personal steps I'm taking in my life to inspire others to feel better about themselves. And who knows, maybe if you read this, you too might take the initiative to do the same :D.
Might as well be proactive right?
So
#1. Compliment AT LEAST one person everyday. It is a simple enough act, but since I've started doing it, I've noticed it not only makes someone else feel better, but I always get a little rush as well.
#2. I'm honest. If a friend asks how they look in something, I tell them the truth. Not in a mean way, but rather than get something they don't look that great in and letting it sit in the closet, I want them to find something they look GREAT in!
#3. Stop with the downgrading comments. I'll admit, in high school, I had my days where I would....make fun of other girls. Shame on me. I know. I've realized though, that putting other people down doesn't make you any better, and it probably violates some girl code, so why do it, right?
Thats actually all I can really think of. But if someone, anyone, has any other suggestions for improving the status quo I'd be happy to hear them. Life is a journey and its about improvement, so I love new ideas!
O, and I'd also like to give major kudos to the Dove campaign for real beauty.
This is an old video, but I find it to be interesting so I thought I would embed it:
I think you probably burn more calories than are in the gum when you chew it. Everyone should chew gum to lose weight!!!
Gum might be too, but did you know that when you eat celery you really do burn more calories than you consume? I think pickles are the same.
i am not much of a gum chewer, but when i thought about people who may chew a lot of gum, i thought about people who are trying to quit smoking. A fear among many people trying to quit is that you tend to gain weight anyways. Since some people try to chew gum instead of smoking - maybe the brand of gum you bought is trying to appeal to these people? just a random thought that i had.
but I like that you pointed out a problem that is ingrained in our culture, but showed how you have taken steps to not let it negatively affect you. i think it is great!
for the record, as i scrolled down after submitting that comment, there was an add on the screen for nicoret gum!
Thats because the ads are determined by keywords in the blog and comments, and since you brought up smoking and gum, nicorette was right there. :)
~C
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My Bio teacher was talking about diet once and how it can really surprise you when you write down what you eat and see how many calories you actually consume. He mentioned how you have to count gum and drinks as well when you keep a diet journal. Seriously, I'm with you on the gum issue! How do 5 calories add up over the course of a day? Even if I chew 5 pieces a day, it's only 25 calories! People are crazy.