boots’ camp: something to chew on

Dear Miss Emily Post,

My deepest regrets for my next blog entry.

Sincerely,

Boots

When chewing gum was introduced to the United States in 1871, Emily Post would not even speak of the subject.  It was declasse, not to mention, to some  it was immoral.      Jump 140 years into the future and you are bound to see someone, somewhere smacking the stuff in public.  ( I use the word, “smacking” as it is the  word my mother used when I was growing up  to emphasize her disgust at the habit)  To mom’s dismay,  I happen to love to chew gum.  Many of us do.

The other night as I sat watching the Oscars,  I spied  Sarah Jessica Parker – queen of fashion – bedecked in her Haute Couture Chanel gown chewing away.    First I was horrified at her lack of civility, but  I then thought to myself – “That’s how she stays so skinny.”   Yes, chewing gum can actually shed some pounds.

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study citing the act of chewing gum can increase caloric expenditure each day  by 20%.   Eleven calories per hour were burned – not much-  but it adds up.    The study concluded that chewing sugar free gum every hour you are awake could possibly lead to an 11 pound weight loss in a year.   Wow!  11 pounds!!   Before you get too excited,  this means ALL waking hours – in the shower, at the gym, in that important, must -seal -the deal presentation.   Um -  the latter is not such a good idea.    It is still important to mind your manners.

While you may not be able to chew gum ALL the time to reach the full 11 pounds weight loss,   chewing sugar free gum can help you decrease cravings for higher calorie snacks and curb your appetite.  It can increase gastric motility by stimulating saliva production and may calm some symptoms of indigestion.  ( Warning – Obligatory negative medical news Note to follow: swallowing too much air may lead to increased indigestion or gas.  Some sugar free sweeteners such as sorbitol may cause gastric distress if taken in large quanitities.  Sorbitol is the key ingredient in most laxatives)   However – in more good news, gums sweetened with xylitol may help to reduce dental caries.    And perhaps the reason, I reach for it most often is that chewing gum in a rhythmic pattern can help to reduce anxiety and stress.   I happen to be that toe tapping, fidgety girl in meetings  and I always have a pack of Orbitz’s  flavor of the month on hand.

Of course, for Emily’s sake and my mother’s,  one should never blow bubbles in public,  “pop” it, or dispose of it by simply spitting it out.   Wrapping the used product in a paper and then disposing of it in a receptacle is best practice.  I can’t believe I actually feel the need to have to say that…. but  those of us who have ruined a pair of pumps by stepping in a bubblicious mess would appreciate if everyone would heed these common courtesies.

When in private – that’s a different story – smack away.  Blow a big ol bubble.  Have fun – and just think of all the good your are doing for yourself.  Now that’s something to chew on.

Cheers!

**special thanks to Hestands in the Heights for allowing me to snap a shot of their gum display that always makes me happy when I  see it.