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fruit and gum addict

fruit and gum addict

Started by Sarah Smith on November 13, 2009

5 Comments

Sarah Smith said #1 Nov 13, 2009 at 8:57pm

Hello everyone,
I have been a vegetarian/vegan since I was 13 (5 years). I recently read Alicia's book, which I love love love! My diet is pretty kind, I eat entirely vegan and I am trying to limit processed foods but I have a few things that I am having trouble cutting out completely. One of these things is gum. I have high anxiety and sometimes chewing gum helps. It also keeps me from biting my nails (sometimes). Does anyone else have this problem? If so how do you have any tips on how to let go of gum for good? Something else that I love and struggle letting go of is fruit. Sometimes I eat up to 6 pieces a day! Of all the addictions that I could have it is probably a relatively healthy one. Even so, I am trying to eat less of it, especially because the book recommends eating no more than one piece of fruit a day (if I remember correctly). Any suggestions how to nix the gum, excess fruit, and be a super hero?

Thanks guys!Sarah (:

Maryann Boosalis said #2 Nov 14, 2009 at 2:02pm

Hey Sarah I am exactly the same as you! I seriously used to chew a pack of gum a day! (at least). My nutritionist told me that chewing gum can sometimes fool your mind into thinking your about to eat and can actually cause you to crave certain foods, which is another reason that it might be beneficial to stop. Lately I have been cutting down a lot simply by not keeping it around (If i have it, im bound to chew it). I have found this to help a lot and I also agree with Amy that brushing my teeth helps.

As for nail biting, I have been guilty basically my whole life. I have recently gotten the habit under control by going in for a manicure every two weeks (or painting my nails myself when im short on money). It seriously helps because im not going to bite my nails after i paid to get them done or spent time on them! Also, sometimes my nails will break and that makes me just want to bite them or rip them off, so im trying to keep them pretty short until they become more healthy.

As for fruits, I eat a ton too and am trying to find more veggies to eat instead of all the fruit, but its hard! especially at breakfast.. so im right there with ya on that one!

Monk said #3 Nov 16, 2009 at 1:16pm

I found this online and thought it worth posting...

Letter from Wrigley Company about their chewing gum

"The Wrigley Company is happy to confirm that the vast majority of Wrigley products sold in the USA are free from ingredients of animal origin, including egg and dairy products.

At present, the only exception is the Polar Ice version of Extra contains tiny flavor beads encased in a microscopic layer of gelatin, which is animal-based. This is the only use of gelatin in any Wrigley product anywhere in the world. We have requested the development of a gelatin-free flavor bead that is currently being worked on by our supplier. All other flavors of Extra in the U.S. - spearmint, peppermint, cinnamon, Winterfresh, and bubble gum - are free of animal ingredients of any kind."

"All Wrigley products sold in Asia are free from ingredients of animal origin, including egg or dairy products.

The Wrigley Company's priority is, and always will be, to manufacture high-quality products that are safe, enjoyable and meet domestic and international food regulations. All the ingredients used in Wrigley products are of the highest standards of safety and purity."

"The Wrigley Company is happy to confirm that there are no ingredients of animal origin used in any of its products sold anywhere in Europe. This includes the following list of products: Orbit, Orbit White, Wrigley's Extra, Airwaves, Winterfresh, Freedent, Wrigley's Spearmint, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit and Hubba Bubba.

Sarah Smith said #4 Nov 16, 2009 at 2:08pm

Thanks so much for the feedback guys! Amy, thanks for the stress relieving techniques - I am definitely going to try them out.I am finding that as I incorporate more whole grains and veggies into my diet my body craves less fruit.
Maryann, I definitely eat less gum when it's not around so I am going to fight the urge to buy it from now on. While an addiction to gum is healthier than other addictions, it's not good to be addicted to anything, especially something with artificial sweeteners.
Monk, thanks for posting those quotes. I'm glad to know that Wrigley does not use animal products in it's gum. If I feel the need to buy a pack, I will go for that brand.
It's so nice to know that there are other people out there dealing with the same issues. Thanks so much for the support and encouragement!

Monk said #5 Nov 16, 2009 at 3:38pm

One thing to also keep in mind is the more fruit you eat the less sweet you need in the dishes you prepare since the fruits have their own natural sweetner. There's been a few studies that have linked an over-abundance of fruit to health problems as well. As a vegetarian, vegan or superhero this isn't so much of a problem. The studies, if I remember correctly, were mainly speaking of Raw Foodists.

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