Losing weight can be as easy as walking and chewing gum, literally. Several studies suggest that chewing gum produces a number of effects, psychologically and physically, that can assist people in their quest to shed extra-pounds. The benefits of chewing gum have even resulted in brands to market themselves as a dietary supplement.

Chemical properties found in sugarless gum, sorbitol and xylitol, act as nutritive sweeteners that are slowly metabolized when consumed and, in turn, can suppress appetite. One stick of sugar-free gum contains a negligible amount of calories, which spurs a surplus of advantages. Not only is the mouth preoccupied and taste buds satisfied, the desire to indulge in fatty foods is diminished.

If you are like many people, candy is a large part of life. Everyone is aware of the health issues involved, but we keep eating it! So what are a few tips and tricks you can use to wean off of candy?

First step: Ease of access

If candy is prevalent around the home or office, it is going to be eaten. No simple way around this, you need to remove the candy and replace it with sugar free gum (or sugar free candy). The best way is to put the gum in easy to find places - right on top of the counter. Have some in the desk drawer of on top of your desk at work. If there is that lady who has a ton of candy on her desk at the office, see if she is willing to swap it out. A good first step might even be sugar free candy (not the chocolate that many people use). Explain to this person that you are trying to improve your health and their candy bowl is a large trigger so would they like to help you out? Most people are not going to say no. Typically they brought it in for other people so their family doesn’t eat it. A little selfish but that’s life.

Treating ourselves to a piece of bubble gum or a candy bar is one of the things we do mindlessly to satisfy our craving for something with a sweet taste. We do this while carrying out our daily activities, anywhere and anytime.

However, the myth surrounding bubble gum and candy bars is that if it’s too sweet, then it’s no good for your health. Surprisingly, this is not truly the case, because they have been found to have so many positive effects on health and general well-being. Being a connoisseur of chewing bubble gum, I can testify to some of the health benefits that can be derived from pleasing my sweet tooth.