Chewing

Ok guys. It's time to get down to it. The nitty gritty. That nasty chewing habit we all have. The one that sucks from our money, our sanity, and our jaw muscles with all of it's slurping chomping and smacking disgustingness.

And I'm not talking about tobacco.

I'm talking about gum.

Fess up fellow anorexics, bulemics, and eating disorder sufferers everywhere. Many of us have a thing with gum. I'm a pack a day person myself.

I know, I know. Pathetic.

There have been a number of studies on this excessive habit with individuals with eating disorders and it turns out that its a pretty common thing. We do it because it keeps our mouth occupied. It keeps us busy. It tricks our brain into thinking we're eating. It gives our mouth something sweet to taste. And (most importantly, at least for me) it keeps us from eating any more!

Seriously, I chew gum after every meal when I'm restricting. I decide when I am going to stop beforehand and then, when I reach that point in the meal, I pop in a stick of gum. After all, no one wants to eat while they chew and get food in their fum. That would be GROSS!!! And no one wants to eat when their mouth feels fresh and minty.

I've also used gum as an excuse not to eat at parties or social events. "Come try some of this!" "No thanks, I just put in a piece of gum."

Guess what guys, this is an extremely disordered habit.

Not to mention an ache in your jaw.

In reality, I only used to chew a pack a day. Now I'm down to three packs a week. Yay! I'm hoping to get to two packs a week, and then I feel like that will be a fairly normal amount of gum.

If you have a problem with gum chewing, I seriously suggest you talk to a dietitian about it. Also, if you know someone who with an eating disorder who chews lots of gum, encourage them to stop. It's an unhealthy habit that perpetuates an unhealthy mindset.

*collective moan*

I know guys, but it's time to spit the gum out.