Chomp Not: The Lowdown on Chewing Gum

Maybe Singapore has it right.  It induces heavy fines for possession or use of chewing gum without a prescription.  That may be a tad severe, but I, personally, find it to be an undesirable view - watching and hearing someone smack and chomp on a piece of gum.  And, after learning some things and reviewing a few chewing gum labels lately to see what was there, the sound of it may turn you off, too.

Important Health Considerations to Stop Chewing Gum

Besides getting stuck on your shoe, here are other ways chewing gum can annoy your body. Lots of links to tap here for more research details.

1.  The ingredients are scary.  

You may think you are doing a good thing, choosing sugar-free gum over sugar laden varieties, but I must break the bad news. It is no better. In fact, maybe worse. Here is why:

There is nothing sweet about artificial sweeteners and chewing gum is loaded with them. A common ingredient in sugar-free gum is aspartame. It is metabolized inside your body and may cause serious neurological as well as other harmful effects.  It is FDA approved but many studies show it has been linked to birth defects, cancers, brain tumors, and weight gain as well. Why take the risk?

Sucralose or Splenda, another common artificial sweetener used in chewing gum and FDA approved, (but based on only two human studies) has shown to reduce the absorption of other drugs, cause stomach distress, release toxins when used in baking as well as many other harmful effects.

Another common preservatives listed in gum labels is BHA (butylated hydroxytoluene), a preservative that has a whole host of bad associations such as cancer and many other diseases.

Don't miss this: A great way to shop for fresh and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables is your local farmers' market. Here is a guide to make it a smart way to shop with tips to ask your grower to ensure your foods are organic and not sprayed.

2.  There is no entrance fee.

The fact that chewing gum is not swallowed does not give it a pass as to the ingredients being absorbed as they enter through the walls of your mouth.  Some even claim it could be worse as the ingredients in gum enter your body quickly bypassing the digestive system that might filter some of these ingredients away.

3.  Fake colors are not true.

The artificial colors in many gums, especially those for children, may lead to hyperactivity or magnify symptoms of attention deficit disorder. There is also some studies that indicate that certain food dyes may lead to cancer as well.  

Don't miss this: DId you know there are foods that can actually calm your nerves?

4.  Your digestion is adversely affected.             

       
Chewing gum causes you to swallow excess air, which can contribute to pain and bloating and exacerbate IBS symptoms.  Further, those artificial sweeteners, like sorbitol can lead to several GI problems like cramping, gas and even diarrhea, too.

5.  Gum can go to your head.

Recent studies have linked the chewing of any type of gum with migraine or tension headaches in adolescents.

Don't miss this: Could those headaches be a migraine? Find out here all the specifics on that.

6.  Excess smacking and chewing hurts the jaw.

Many complain that gum causes their jaw to click which could lead to disorders that  cause tightness of the jaw muscles.

Three Alternatives to Chewing Gum

One of the biggest reasons people chew gum is for its breath freshening properties. Besides brushing your teeth, here are a few other ways to freshen your breath rather than reaching for a toxic stick of gum:

1.  Nibble on an herb.

Parsley and mint as well as other garnishes are great natural breath fresheners and probably more effective in achieving the task over gum anyway.  Besides, they both contain a plethora of nutrients!

Don't miss this: Check out how to cook best with these other amazingly healthy herbs and spices.

2.  Sip away.

I wrote about the many reasons and benefits of drinking lemon water,  but one big benefit of keeping your body as well as your mouth hydrated is that it chases away any bad breath you may acquire.

Don't miss this:  Browse through these endless other healthy sips, sauces, and smoothies options, too.

3.  Pocket a few seeds.

Keep some fennel seeds in your pocket and chew on a few after a meal as an alternative to chewing gum to keep the breath nice.  It has the additional benefit of containing antibacterial properties.



So, what do you think of chewing gum? Is it something you do often? Or do you have other alternatives?




Note:  This post appeared previously on THM but has been updated with latest links.

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Create A Healthy Breakfast In 15 Minutes Your Guests Will Love

Plans to entertain out-of-town visitors at your house any time soon? Could that mean extra mouths to feed in the morning maybe, too? If that is the case, let me help as there is no need to exhaust yourself over various complicated egg orders or pancake batter for a crowd or even worse  -- offering a poor selection of unhealthy cereal boxes or frozen waffles.

Instead, let your guests mosey up to a breakfast bar after their night of sweet slumber and grab a spoon to start their day with some nourishment and great taste!  And, as for you the host or hostess, this healthy breakfast offering only takes 15 minutes -  just a wee-bit more effort than plopping down those cardboard boxes on the table anyway!

Why A Self-Serve, Healthy Breakfast Bar For Your Next Mixed Crowd Is A Great Idea

You barely cook a thing for this breakfast for a crowd and get to spend more time with your guests!  In fact, it is so easy on you, you can even sleep a little late, too!

Here is why a breakfast bar of starting with a choice of organic, warm polenta or delicious, creamy, organic Greek yogurt embellished with wonderful and delicious toppings can work so well for everyone at your house:

• Let your guests top their bowl and create the breakfast of their liking and spoon whatever suits them.  (More on delicious topping ideas below.)

• If you have late sleepers or early risers, this works out especially well. Polenta stays warm on the back of the stove (or in a crockpot).  If it gets a little thick from sitting there for the snoozers, add a teaspoon of water at a time and give it a stir.  Greek yogurt can stay cool in your fridge ready to grab anytime. No problem!

• If you have vegetarians or gluten-free eaters in the mix, it qualifies as a safe dish for them, too! 

• Leftovers are easily reheated or wrapped up for the next day.

• It takes the host so little time and effort -  15 minutes!

• You can easily expand the meal with a bowl of fresh fruit, coffee and tea, simple juices and a whole grain bread basket.

• It offers fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more -- all a great way to encourage a great start to the day.

Don't miss this: For other great ideas to begin your day, check out these healthy morning routines, loaded with ideas for your best A.M.  

3 Easy Steps to Create a Healthy Breakfast Bar in 15 Minutes

Get out your stop watch and follow these easy steps to set up a self-serve and delicious breakfast for your guests . . . in 15 minutes. Depending on how fast your move in the morning and your choice of toppings, that really is all it takes.

1.  4 Minutes: While the water is heating for the polenta, spread a few nuts of your choice on a cookie sheet to toast and then chop the herbs.  Set out the serving bowls and spoons and various other delicious and healthy toppings you wish to offer in small bowls and pitchers.  (See below for various ideas.) 

This is the best tasting organic polenta I have found and it is gluten-free and non GMO too! Everyone loves it and it takes no time at all to prepare - 10 minutes.  The simple directions are on the box but can be made dairy-free with water, milk or dairy-free nut milk.

2.  10 Minutes:  Finish making the  pot of comforting organic polenta and keep it warm on the stove.  (You could try transferring it to a crock-pot to keep it warm and fuss-free, but I have not done that myself-) Watch the nuts in the oven so that they do not burn.


Don't miss this:  Steel cuts oats is another great choice to offer.  It can take a while to cook, though. Here is how to make whole grain oats a whole lot faster.


3.  1 Minute:  Put your fresh, plain and organic Greek yogurt in a pretty bowl and set it on the bar.  Purchase plain with no added sugars.  Refined sugar is not a good way to start your day anyway and those flavorings would compete with the wonderful toppings you are offering as well.

Do make sure the yogurt is organic and here is why:  Most conventional milk comes from cows that are raised on a diet of genetically modified grains (not grass), sprayed with toxic pesticides,  pumped with antibiotics, growth hormones (rbGH) as well as steroid hormones. These harmful substances can be found in the cow’s milk, which is then made into the non-organic yogurt.  In fact, you really may want to go organic for all dairy if you consume it - milk, cheese and ice cream, too.

Don't miss this:  Why antibiotics in our food supply is a very, very bad thing.

Breakfast Bar Toppings

Set up a breakfast bar of savory and sweet delectable toppings that your guests and family can choose themselves to make it just how they like it!

Go a little sweet . . .

• Fruit compote of choice (Try the make-ahead, 10 minute one below.)
• Fresh berries
• Infused maple syrup or raw honey
• Small pitcher of organic cream (This topping can go savory, too!) 
• Chopped dates or dried fruit
• cinnamon or other favorite spices

Don't miss this:  Here why maple syrup is a sweet way to improve your health.

Go a little savory . . .

• Toasted nuts - almonds, walnuts, pecans 
• Chopped herbs like basil, chives or thyme
• Poached eggs (polenta only)
• Minced sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil (polenta only)
• Grated cheese (polenta only)

Topping Combinations to Try

Let the imagination lead when creating your breakfast, but here are some tested and nice combinations:

1. yogurt topped with apricot compote, slivered almonds, and fresh thyme (see quick compote recipe below)
2. polenta under a poached egg, sprinkled with chives and cheese
3. yogurt drizzled with raw honey, berries and walnuts
4. polenta with a splash of cream, a generous spoonful of apricot compote, pecans and sprinkled with a tiny bit of cinnamon
5. yogurt layered between maple syrup, cinnamon, berries
6. polenta decorated with sundried tomatoes in olive oil, basil and cheese

Fast and Delicious Apricot Compote

I guarantee this will be a popular topping for your breakfast bar and quite delicious on both the polenta and yogurt. It is make-ahead and stays fresh for days.

Gather

• 5 or 6 fresh apricots or 2 cups dried, diced in small pieces
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup water (You may need a bit more if pan starts to dry out.  Add a tablespoon at a time.)
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• pinch of pink salt

Now do this

• Combine apricots, lime juice, water, honey and salt in a large skillet. 
• Cook over medium heat until low boil, turning occasionally, until apricots are glazed and they break down - maybe 8 - 10 minutes.  The dried apricots may take longer to break down and soften. 
• Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Transfer to a small bowl and chill. 

Have your tried polenta for breakfast or another easy grain to take on various toppings, too?  Tell me your favorite way to adorn it! 

Note: I only link to products I actually use and find to be of excellent value. This post contains an affiliate link where I could make a small commission from your purchase.


Featured on Jill Conyers Blog Hop.

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How To Easily Meet Others & Make Social Events More Fun

Perhaps you sail through social events like holiday parties, weddings, work functions and even family reunions without a blink of apprehension or even a slightly uncomfortable moment. You easily chat away with just about anyone, never run out of an intriguing conversational topic and relish meeting new people. In fact, you are a natural at it.

Or, . . . maybe not so much. Or, . . somewhere in-between.

For many, large social gatherings, at least at first, may be a bit daunting.  I know I have felt that way at times. After all, just how exactly do you walk up to someone you don't know well or even at all to break the ice and start connecting?  It may feel stiff, disingenuous or even boring!  Chances are, though, you are not alone in feeling that and perhaps if you make the first move, others may be quite relieved you have initiated a conversation and be forever grateful!

So, how to go about meeting others with more ease, warm up the room, melt the ice and enjoy the event?  I suggest with a little mental preparation BEFORE the event, you will be a lot more relaxed AT the event.  And, when you are more relaxed, chances are far greater to ignite a memorable conversation or two and maybe even spark a new friendship.

We all know how friendships and our relationships play a critical role in creating that healthy lifestyle we seek.  Thus, those very social events we may dread are an opportunity to create a better life. With that in mind, please come look below for a few tips I have gathered here to help make that next social gathering start off well for you and the others in the room and make for a great night . . . and just maybe, a better life!

How to Create a Positive Mindset Before Your Next Social Event

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind before you even reach the threshold of that room full of people at your next big event:

1.  Assume the best of people and that meeting others will be interesting.

Don't let others' views of other party goers steer you away from anyone too easily.  Make sure to form your own opinions based on your experience with him or her.  And, that person across the room whom you seem to have nothing in common with may have a great tale to tell or you actually may learn something new. After all, the more often you enter a conversation with the belief that it can be fascinating, the more often it will be!

Don't miss this:  Having interests makes for better conversations. Check out these ways to easily get your life moving and be a more interesting person. 


2. Remind yourself that we all share similarities.

You probably have more in common with the people in the room than you realize. You may not share a familiar life situation, but everyone has challenges, insecurities, and problems to solve. I certainly don't suggest starting off with deeply personal questions or revelations when first meeting someone, but, if appropriate, you may find the courage to engage in a conversation after a bit on a challenging aspect of your life.


3. Be yourself.  

Don't be someone else.  That is exhausting and wastes everyone's time.  You are there to connect. You have a lot to offer so share and put that forward!


4.  Check your body language

How we carry ourselves sends a message as to whether we are open to meeting new people or not and plays a part in whether or not we get overlooked.  Here are a few tips many pros suggest to keep in mind so that you appear more approachable:

• Keep your stance open and keep arms uncrossed.  
• Don't have your nose in your phone. Head and chest up.
• Pull your shoulders back and stand straight, but not rigid.
• Smile at people walking by.
• Offer to shake hands when first meeting.

5.  Try and try again.  

If it did not go well with one person, it never means it will not go well with another. Learn from your error or maybe you didn't even make one and that person was having an off-day. Start again. Go approach someone else.

Consider practicing talking to strangers when out running errands - say while waiting in line for example.  The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become talking to people you do not know.

Don't miss this:  You may find these tips on creating a better social life that is meaningful to you here.

18 Ice Breakers To Begin Connecting Well With Others

Typically, the better the questions, the more interesting the answers! See if any of these starters will help you get the conversation going with those strangers in the room that could lead to a more engaging exchange.  Try to remember a few of these ice-breaking conversation ideas BEFORE your next shin-dig and you will be more relaxed when you get there.  They are broken down into categories depending on what you feel comfortable with and that reflect your interests and who you really are.


Some basic starters that work for many situations:

1.  "Since we are both here in-line waiting for a (drink, ticket, food), let me please introduce myself."

2.   "I don't seem to know many here, so may I please introduce myself. I'm (name) and I work at (company). or I am (friends, neighbors) with (host or hostess name)."

3.  "I have been admiring your (boots, tie).  Or, I saw you holding that (book title, camera) and have been looking for one.  I am (name) and would love to hear where you purchased it or what you think of it."



Travel is a great topic and people usually enjoy sharing their adventures and travel tales.  Here are some questions you could ask in this category:

4.  "I am currently creating a travel list and love to hear where others have been. Do you have any favorite travels or are you planning one as well?"

5.  "What countries have you traveled to and what did you bring back?"

Don't miss this:  Consider bringing back some of these from your next trip.

6.  "Do you have any favorite travel planning apps, websites or books?"

Don't miss this: Here is a plan to make those travel dreams a reality.  All the steps are there!



If you have a dog or cat or other pet like I do, we animal lovers could talk all day about them. How about this?

7.  "I am new to the area and have a (type of pet).  I'm looking for (vet recs, pet sitters, groomers, favorite dog parks). If you have a pet, do you have tips?"



And, of course, people love to talk about their children:

8.  "The piano player here is very talented. My (son, daughter) dreads (or loves) (his, her) weekly lesson! Do you have children, too?"




You can't go wrong asking if someone has a favorite something or other:

9.   "I am a fan of (TV show. author, actor).  Have you (seen latest episode, read latest work)?  (And, if they have not, ask if they have favorite.)

10. “I’m looking for a (new book, new series on Netflix). Have you (read, watched) any good ones lately?”

11.  "After this meal, I better not skip my workout like I did tonight.  Do you have a favorite (running trail, spin instructor, yoga studio)?"




Show you are real and self-deprecation can go miles:

12.  "I promised myself I'd meet three new people tonight.  Can I say hello and start with you?"

13.  "I don't know a soul here. and I think everyone else knows each other.  Are you a newbie here as well?"

14.  "I made a glamorous entrance and just spilled my drink!  Has that happened to you?"

15.  "This party is getting a little crowded in there. Mind if i join you here where it is a bit quieter?"




Everyone likes to eat and spend time in beautiful surroundings. Talk about that:

16.  "Tried the (appetizer name) yet?  Wish I could make those at home as they are great!"

17.  "This room is perfect for entertaining.  The (favorite element of room) is beautiful. Have you been here before?"




News events or sports scores can be safe as long as you keep it neutral:

18. "That was quite an event today (news or sporting event).  I have not been able to catch an update on it yet today.  Have you by chance?"



Do you have a special way you connect at large social gatherings where you do not know many people? Please share your magical tips in the comments!


Featured on Jill Conyers Blog Hop.

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