Gum is good!

I admit it...I'm a gum-smacker. And yes, I'm very aware that the noise can be irritating to others. But as a former smoker, it's a habit that I've happily adopted because I know it won't take a toll on my health down the road. If anything, chomping on sugar-free gum helps shave a few calories from the diet.
According to the Calorie Control Council, sugar-free gum is a great alternative to a higher-calorie snack or dessert. Chewing gum also has additional benefits: Research from the University of Liverpool indicates that chewing gum not only helps suppress the appetite but may also help cut cravings for sweets. A recent Washington Post article examined scientific evidence involving chewing gum's ability to fight fat. The article notes that a handful of gum studies suggest that chewing gum may help reduce cravings, particularly for sweet snacks, and spur people to cut their daily intake by about 50 calories. The latest study, presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Obesity Society in late October, showed that gum-chewing people consumed 67 fewer calories at lunch and didn't compensate by eating more later in the day.
While chewing gum certainly won't result in the dramatic loss of many pounds, it could be adopted as one small change in an overall weight loss or management effort. Regardless of how much gum will actually help to burn or reduce calories, sugar-free varieties only have about five calories per stick. So if you adopt gum as your sweet treat, you're making some pretty good choices.
Anyway, I would just like to say this to all of my old elementary and middle-school teachers who told me to quit chewing gum: Neener neener neener! See? Gum is good!

I resolve to do the following...

Not to brag or anything, but today is my last day in the office until 2010. Woot! If Mother Nature cooperates, I'll be landing in Chicago around 11 p.m. tonight. Don't fret, though. I'll be back in early January armed with insight on how to shed those holiday pounds. Speaking of, I've already started to compile a few realistic New Year's resolutions. After all, this is the best time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make in life and I'm determined to follow through on some of them. So here are a few of my goals, some of which are subject to change by Jan. 1.

1) It's all about exercise. Now that I'm in my early 30s, it's more important than ever to adopt healthy habits and physical fitness is a big part of that. Studies show that regular exercise helps reduce the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure and helps with weight loss and maintenance. Although I'm no stranger to the gym, I'm determined to shed a couple more pounds and start training for triathlons.
2) Get out of debt. I don't know about the rest of you, but money has been a major source of stress in my life the past year. Between the struggling economy and a packed travel schedule due to weddings and family reunions, 2009 was a bit of a wash. Thanks to my accountant-boyfriend, I've already started working out a budget for next year and WILL stick to it in order to get a handle on my finances.
3) Find new hobbies and talents. I never thought I would say this, but I miss those college days where you learned something new every day. My plan in the new year is to tackle a new skill - whether it be learning a foreign language or ballroom dancing or jewelry making. Or maybe I'll take an art class or Web design course. The possibilities are endless!
4) Don't be such a worrywart. Yes, I often stress over silly, insignificant things. As a result, I get grouchy more often than I should. All in all, life is good so I need to stop sweating the petty things and problems I can't control. Perhaps more frequent yoga classes or massages could help to accomplish this, hmmm?
5) Organization is key. If I have to dig through my closet one more time to find my favorite belt or pair of shoes or blouse, I just might have to scream. From home organization to reducing the clutter on my desk, I need to make some changes.

And there ya have it, folks. Keep in mind, this isn't just lip service. New Years resolutions have definitely helped me make some life improvements in the past including weight loss, upping my volunteer efforts and quitting smoking. So it can be done. What are some of your resolutions this year?

On a different note, here are two sucralose sweetened recipes for anyone in search of a low-calorie holiday treat.

Gingerbread Cake
Elegant Eggnog

Finally, here are clips from two of my favorite holiday films. Happy holidays and see you next year!