I was asked to help spread the word on a campaign that Wrigley’s Gum began in conjunction with The Biggest Loser, however I actually don’t recommend chewing a lot of gum. You might recall my Ban the Refined Sugar Experiment in which I no longer experienced physical cravings for sugar when I eliminated products containing sugar alcohols (protein bars and sugarless gum), as well as foods high in natural sugar (raisins, oranges, Larabars). I also continued to abstain from all refined sugar, while I still enjoyed my sweets (strawberries, blueberries, grapefruit, bananas, raspberries, apples).

It wasn’t until I stopped eating the items containing sugar alcohols and foods high in natural sugar that I eliminated all physical cravings for sugar. If I kept these items in my diet I still had sugar cravings (even though I wasn’t eating refined sugar).

What Wrigley’s is suggesting is that you chew a piece of gum instead of eating a piece of cake, and that chewing gum will help you shed pounds. While I certainly agree that a piece of gum is better than a piece of cake, the problem that I ran into was that the piece of gum would give me cravings for something more “substantial”, like that piece of cake! However, if you do not get sugar cravings from chewing sugarless gum and a piece of gum helps divert you from going on a sugar binge, then that is wonderful and you could find it to be very helpful.

What I do like about the Wrigley’s project is that they are promoting that you get out there and get walking. You can even sign up at their site (it’s free) and track your progress and steps you’re taking. This could be a very motivating tool for you to use that will help you develop the habit of a regular walking program, which is really the easiest cardiovascular program that you can start. The only thing you need is a good pair of walking shoes and off you go.

There are also 10 gift packs up for grabs for The Fit Shack readers to help promote the Wrigley’s and Biggest Loser walking challenge. They include gum, a water bottle, a pedometer, and a bonus Biggest Loser DVD.

Here’s what you need to do to get one: leave a comment (below, on this article) with the line “My #1 motivation for starting a walking program is” and finish that line with whatever is motivating you to get walking and get fit. The first 10 qualifying commenters will each receive one of the gift packs.

If you would like to sign up for the walking challenge you can click here to create your profile on the Wrigley’s Gum site and start logging your progress. You can also connect with other people in the walking challenge on Gather.com.

Update 12/06/07:  The Wrigley’s promotion ended at the beginning of December so the comments on this post are now closed, thanks!

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