So, I have the best intentions in the world, but the fact is, I have an oral fixation: I just need something to do with my mouth (while studying, on the computer, etc). What are some non-food ways that I can occupy myself?

Maybe chew on your tooth brush??? Your teeth will be clean, you won't feel like eating cause you won't want to ruin your fresh breath! Or maybe try toothpicks?

sugar free lolly pops
sugar free gum

the tooth brush idea is a good one, or really any plasticy type thing you can chew on that ya cant actualy end up eating

If I'm baking or don't want to keep picking at food, I'll put on some Crest whitestrips...totally gross if you try and sneak a bite, plus you'll get some great looking teeth!

Thanks for the ideas. I have especially hard trouble when I'm out of the house but have snacks in my bag (I'm on SB, and I don't get home all day, so I usually have two with me) so the sugar-free lolly-pop idea seems like it would work best. The other ideas should work at home, and it sounds like I'll have gorgeous, healthy teeth if I follow them. Any other suggestions out there?

I chew sugar free gum if I'm just bored! I also usually have a pen or a pencil in my mouth at work!! (I know, I'm such a child!)

Ok and this is embarrassing! Sometimes at home if I'm feeling the need for comfort food.. I sometimes suck my thuimb! I never did when I was a child, I'm just a wierdo now!

Thanks for the straw idea, I'm going to have to try that! (now I just need to find where I stashed them ). I bought a couple different flavors of sugar-free candy today, so that is an option too. And I'm thinking of brushing my teeth right after dinner. Any other ideas?

I heard that you actually drink more water if you drink with a straw! Good for your need to chew on something AND to reach your water quota for the day!

Ann

I don't know if this is going to label me as insanely orally fixated, but I cut off the top tip of those cheap bic pens that are everywhere in the office and chew on them when I'm at my computer or something.

It sounds odd, but it's really very logical--
1--most gum is sweet or minty, and after a while that gets tired for me (don't know why). . .
2. I chew on the ends of my pens anyway, and got tired of them exploding on me. . .
3. People who see me assume it's gum

It works for me. . .just don't ever swallow--actually EATING non-food items is some sort of disorder, and wouldn't want to cross that particular line.
;-)

water and green tea are my best friends when I want something.

I'm really going to try to incorporate water instead of those snacks, so the pre-emptive plan is to drink at least 80 oz of water today, so that I'm too full to snack. Thanks again for the ideas, and keep them coming!

I chew gum as well when I'm bored and feel like snacking. I've looked at sugar free gum and have found they usually have 10 calories more than the gum I usually chew (Orbit)... but sugarfree may work for you.

Definately go for gum though :P

I got an idea when I was shopping for girly products this evening (when I am normally tempted to grab a snack to take home): I can't snack if I have wet nail polish on! So I bought some nail polish, and am going to start painting my nails when I get the urge to snack. Bonus: I'll have pretty red nails! (I'm a sucker for red )

Another good one I remembered that has helped me---ice. It "tricks" me into thinking I am having something solid when I am trying to hold out for another hour or two until I eat. Also helps me get in more water.