Chews wisely: How gum can help you slim down in 2010

'Tis the season for New Year's resolutions, and if you're trying to trim down in 2010 you'd better grab a pack of gum right now.

That's right -- according to a new study from the University of Rhode Island, chewing sugar-free gum can actually help people effortlessly shed pounds.

Study subjects who chewed sugarless gum for an hour in the morning ultimately consumed 67 fewer calories at lunch and reported feeling less hungry and more energetic throughout the day.

So, what's the reason for these unexpected bonuses? According to study author, Kathleen Melanson, chewing gum stimulates "the nerves in the muscles of the jaw and this sends signals to the appetite regulating section of the brain that is linked to satiety" ultimately reducing a person's hunger. And what about the resulting energy burst? Well, at this point, experts say, that's anyone's best guess.

Bottom line: If you're striving to slim down this coming year, do yourself a favor and break out a stick of Trident. Then, take that extra energy you're supposed to feel and channel it into a productive session on the treadmill.