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My Chewing Story + ARK Chewelry Review (VIDEO)
FULL Written Transcript:
LAUREN SPEAR: Hi, Everyone! My name is Lauren Spear from LittleZotz.com and today I wanted to talk a bit about chewelry and chewing as a stim. And I’ve already talked about this a little bit on my website at LittleZotz.com, so you can read my chewelry story and read some reviews I did, but I thought it would be fun to talk more, well, VISUALLY about it! So my husband, Frank, is helping me and he’s gonna ask me a few questions about chewelry and chews and what that’s all about!
And I mainly use… Quick disclaimer! I mainly use ARK Therapeutic chews and this is NOT a sponsored video but I AM an affiliate. And I’ll leave my affiliate link in the description or around if you’d like to invest in some chews of your own while supporting my content, you can use that link to do so.
And… okay! Frank? Ask… Ask me anything, I guess!
When Did You First Start Chewing?
FRANK SPEAR: Hey, Everyone! Well, Lauren, my first question for you is: When did you first start chewing?
LAUREN: I have been chewing on things pretty much since forever. It was kind of a problem! [laughs]. Because, like, I would chew… Mostly chew on game controllers like… *mimics chomping on Nintendo Switch controller* Just chew on those! Though, back in the day, it was SEGA Genesis controllers! [laughs] And Mom would be like “What are you doing?! Don’t do that!”
It became pretty clear that chewing on controllers — and other like TV remotes and things like that — wasn’t really…acceptable. So, I would try to just find other things to chew on. As years went by, I would switch to different things. And I used food a lot which, once I turned 30 and my metabolism went out, you know, that kinda…led to…QUITE a bit of weight gain!
And I also used to vape! I never got into smoking, but I did vape a LOT. Just anything in my mouth to kind of get that feeling, but nothing was quite right. And then I found ARK Therapeutic chewelry and their chews in 2020 and that’s when I stopped vaping and I stopped snacking as much — I’ve lost a lot of weight! And I’ve been using them constantly since then. Daily!
What Do You Love About Chewing?
FRANK: So, obviously you’re very passionate about chewing! What exactly do you love about it?
LAUREN: Well, for me, it’s a NEED that I’ve had since… birth, I guess? Like, there’s even pictures of me very young chewing on things. But…
I have a difficult time… Like, I’m having a difficult time even now! But, I have a difficult time expressing my emotions. I kind of wear my emotions very literally like with my hair or my clothes or my makeup. Like, I’m happy today so I’m wearing my happy outfit!
But, even with that, a LOT gets kind of…trapped inside. And it would come out in very bad ways, especially when I as a teenager. But, with chewing, I can get that kind of anxious and somethings angry energy OUT in safe and satisfying ways. And so, now, for instance, if I get frustrated playing a video game or something, I can just — instead of chomping on the controller — I can put a chew in my mouth and keep going! [laughs] Y’know? Stuff like that!
So, I love that it’s a SAFE way to get those feelings out of myself without necessarily having to, you know, have a full therapy session to get things out verbally or try to write things down when I don’t have a lot of time. I can just chomp down on something!
And, also, they’re adorable! So, it also goes with my style! [laughs] So, that’s always a bonus!
What Are Your Favorite ARK Therapeutic Chewelry Designs?
FRANK: That’s great, Lauren! So, you said you like ARK chewelry. What are some of your favorites?
LAUREN: Oh! Well, I like this one! *indicates ARK’s Chewnicorn chewelry necklace* Frank got me this one for our anniversary. It’s new! And I haven’t actually started chewing on this one yet. [giggles]
But, my favorites that I kind of keep around: I really like the Chewel! It looks like this. Which is kind of the flat version of the Krypto-Bite which is THIS. I don’t know if you can see it? It looks kind of like a crystal! This one I like because it reaches all the way to my back teeth. It’s sort of shaped like a pencil. So, if you’re somebody who likes to chew on pencils or pens or something, this one might be good for you. And the Chewel is very similar but it’s flat.
I like the ones that are smooth. They have some that are nubby too! Like some that look like LEGOs or they have some that are bricks that have even smaller bumps. But those tickle my lips! They’re a little TOO much sensory input for ME. So, I like the smooth ones!
Oh! [giggles] Frank’s reminding me that I need to look at the… I have trouble with eye contact, even when it’s cameras.
And this is the Chewel as well! And they come in different colors. These ones are my colors: Purple and grey. Because their products are color-coded based on the toughness! So, for me, since I’m a VERY avid chewer, I get Xtra Xtra Tough. But they also have a sort of soft, very gummy… And Medium. And so if your teeth aren’t as good or if you like a little bit of sponginess, you can get one of the lower levels.
But, for me, I like them to be REALLY… tough! Hard.
How Long Does a Piece of ARK Therapeutic Chewelry Last?
FRANK: So, at maximum toughness, how long do one of those last you?
LAUREN: Oh! Well, it varies depending on… Well, for instance, we recently had some deaths in my family and so I ended up going through, like, one of these in a day. On the day that my most recent loss happened I just completely shredded through one of these.
But NORMALLY these ones can last about a month. Same for… This one is just, like, the “dog tag” version. They have a really cute one that’s like a Jack-o-lantern in this style that’s my favorite! And then I… I’ve been going on this Chewel for about two months! So, it really varies!
FRANK: Hmm!
LAUREN: But, average, about a month!
What is ARK Therapeutic Chewelry Made Out Of?
FRANK: Wow! They sound pretty strong! What are they made of?
LAUREN: They’re made out of food-grade medical-grade silicone. And they’re dishwasher safe if you have a dishwasher. But I usually just use, like, warm water and like a mild soap and scrub ’em off really easily like that.
My absolute favorite though are these Chewth Picks! Which is like “toothpick” but CHEW. So… CHEWth Pick! I have one in my hand. After a while, they get a little bit pliable but when you first open them… Let’s see if I can get one out. They’re a lot stiffer. They’re like… *thumps Chewth Pick repeatedly on wooden bookshelf to show how hard it is* They’re REALLY stiff! Like a pencil. Or… They’re about the size, I guess, of a cigarette? Would you say…?
FRANK: Little bit bigger.
LAUREN: Little bit bigger? So, not quite a toothpick… Like, my grandpa used to have an actual toothpick that he would stick in his mouth. I think he may have had a bit of my needs as well! [laughs]
But, yeah! So, it starts out really tough and then, as you chew, they get a little softer.
FRANK: Based on the size, it kind of reminds me of a No. 2 Pencil that’s had a little bit of sharpening to it.
LAUREN: Yeah! [laughs]
These ones are my absolute favorites. And if it’s a really REALLY bad day, you can shred through one in a day. But, for the most part, these ones last me about… What would you say? A week? Two weeks?
FRANK: About that.
LAUREN: About two weeks? Yeah. And then the bigger ones last me, on average, about a month.
How Did Chewelry Help You Break Your Bad Habits?
FRANK: Cool! So, earlier, you mentioned that your chewing helped you break bad habits like extra snacking and vaping — can you elaborate on that a little more?
LAUREN: Well, quitting vaping was essential. I had to do that regardless because I needed to have surgery and I couldn’t have nicotine in my system because that would’ve been, you know, bad. [laughs] But, it would have been… Like a lot of people try to switch with, like, lollipops or something like that! And it’s like… Well, if I’m already having problems with snacking, that would not be a good thing to do! Because, with my need to chew, replacing nicotine with lollipops or something, I would be getting HUGE on lollipops!! [laughs]
So, I needed to find something that wasn’t food-based to replace nicotine with. For me, that was the ARK chewelry and it was a wonderful thing. It made it so easy… I don’t want to make it sound like quitting nicotine is easy! But, for ME, it was!! [laughs] Results may vary! You know. Disclaimer. But, for me, that’s how I was able to quit nicotine and I haven’t gone back since. It’s been over a year now! So, that’s been a pretty big achievement!
And, as far as the snacking goes: I still have a little bit of trouble with that. *pats her chonk* As you can probably tell! But, one of the things that’s been really helpful for me was… My husband mentioned that when I wander into the kitchen and I don’t know exactly what I want to eat that I’m usually not legitimately hungry. That I just… That I’m craving something to chew on! Which is very true. Because, usually — well, inevitably pretty much — whenever I do that, the choices that I make, are crunchy foods! Which, if I had been chewing carrots that would be okay, but I always go for chips! [laughs]
So, having that moment to kind of pause and go like, “Am I actually hungry or do I just need to chew on something?” and then take that “maybe it is just a need to chew on something” and then having something TO chew on, like my chewelry or my Chewth Picks… Usually a couple minutes after gnawing, I forget that I never wanted a snack. So, that’s been very helpful for me!
How Might Someone Know They Have an Oral Stim and NEED to Chew?
FRANK: Hmm!
So, if someone’s watching this video right now and thinking, like, “Maybe I need to get a chew” or “Maybe I have a NEED to chew!” How can those people test their theory?
LAUREN: Okay. So… [chuckles] One of the weirdest things, for me, watching myself in videos, especially videos where I’m not talking — like I have some timelapse makeup videos on my YouTube channel — is that I always kind of look like I’m chewing even when I’m not. Like I’m kind of… *moves mouth around like she’s chewing* [laughs]
I was watching myself and I’m like, “What… What is THAT?” And my husband was like, “Oh yeah. You’ve always done that! You’re always kinda just… bruxing like a hamster.” [laughs] And I’m just like… I’m so glad he didn’t mention that when we were long-distance dating! I would’ve been a lot more self-conscious!
But, if you kind of practice self-awareness and notice that your mouth is just kind of always in action… Like some people chew on their tongue or their cheeks or their lips…
FRANK: [whispering]
LAUREN: OH! My husband’s like, “Or pencils!” [laughs] If you’re someone who chews on pencils or pens or if you had a problem like I did as a kid chewing on remotes or game controllers or things like that, then there’s a good chance that you have an oral stim and it NEEDS to be satisfied!
So, you could get carrots or apples or safe snacks like that. But, if you’re someone like… If it’s a MODERATE need, that may satisfy it; but, if you’re someone like I am, who’s CONSTANTLY chewing, I would recommend against using food to satisfy that because that… that can go badly. Speaking first-hand! [laughs]
So, yeah. Just kinda go, “Hey! When I go for a snack, am I going for nothing but crunchy foods?” or “When I’m just sitting with my thoughts, is my mouth constantly moving? Am I always chewing my lips or my cheeks?” Just sort of stop and think! And, if the answer to any of those questions is “yes,” then you might want to try something like chewelry.
FRANK: I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who need to chew but don’t know they need to chew!
LAUREN: Yeah! [laughs] Like, I… You know, as a youngster, I “knew” I needed to, but then it wasn’t really something that was socially acceptable. Especially if you were chewing on somebody else’s belongings! [sheepish laugh]
FRANK: ???
LAUREN: Well, like, the game controllers! Those were my mom’s! And she was not happy! [laughs]
FRANK: [laughs]
LAUREN: But now it has become less stigmatized to be able to chew on things…
FRANK: [whispers]
LAUREN: [laughs] Sorry!! *looks towards camera* Now it’s becoming less stigmatized to be able to chew on things! So, wearing a piece of chewelry isn’t seen as weird. Like, there have been people that are like, “Oh! I know what that is!” So it’s been… That’s been nice!
*looks at husband then looks back at camera* Sorry! I keep wanting to look at my husband, but I need to look at YOU! [laughs] He’s just so handsome!!
FRANK: [snort laughs]
LAUREN: And so it’s been really nice to have chewing become more acceptable. Especially since it’s a lot safer option than… well… smoking or vaping or eating even… If you’re overeating, it’s not, you know, GREAT for your body.
Final Thoughts on Chewing and ARK Therapeutic Chewelry
FRANK: That’s great! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
LAUREN: If this is something that you think you need and that you think would be helpful for you, I urge you to go for it. There’s no shame in NEEDING to chew!
When I was growing up… I’m almost forty. And so I grew up in a different era and things were different. [laughs at badly-formed sentence]. But the world is changing! And what’s acceptable and okay is changing too, thankfully. And so, by wearing your chewelry and, you know, by not being afraid to chew, you can help destigmatize chewing for others who have those needs — like I do or like YOU may!
And so… Be brave! Go for it! And I think that, you know, you’ll feel a LOT better!
It’s changed my life for the better in so many ways. And I love ARK Therapeutic’s chewelry and I can’t thank them enough… I… I’m starting to get teary!! [embarrassed laugh] I… I’m SO grateful to have discovered their products! And I think that, if you have the same kind of…
FRANK: *concerned/panicked because his wife is crying* Um…??
LAUREN: …needs that I do, that you will be too! And… yeah! [chuckles] I encourage you to… If you think it’s something that you need, give it a try!! [giggles]
FRANK: O_O
LAUREN: [laughs] Don’t tease!
FRANK: [laughs, relieved Lauren’s okay] You were getting very emotional!
LAUREN: [howls] It… It’s an emotional thing!! It’s changed my life!
FRANK: It has!
LAUREN: 😛
FRANK: Yeah. I can see how passionate you are about this! And, as someone who’s around you all the time, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in your physical and mental wellbeing since you’ve started chewing!
LAUREN: [happy giggle]
FRANK: It’s nice talking to you! I’ll let you go ahead and close up the video!
LAUREN: Okay! Well, that’s a little bit more about chewelry! And I’ve written about it before on my website at LittleZotz.com
And, if you would like to get some of the ARK Therapeutic chewelry or Chewth Picks, you can use my affiliate link at bit.ly/ZotzChew and if you buy anything from them using my link then I’ll get a small percentage back for referring you. And then I can buy more chews for myself!! [laughs]
So, thank you for watching! And, if you have any questions or anything, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll be happy to answer! I’m not sure what’s important to you to know so the more you guys ask me questions the more I’ll know how to talk about this in the future. So… Thanks for watching! Byeeeeeeeeeee!
Blooper!
LAUREN: *chewing*
FRANK: All right! You ready?
LAUREN: *nods* *takes chewth pick out of her mouth* I guess I should stop chewing to talk about the chews, huh?
BOTH: [laugh]
Love the Illustration?
I filmed myself drawing the illustration at the top of the page as an exclusive art hyperlapse for my Kofi supporters. If chewelry isn’t your thing but you still want to support me/my content — and still get something cool for yourself! — please feel free to make a contribution to my Kofi page. When you do, you unlock access to all of my other exclusive art videos and random ramblings. Thank you so much! ♥
–Lauren*
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