Accidentally consumed 1,000 calories — by licking envelopes for wedding invitations

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, and for many brides, it also comes with the obsession over calorie intake. Every meal is scrutinized and every effort is made to maintain a slim figure for that walk down the aisle. But one soon-to-be bride found herself consuming an unexpected number of calories while sealing her wedding invitations.

Chloe Williams, 22, discovered that she had unknowingly consumed over 1,000 calories by licking envelopes, and she couldn't help but groan about her blunder on TikTok, sharing it with her 1.2 million viewers. The confession garnered quick reactions from stunned online audiences, unlocking a new fear for some. Others lamented the waste of calories, while some couldn't help but wonder if that's why envelope glue tastes so good.

However, it turns out that Williams had actually miscalculated the caloric value of the envelope glue. While British stamp glue can contain between 5.9 and 14.5 calories, the US envelope glue, known as Gum Arabic or gum acacia, has a much lower caloric content. Initially, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimated Gum Arabic to have about 4 calories per serving, but later it was lowered to approximately 1.7 calories in each lick. Nowadays, envelope glue experts say it amounts to a mere 0.1 calorie.

Interestingly, Gum Acacia gained recognition as a dietary fiber according to a December 2021 FDA classification due to its advantageous physiological effects, such as reducing blood glucose and insulin levels. However, numerous brides-to-be still go to extreme lengths to avoid unwanted pre-wedding pounds. For instance, Vikki Ryan, a British bride, went through a terrifying experience in January after taking what she thought was "fake Ozempic" in her pursuit of weight loss before her wedding day.

Ryan ultimately realized that portion control and mindful eating were the crucial factors in her weight loss journey. Through counting calories using a fitness app, she gradually increased her calorie intake each week until reaching a sustainable daily goal of 1800 calories. "Everything in life is so much better when you feel good about yourself," she reflected.

Despite the envelope licking mishap, brides are finding various ways to maintain their desired figures for their special day. From misguided calorie calculations to extreme measures, the pursuit of confidence is of utmost importance. As the wedding day nears, these brides hope to feel their best as they embark on a new chapter of their lives.