I haven't been on the diet for too long (3 weeks today), but I've noticed one thing that hasn't impacted my weight loss but it has impacted my motivation and the way I feel: aspartame.

I used to drink the occasional Diet Coke, but am trying to avoid caffeine as much as possible. I was drinking a lot of club soda until Dan brought home flavored, sugar free, carbonated water. My first drink was fine. Second gulp was more like, "What is that taste?" and the third swig was followed by, "Could I have water instead?"

I have always been a sweet 'n' low user but I have noticed that I am developing a heightened distaste for aspartame. Saccharin is fine so far, but aspartame really does a number on my stomach.

I've decided to try to avoid it all together because of the reaction I've noticed.

I'm doing a month-long induction since I have so much weight I want to lose, but going by the ketostix, too much salad in one day tends to reduce my level of ketosis slightly.

Michelle