Welcome,
You will read a lot here about "real foods" only and (from some, inc me ) of avoiding all artificial sweeteners. But some doctors, like Eric Westman who has run a Duke obesity and diabetes clinic for many years based on Atkins clinic, do allow artificial sweeteners, especially as you transition to LC. He focuses only on the carb level...if you want to eat bunless McDonald burgers and Diet Mountain Dew and SF Jello (limited to 3) he's OK with that to start. Similar to Atkins, http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=236482 just count the carbs
http://www.kostdoktorn.se/wp-conten...starch_diet.pdf

So using Artificial Sweetners (AS) is one option. Others find going cold-turkey on sweets easier. Certainly cutting down slowly on all soda drinks before starting is a great plan. There is a lot of information on DietDoctor about Sugar Addiction, https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb. but that source supports the no AS at all rule. Many threads here and studies going back and forth on whether AS help or hinder weight loss. Test both and see what works for you. All the best,