Can anyone explain to me the rationale behind why artificial sweeteners would cause stalls?

I am really enjoying SF jello and the Atkins bars for snacks....I don't think I eat TOO much of them, but I haven't lost any weight since my 1st week on the plan. This is the only area where I think I could make an adjustment....otherwise I'm doing pretty well I think.

Thanks for the help. So glad this forum exists!!!

Since everybody is different, the best approach is to identify a potential suspect and cut it out for a long enough period to see any impact - at least two weeks.

Your problem is more likely the hidden carbs in the Atkins bars - each bar has something like 20g+ of carbs. The form of the carbs is such that the claim is that it has no impact on insulin levels. Yet many people have found it to be a stall food.

The artificial sweeteners can get you from two angles - the first is that they can be a trigger food igniting your sugar cravings. The second is that you body may have developed a pavlovian response where by your taste buds send a signal to your pancreas that something sweet is on its way and it ramps up insulin production in anticipation.

Hi TerriDoodle

Hang on in there. Despite all the frustrations it is just 3 weeks of your life and there should be positive months and years ahead.

I've looked into your journal, and what I've seen so far indicates that food wise you are eating OK. Do you really need those Atkins bars. Could you substitute it with someother form of protein? I often have smoked salmon when I need a snack (I keep small amounts in the freezer). More recently I've tried the baked cheesecake recipe on this forum and for 3 g per portion, its great. I'm now trying other ways to use cream cheese. Will have a go at the mock danish soon.

Everyone's body reacts differently to artifical sweetners. In the UK these are mainly aspartame and there is lots written about this, although I do not have a lot of it, I do not find it a problem.

Be creative and think of alternative snacks and sweet foods (if you need these).