I think it is normal to have a hard time the first few days. Your body is really going to want the sugar that is for sure. I have found that using splenda is so great. I use it in everything for drinks, coffee and juice(I am sure everyone will tell you that.). I agree that cutting out any white flour and sugar is a good start. I also think that although it is hard in the begining, it is so worth the outcome. It is really hard to start Atkins without the book and having the understanding of what your body is doing in the first few weeks. I thought I would forever be dependent on sugar, but such is not the case anymore. Your body will go through alot of adjustments it just depends on if loosing the weight is important enough to you. Good luck with everything and I hope that you get the information that you need to decide what the right thing for you to do is.