I did Induction the first time very, very strictly (no caffeine, no artificial sweeteners period, no products, etc) and lost 10 lbs (Jan 2003), then I did my second Induction (fell off the wagon for several months ) and had a big travel mug of coffee every morning and had artificial sweetener in it...lost 10 lbs!!! So, for me anyway, it didn't make one speck of difference. I agree with whoever said above that Dr. A. was against caffeine because, in high enough amounts, it can trigger cravings and insulin response. Yet again, another YMMV situation...

good luck and take care!

Nicole