Thanks everyone for your kind replies. All the advice really does help. I have kept an emergency pack of cheese and veg at work and that has been great - a very good idea.

For now I don't have to travel although might have to hop on a plane at any moment. But keeping everyone else aware of the situation - friends, people at work - (not hiding anything!!) has also helped. Waiting for 'that telephone call' brings its own stress ... Talk therapy is definitely good. It helps keep that 'craving for comfort' at bay - thanks fiona, you are right about that.

Mainly I am low carbing to keep blood sugars down and energy up as I have diabetes II. The new low carb WOE is so great I hate to go back to old habits but as you say - it can creep up on you - one snack and it's hard to stop.

So any news on Splenda or similar will be great - but it's good to know there are other ways to handle this - thanks again.