I think I'm already using enough artificial sweetener - so I think I'll avoid these diet drinks until after losing the weight - unless we have a family get-together & I'm tempted again to have Champagne . . . I'll use the diet soda as my replacement.

I'm sure you are right about the artificial foods - I've been trying to avoid any type of processed foods - I get all my meats (including bacon & lunchmeat) from Natures - no sugar, no preseratives, no nitrites, etc. I think only my decaf coffee, unsweetened cocoa, cream cheese and splenda are the artificial foods I include in my diet - and I think I'll just keep it this way.

Thanks again for your reply. You didn't mention anything about the cream - but I'm feeling confident that it doesn't contain carbs - when using the rule for discovering hidden carbs - my cream doesn't have any.