Hi Hannah,

Dr Atkins suggests going off caffeine...BUT, many folk find they can still lose just fine while drinking coffee.

So I wouldn't use that as a guide. Just choose the plan you think you are most likely to stick to, and worry about the caffeine at a later time.

As for caffeine containing drinks, it's worth trying to do without soft drinks/sodas, especially at first. The artificial sweetener "aspartame" (Nutrasweet, Equal) is not recommended by Dr Atkins and many others.

Have you seen the Protein Power and Atkins websites? Perhaps the info there can help you decide.
www.atkinscenter.com
www.eatprotein.com

All the best!

Rosebud