What makes caffeine a "negative" on LC/Atkins diets? I read that it affects blood sugar in a similar way, but does that mean if I have caffeine I should be counting the caffeine in some way towards my carbs or what?

I drink coffee. I have not changed my consumption at all.It may have slowed my weightloss, I don't know. But it has not stopped the loss.

From what I understand, some studies have shown that caffeine can cause an insulin reaction. How serious, I don't know. It probably varies from person to person. I do know, though, that caffeine is a stimulant, too. That, plus the fact that coffee supresses my appetite, makes up for the possible blood sugar spike... or at least that's how I justify it to myself.

no, you don't need to count the caffeine towards carbs...Atkins just wants you to be aware that caffiene can have adverse affects on your weight loss. So if you're having trouble loosing then this would be something to consider. I quit drinking caffeine when I started induction and I'm really glad I did. I was totally addicted to it and it was so freeing to let go of that. I was miserable for about a week and I believe it was mainly due to caffiene withdrawels. Now I have caffeine periodically when I eat out...but I don't crave the sodas anymore like I did before.

Coffee has carbs though. See www.fitday.com.
I definitely counted those in (as all netcarbs I consumed) during Induction.

/gil - serious caffeine addict

Ironic that Atkins Accel has caffeine.

Yeah, isn't it? I've rambled a bit about it earlier as well...

Dr. Atkins said no to caffeine while ADkin$ sell it expensively.

Caffeine is a metabolism speeder/fat-burning-booster.
Well, saved that extra money by continuing to have my good'ole lava java instead...