Hi there JH,

I read your post yesterday and resisted replying because I'm not sure about some of your questions. Thought more experienced lowcarbers would have responded.

I think it's great that you're giving yourself a second try to get rid of those lbs. You've got a great incentive with your wedding approaching. You can loose those lbs.

With regards to your questions:

black coffee can't be a substitute for the water drinking. It is said that if you drink tea or coffee you need to add the equivelent in water to cleanse the system. So keep the water going.

Bread is a difficult one. I'm not sure about the ones you mentioned. I just keep away from all bread as it's a real threat to my lowcarbing. I did try the protein bread recipe in the Atkins book but didn't like it. You could try it for yourself. Also other recipes for pancakes etc.

About potatoes - well if there was one I haven't found it. I know how you feel as them. I could eat potatoes with every meal but the funny thing is since beginning the way of eating WOE I no longer miss them. I don't think about them because I eat so many other good foods which seem to take away the yearnings for my favourite foods.

JH, I have come to learn that foods I thought I couldn't live without is in fact rubbish. I used to drink fizzy drinks all the time. Well it's now nearly 2 years since I last sipped one. My reality was at least 2 litres a day. Not any more - it's water, water and more water. I don't like tea or coffee. Sorry this seems to have bcome a sermon, it's not meant to be rather to support you and encourage you to begin to look beyond the foods that might be keeping you locked into holding onto those extra lbs. You might try the luxury recipes in the forum which might give you some alternatives. Browse around.

Take care and know there are lots of people hear for you. Cheerio for now.

Anne