I crave sweets - should I use an artificial sweetener?

I don't recommend it. Taming a sweet tooth isn't easy - but if you persist, your craving for sweets really will diminish. Many women find that exercise helps regulate their appetite. It's also very important to eat the full amount of food prescribed on the program; that will help keep your body satisfied and reduces cravings. Here are additional suggestions if sweets are a problem:

• Weigh and measure your food, and keep a food log - this makes you more aware of all consumption. You may find it easier too resist temptation when you're writing down everything you eat. Similarly, it can be helpful to plan your day's eating in advance.
• Don't keep overly tempting items in the house - for instance, it may be easier to enjoy a small dish of frozen yogurt at a shop than to deal with a half gallon in your freezer.
• Include fruit in dessert, to make portion size larger and more satisfying - for instance, garnish a half-cup serving of frozen yogurt with a cup of strawberries.