Hi all,

I am starting Paleo tomorow and wanted to introduce myself.  I have previously had a lot of success with Atkins and lost a lot of weight only to regain it when I got pregnant (2 times - 2 sons).  I did try Paleo for a short while to break a stall on ATkins and was very successful with it, but only did it short term as it is much stricter than Atkins.

This time I have decided to go completely Paleo as I know that the processed Atkins substitutes and too much cheese and cream are often my downfall.  

What I am wondering though is about sweeteners.  As I need to do this very long term to lose a large amount of weight, I don't think I can cut them out completely.  I need to start tthe day with a cup of stong coffe (I know this is not Paleo- but it is life!) and although I can get used to having it without cream, I don't think I can have it unsweetened.  I also am a diet coke adict and plan to cut this down to one a day - but this obviously has sweetener in it.  Anyone else still use them?

Also, what about rate of weight loss?  WHen I did Paleo before, I was in a major stall with Atkins.  Cutting out the dairy and processed foods did wonders for me and I lost at a great rate.  However, as it was short term, and I was still planning to do Atkins, I ate only minimal fruit in the form of berries.  This time, as I need to do this long term and need to eat a more balanced diet, I plan to eat fruit more. Do you find this affects the weight loss?  ALso, besides berries, which are the best friuts to eat for minimal impact on weight?

Thanks!

Ilana