From reading other postings, etc. I've decided that for phase one salt and splenda (used VERY sparingly), as well as a SMALL amount of butter/margarine are allowed.

Is that right? I'm using the recipes and the list of Q & A from Dr. Ian as my frame of reference.

Would someone correct me if I'm way off?

Yes, if used very sparingly. I can't find anything specific in the book, so I'd go by the Q/A as well. You should be fine unless you tend to retain water easily. I've recently started reducing the sodium in my diet and have been surprised by the hidden amounts once I started reading the labels. Even my cottage cheese had over 400mg per half cup.

His new book should be much more detailed.

That will be nice. I wish I hadn't JUST PURCHASED the regular book!

Greetings from Tn, Meg. I live in Nashville.
I started back detox today. I use butter VERY sparingly as well as other spices for food.
Good luck !