Sorry if this seems like a stupid question. I'm a noobie. I read the book an age ago but never stuck with the diet. Starting it now, I'm on week one and trying to remember how it all went.

Are you allowed to use carob powder? I *love* the stuff and it works well as a sweetener. What about non fat milk powder? If so I have some rockin' recipes I wanna try out.

Also, how long am I allowed to stay on phase 1? I weigh 280lb. I'm only shooting for 50lb loss as a mini goal but I have loads more than that to lose.

I don't remember reading anything about carob, but it makes sense that you could sub it for cocoa as long as you include it in your allowed 75-100 calories for sweet treats. I think powdered non-fat milk powder would be allowed as long as you count it toward your dairy limits.

This might answer your question about Phase I length.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/sbd-...aily-dish.html

Thank you so much!

I love carob, almost more than chocolate. This is good to know.