Let me see ...... splenda is OK. It's still fake stuff but it's OK (IMHO)
.... I think the rule of thumb for weights is ... if it seems easy, you need to up the weight ... however, 5 lbs is a fabulous place to start. Do what you can do. Have you been to www.stumptuous.com? Krista has all kinds of workouts ... all dumbells, without equipment ....