[Maven]

I understand that caffeine is discouraged on the Atkins diet. Any comments on this?

Atkins did discourage caffeine consumption - there's been some research that caffeine can raise blood sugar levels.

Some low carbers just can't give it up, and I have no preference one way or the other.

I gave up caffeine (for the most part) myself years before I became a low carber. Occasionally, I'll have some regular coffee, and I do like real teas.

Here's what a lot of people don't know about teas and coffees - there's about 1 carb per 12 ounces. So, if you drink pots and pots of coffee/tea every day, you're getting in a lot of what we call "hidden" carbs.

Remember: All vegetation has carbs of one kind or another.

Maven

[sheikdetailfeather]

Wow! That is tremendously helpful information. A lot of people don't know what you just said and I appreciate your input here.

[DennisR]

What is "1 carb"? And how many calories does "1 carb" have? Are you saying that one cup of coffee or a couple of shots of espresso (black--without sugar and/or cream)--is 1 carb? I can understand if you load it down with milk/sugar/chocolate syrup/etc., but I believe black coffee is essentially zero calories.