Two questions: Alcohol + Aspartame

[MissingThoseMuffins]

Hello! This is my second time on Atkins and today is my 8th day into induction, 6 pounds down.

I have a few questions for those who really know what they're doing:

I know that any alcohol is a big no-no during induction, but what about afterwards? Can I ever have rum again? I know it's made from sugar, but does it convert enough to sugar alcohol to not be a sin on atkins?
Here's some nutritional info on rum if it helps: http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc2.html.

Dr. Atkins wrote: “The body burns alcohol for fuel when alcohol is available. So when it is burning alcohol, your body will not burn fat. This does not stop weight loss; it simply postpones it.” I'm only going from 120lbs to 105 (I'm mostly on Atkins to support my diet-hating boyfriend, going 250 to ~190) so is it okay to get drunk once in a while as long as I count the carbs?

My second question is about aspartame. I know I'm not supposed to have it, but why? Is it because of the health hazards I've heard about or does aspartame interfere with the atkins diet? Any more info on this would really be appreciated.

Thanks to anyone with some answers!

[Richt]

Re: Two questions: Alcohol + Aspartame

ok, welcome to the board......

1) eventually, you will be allowed Rum again, but only on the relevant stage of OWL (on going weight loss).

2) Aspartame is disallowed because it can cause stalls in weight loss. Not with everyone, but with a fairly large percentage of people. So its best to stay away from it completely.

Rich

[not2late]

Re: Two questions: Alcohol + Aspartame

I agree with Rich. Don't get stuck into the mindset that Induction Phase is the entire Atkins Diet. Induction lasts a minimum of 14 days. On Day 15 you can move onto to the second phase. And don't be fooled into thinking that you lose "faster" or "quicker" if you keep your carbs to the barest minimum. "Slower" weight loss during OWL can mean losing 4 pounds instead of 4.5 pounds.

[MissingThoseMuffins]

Re: Two questions: Alcohol + Aspartame

Thanks for your answers!
When I was on atkins the first time a couple years ago, my salvation was sugar-free jello and diet sodas. Both have aspartame and I still lost weight quickly, does that mean aspartame does not affect me negatively?
Also, when I can have my rum and drink it too on the OWL stage, how do I count the carbs on hard liquors without added sugars? Do I count them towards my daily allowed carbs at all?

[Elizellen]

Re: Two questions: Alcohol + Aspartame

Also, when I can have my rum and drink it too on the OWL stage, how do I count the carbs on hard liquors without added sugars? Do I count them towards my daily allowed carbs at all?

Yes, you count all the carbs you eat - and on the alcohol rung of OWL you can add 5 net carbs of it to see how and if it affects you and then either keep it as a regular menu item or not depending on how it does affect your body.