The hardest part of this diet is its total reliance on processed food.

I don’t eat processed food.  Ok, a little cheese, a lot of butter, some milk, but I don’t like the idea of food in boxes and cans.  On Sundays I’m first at the farmer’s market, and I do my backup shopping at Whole Foods.

Now all of my ‘food’ comes in boxes, packets, and cans.

I understand the idea of this diet is to strictly control portions and nutrition, but I must say, I’m getting skeptical.

No I haven’t gone off or quit the diet, but it’s a bit to stomach.  Here’s one example:

This week we were in the educational portion of the class and Miss Dietitian was discussing protein shake recipes.  She made one for the class — her additives — coffee and Splenda.  And when she added the Splenda, she actually said, "I’m adding the Splenda because it makes it extra yummy."  And mind you she’s pregnant.

Now I have a lot of opinions about corn syrup, but I don’t eat Splenda either.  What is it about chemical concoctions in colorful little packets that attract people like babies to a mobile?

I considered e-mailing her Splenda information, but I’m trying not to be the trouble-making student in the classroom.

So I’m thinking, just thinking about doing my own diet.  I lost ten pounds in ten days in Asia — so a fish and vegetable diet may be the way to go right now.