I think it really is a personal thing...
And I do respect what the CD 'rules' are, but for me personally I think this diet is hard enough and if there's a 'cheat' that's gonna help you stick to it long term - and avoid the MacDonalds and pizza lol - then it can't be all bad...
For me, cutting out food isn't really a problem, but mention that I have to give up fizzy pop and I could cry...lol So I now have Coke zero - or Asda's cheapo version of it anyway... every day. This is my second time doing the diet, first time I had coke zero and the losses were still great... this time round lost 8lbs first time and still had my pop, so I'm gonna stick with it a bit longer, if things really stop or slow down will consider giving it up, but til then it's my lifeline....
I find that when I have a craving or hunger pangs, even if have lots of water, sometimes the cravings dont go away... If I get the pangs and have some coke, then it helps and they subside... Now call it psychological lol I don't care... if it works for you, and is an alternative to reaching for the chocolate biscuits and cake, then I think in moderation it's ok...
I've heard people on this diet who have lost stones and stones, and some had 2l of coke or pepsi everyday... Not recommending we all start guzzling, but you should try what works for you... We are all very different....
Just my opinion!
tinks x