I am with Elle, although I think she is saying you can add, so long as it is allowed, ie...peppermint tea/coffee/sweetner.
If you look on the plastic bag you were given, it tells you what you are allowed, and not much.
I dont think the shakes are too bad...in fact, quite often it is more mind over matter. I know when I tried LT once before I was crying as I couldnt cope with the taste or smell...but second time, I knew I was so ready for this, and I havent had any problems whatsoever.
If, at the beginning, you are thinking, oh my word, I will never get through this..blah, blah, blah,,,,it is almost like negativity, and I am not in for that. I think we have to remain positive and keep looking to the reason why we are doing it and to the future.
Get your mind round the fact that food just doesnt figure, and your palate actually does change over the weeks. There is no way on earth I could stick to this if it was disgusting...and this is someone who doesnt particluarly like milk shakes! So, really, it isnt that bad...I think the worst part is thinking it is horrid.
If I were you, I would just persevere if you can and you will be amazed.
I use crushed ice; around 12-16 ice cubes and put it in big huge red wine glass, with around 300ml of water.
Soup, as it is, and again, I find it fine, but now use around 400ml of water rather than 300ml.
Hang in there; it is achievable.