I find pellegrino (bubbly water with some taste) and a squeeze of lemon helps with the hunger. I am 4 weeks in and have dropped about 10 pounds and an 1.5" on my waist. In the first 2 weeks you shouldn't have a cheat meal, but i did. Have a human sized meal with a good dose of carbs. Your weight will jump up 3-5 pounds the next morning and the water will start dumping again the following day. I am planning to be on this diet for 16 weeks. I think that is about as long as you would want to. I tried to diet for 20 weeks last year and it was dreadful. Better would be 12 but I doubt that I will be lean enough after 12.