Just a small note for all Splenda/Equal users.
The powdered version is about 95-99% maltodextrin, with the remainder being the active ingredient - sucralose/aspartame.
Here in Japan the big drink is diet Lemon Pepsi. After reading the label, I figured why not? Even though I’m taking a little fat off right at the moment, I haven’t had any problems with one every other day or so. And it does provide a nice change from constant water.
But I wouldn’t overdo it. 
dang man I have to wean off or something, I have been hitting two a day for the last four days. I have to admit though, those things kick all my cravings to the curb. I actually lose my appetite when I drink one, which for me is a big rarity.
plenty of references that indicate that aspartame is broken down to formaldehyde. It tastes so damn good though. 1st, Diet Mt Dew, second, default, Diet Coke. If you are worried, though, here is a neat little article http://www.urbanlegends.com/ulz/nutrasweet.html
I drink one two liter of pepsi one per day. Im not the poster child for fat loss now, but last summer I was. Last summer i had veins in my abs. It wont hurt you.
May God bless Diet Mountain Dew Code Red. This tastes better than any other soda I’ve ever had, including non-diet soda.
There’s lots of hoaxes about Aspertame. Check out http://www.snopes.com/toxins/aspartam.htm for a popular one!