AJD -- I eat sugar free jello until one week prior to the show. I pretty much eat the same meal over and over again during that last week, that is the only reason I drop it. It has absolutely no effect on my ability to lose fat. Most importantly, it helps with all those sweet cravings -- I eat a box every night. Between the jello and crystal light, it makes preparing for shows sooooo much easier -- they are my saving grace.