What kind of oatmeal is allowed in phase 1?
You're supposed to have plain oatmeal. You can sweeten it with splenda if you need to.

Where is the protein coming from to maintain your muscles?
In phase 1, your protein comes from egg whites, chickpeas, beans, tofu, and lentils.

Are pickles allowed?
Yes but you are limited to 2 per day.

Is it ok to use canned vegetables or fruit?
Yes but fresh fruit is better. Frozen vegetables are generally better than canned.

Is it ok to have decaf coffee?
No. Coffee drinks of any kind are not allowed.

Are potatoes allowed?
No. Sweet potatoes are ok though.

Is flavored water ok?
No.

Is Jello allowed?
No.

Can I have popcorn?
3 cups of air popped popcorn is ok. No butter of course.

Can we have the quaker rice cakes? if so, what flavors?

YES, YOU CAN HAVE THE QUAKER RICE CAKES THAT ARE MADE FROM BROWN RICE. THEY RUN ABOUT 60 CALORIES PER CAKE, SO YOU'RE ALLOWED ONE CAKE AS A SNACK. YOU CAN HAVE WHATEVER FLAVOR YOU LIKE, JUST REMEMBER ONE PER SNACK!

Are black olives permitted

Sparingly, and rinsed off.

What type of lowfat yogurt is permitted. Just plain or can you eat the brands that already contain fruit

The best is plain, low-fat yogurt. You can slice in fresh fruit or add berries. If you really MUST have the yogurt that already contains the fruit, please do so sparingly.

The book says to eat 2 cups of brown rice, 1 cup of oatmeal, 4 egg whites etc. Am I supposed to eat these foods in that quantity each day or is it merely an option? Also, can I eat instant oatmeal, fat-free yogurt that has fruit in it, and red potatoes?? Thanks for your help. I want to follow the plan but am confused.

Those are the limits, you do not eat all of it. Only sweet potatoes are allowed. Red potatoes are still white potatoes and do not have the fiber content or nutritional value of sweet potatoes. White is the indicator of the "meat" or inside the skin. The lighter the color the less nutritious.

Phase 1: Can you drink Crystal Light?

Not in phase 1 but it's okay to drink in phase 2.