Drinking water
TommysMum15
Posts: 18 Member
Hi, does anybody have any tips on how to increase water intake? I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health but I really don’t enjoy drinking it. I guess I’m just one of those people that hates water, I have to force myself. I’m a bit better in the summer and I drink it when exercising but some days I feel like I could just drink tea and coffee and be happy which is obviously not going to keep me hydrated. I do have sugar free high juice which is easier for me to drink but would prefer not to drink my calories. Anyone else similar to me? How do you get around it? Do I just have to suck it up and force myself to drink it?
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Replies
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Try getting a water bottle that you really love and aim to just drink a small bit a day to begin with maybe. Every few weeks or so you can increase what you're drinking. Try flavoured water too.1
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Tea and coffee are mostly water, they'll keep you hydrated, all fluids do (except alcohol). You don't have to drink plain water and the 8 glasses a day is a myth. As long as your urine is pale yellow, you're hydrated.14
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I drink sugar free dilute juice as my water tastes a bit yucky and I won't buy bottled.0
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I thought as they had caffeine you lost more water than you gained when drinking?eatyogarun wrote: »Tea and coffee are mostly water, they'll keep you hydrated, all fluids do (except alcohol). You don't have to drink plain water and the 8 glasses a day is a myth. As long as your urine is pale yellow, you're hydrated.
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Yes it may be the water where I live now that I don’t enjoy as I don’t remember having this issue as a childJackie9003 wrote: »I drink sugar free dilute juice as my water tastes a bit yucky and I won't buy bottled.
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TommysMum15 wrote: »
I thought as they had caffeine you lost more water than you gained when drinking?eatyogarun wrote: »Tea and coffee are mostly water, they'll keep you hydrated, all fluids do (except alcohol). You don't have to drink plain water and the 8 glasses a day is a myth. As long as your urine is pale yellow, you're hydrated.
Apparently not:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeinated-drinks/faq-200579654 -
I thought as they had caffeine you lost more water than you gained when drinking?
Take that thought a little bit further - would a tiny amount of caffeine in a swimming pool negate all the hydration from the water in the pool?
Of course not, because dosage matters.
Tea, coffee (perhaps not strong expresso), caffeinated soft drinks are all net hydrators. Sports hydration drinks also often contain some caffeine!
Milk is an excellent hydrator - better than plain water. IV hydration fluids have sodium in them.....
" I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
General health yes hydration is important but that comes from the totality of all the drinks and foods you eat. If you haven't encountered hydration problems to date it really isn't a problem that needs fixing.
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How about flavored Seltzer water? Other than coffee and tea that's all I drink.0
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TommysMum15 wrote: »
I thought as they had caffeine you lost more water than you gained when drinking?eatyogarun wrote: »Tea and coffee are mostly water, they'll keep you hydrated, all fluids do (except alcohol). You don't have to drink plain water and the 8 glasses a day is a myth. As long as your urine is pale yellow, you're hydrated.
Apparently not:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeinated-drinks/faq-20057965
Well I never.... I have thought that all my life. Guilt free coffee then6 -
Fruit and vegetables are mostly water too. Last night I ate a bunch of watermelon and was up all night peeing.1
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L1zardQueen wrote: »Fruit and vegetables are mostly water too. Last night I ate a bunch of watermelon and was up all night peeing.
Yep, I'm with you on that. I eat a lot of salads, frozen fruit and things like that. I get up multiple times in the night to pee and actually weigh about 2-3 lbs less in the morning JUST from those pee breaks.
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I think Crystal Light would count too.1
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I use propel packets-1/2 one in a liter of water w Lemon juice. It’s just enough. Not all their flavors are calorie free though so just double check which ones you get. I get them at Walmart or off amazon.0
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You're technically right since a single shot of espresso is only 1 ounce (30mL), but just to be a little nitpicky, it isn't the fact that it's strong that it's not a great hydrator. Fun fact: there's actually less caffeine in a double shot of espresso than there is in a 12-ounce cup of coffee.not strong expresso
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You're technically right since a single shot of espresso is only 1 ounce (30mL), but just to be a little nitpicky, it isn't the fact that it's strong that it's not a great hydrator. Fun fact: there's actually less caffeine in a double shot of espresso than there is in a 12-ounce cup of coffee.not strong expresso
It's the ratio of caffeine to water as I explained earlier. To be nitpicky.....0 -
eatyogarun wrote: »Tea and coffee are mostly water, they'll keep you hydrated, all fluids do (except alcohol). You don't have to drink plain water and the 8 glasses a day is a myth. As long as your urine is pale yellow, you're hydrated.
Technically, even the non-alcohol component of alcoholic drinks would count toward hydrating fluids. Beer is usually only 5-11% or so alcohol by volume, most of the rest is water. Non-fortified wine, usually 10% plus or minus a couple percent. Even 190 proof Everclear is only 95% alcohol. More conventional 80 proof spirits are around 60% water. It counts.
Alcoholic drinks may not be the best hydration strategy ever, for any number of reasons, but there's a bunch of water in there.
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eatyogarun wrote: »Tea and coffee are mostly water, they'll keep you hydrated, all fluids do (except alcohol). You don't have to drink plain water and the 8 glasses a day is a myth. As long as your urine is pale yellow, you're hydrated.
Technically, even the non-alcohol component of alcoholic drinks would count toward hydrating fluids. Beer is usually only 5-11% or so alcohol by volume, most of the rest is water. Non-fortified wine, usually 10% plus or minus a couple percent. Even 190 proof Everclear is only 95% alcohol. More conventional 80 proof spirits are around 60% water. It counts.
Alcoholic drinks may not be the best hydration strategy ever, for any number of reasons, but there's a bunch of water in there.
Ever since you shared this fact with me a few weeks ago, I've thought of it when I've had a beer!2 -
👍
You're technically right since a single shot of espresso is only 1 ounce (30mL), but just to be a little nitpicky, it isn't the fact that it's strong that it's not a great hydrator. Fun fact: there's actually less caffeine in a double shot of espresso than there is in a 12-ounce cup of coffee.not strong expresso
It's the ratio of caffeine to water as I explained earlier. To be nitpicky.....
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" I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
I suppose in a strict sense that's true, losing weight is about the calorie deficit, but there are a lot of things that can contribute to you being able to maintain that calorie deficit, including hydration.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3222960 -
" I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
I suppose in a strict sense that's true, losing weight is about the calorie deficit, but there are a lot of things that can contribute to you being able to maintain that calorie deficit, including hydration.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322296
What an awful article and clearly written conclusion first and then a desperate trawl for supporting "facts" wrapped in weasel words, unquantified claims and with dim-witted conclusions.
Let’s state it yet again - drinking water and hydration are not interchangeable, which the author completely fails to grasp. I guess it doesn't fit the agenda.
If someone actively dislikes water (like the OP) there are plenty of alternative ways to ensure adequate hydration.
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" I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
I suppose in a strict sense that's true, losing weight is about the calorie deficit, but there are a lot of things that can contribute to you being able to maintain that calorie deficit, including hydration.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322296
What an awful article and clearly written conclusion first and then a desperate trawl for supporting "facts" wrapped in weasel words, unquantified claims and with dim-witted conclusions.
Let’s state it yet again - drinking water and hydration are not interchangeable, which the author completely fails to grasp. I guess it doesn't fit the agenda.
If someone actively dislikes water (like the OP) there are plenty of alternative ways to ensure adequate hydration.
Actually, I'd like to hear of any method of hydration that doesn't involve water.
Of course you can substitute any flavored form of water, as others have already pointed out in this thread, to hydrate yourself, although non-caloric flavoring would be preferred in the context of weight loss. The point of the article was that intake of water, to which you can add any flavoring you desire to make it more palatable, helps with weight loss via a number of mechanisms, again, assuming you're not adding calories with said flavoring.
If you don't like the summary article you can read the studies that were linked, with plenty of quantification. Drinking fluids isn't going to have a dramatic effect on weight loss, but according to the articles referenced it is statistically significant.1 -
" I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
I suppose in a strict sense that's true, losing weight is about the calorie deficit, but there are a lot of things that can contribute to you being able to maintain that calorie deficit, including hydration.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322296
What an awful article and clearly written conclusion first and then a desperate trawl for supporting "facts" wrapped in weasel words, unquantified claims and with dim-witted conclusions.
Let’s state it yet again - drinking water and hydration are not interchangeable, which the author completely fails to grasp. I guess it doesn't fit the agenda.
If someone actively dislikes water (like the OP) there are plenty of alternative ways to ensure adequate hydration.
Actually, I'd like to hear of any method of hydration that doesn't involve water.
Of course you can substitute any flavored form of water, as others have already pointed out in this thread, to hydrate yourself, although non-caloric flavoring would be preferred in the context of weight loss. The point of the article was that intake of water, to which you can add any flavoring you desire to make it more palatable, helps with weight loss via a number of mechanisms, again, assuming you're not adding calories with said flavoring.
If you don't like the summary article you can read the studies that were linked, with plenty of quantification. Drinking fluids isn't going to have a dramatic effect on weight loss, but according to the articles referenced it is statistically significant.
OP is drinking tea, coffee, and juice, according to their post. You don't have to drink straight water to be hydrated.3 -
" I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
I suppose in a strict sense that's true, losing weight is about the calorie deficit, but there are a lot of things that can contribute to you being able to maintain that calorie deficit, including hydration.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322296
What an awful article and clearly written conclusion first and then a desperate trawl for supporting "facts" wrapped in weasel words, unquantified claims and with dim-witted conclusions.
Let’s state it yet again - drinking water and hydration are not interchangeable, which the author completely fails to grasp. I guess it doesn't fit the agenda.
If someone actively dislikes water (like the OP) there are plenty of alternative ways to ensure adequate hydration.
Actually, I'd like to hear of any method of hydration that doesn't involve water.
Of course you can substitute any flavored form of water, as others have already pointed out in this thread, to hydrate yourself, although non-caloric flavoring would be preferred in the context of weight loss. The point of the article was that intake of water, to which you can add any flavoring you desire to make it more palatable, helps with weight loss via a number of mechanisms.
If you don't like the summary article you can read the studies that were linked, with plenty of quantification. Drinking fluids isn't going to have a dramatic effect on weight loss, but according to the articles referenced it is statistically significant.
Yes I could read a mini review of rat studies.....
But why?
Your interpretation of the article is frankly bizarre to me, because you have common sense which is absent in the article!
Just off to get some exercise and follow the instruction "Always drink water before, during, and after exercise to avoid dehydration."
No matter what the duration of the exercise is, intensity, climate, existing hydration levels, how much or little someone perspires and how much or how little it might actually impact someone's hydration. I'll make sure it's water and not one of the many other hydrating fluids several which are the equal or better hydrators than plain water.
I'll tell my wife she mustn't go for her lockdown routine of 3 mile / 1 hour walk without glugging water before, during and after but she might think I've lost my marbles. Some hack on the internet said it so it must be true isn't going to be a convincing argument.
I'll tell every casual jogger I see that they are doing it wrong by not carrying water.
Personally I like plain water and drink plenty of it but many do not and shouldn't feel pressured to force down a drink they dislike to fix an issue they more than likely don't have.
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" I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
I suppose in a strict sense that's true, losing weight is about the calorie deficit, but there are a lot of things that can contribute to you being able to maintain that calorie deficit, including hydration.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322296
What an awful article and clearly written conclusion first and then a desperate trawl for supporting "facts" wrapped in weasel words, unquantified claims and with dim-witted conclusions.
Let’s state it yet again - drinking water and hydration are not interchangeable, which the author completely fails to grasp. I guess it doesn't fit the agenda.
If someone actively dislikes water (like the OP) there are plenty of alternative ways to ensure adequate hydration.
Actually, I'd like to hear of any method of hydration that doesn't involve water.
Of course you can substitute any flavored form of water, as others have already pointed out in this thread, to hydrate yourself, although non-caloric flavoring would be preferred in the context of weight loss. The point of the article was that intake of water, to which you can add any flavoring you desire to make it more palatable, helps with weight loss via a number of mechanisms.
If you don't like the summary article you can read the studies that were linked, with plenty of quantification. Drinking fluids isn't going to have a dramatic effect on weight loss, but according to the articles referenced it is statistically significant.
Yes I could read a mini review of rat studies.....
But why?
Your interpretation of the article is frankly bizarre to me, because you have common sense which is absent in the article!
Just off to get some exercise and follow the instruction "Always drink water before, during, and after exercise to avoid dehydration."
No matter what the duration of the exercise is, intensity, climate, existing hydration levels, how much or little someone perspires and how much or how little it might actually impact someone's hydration. I'll make sure it's water and not one of the many other hydrating fluids several which are the equal or better hydrators than plain water.
I'll tell my wife she mustn't go for her lockdown routine of 3 mile / 1 hour walk without glugging water before, during and after but she might think I've lost my marbles. Some hack on the internet said it so it must be true isn't going to be a convincing argument.
I'll tell every casual jogger I see that they are doing it wrong by not carrying water.
Personally I like plain water and drink plenty of it but many do not and shouldn't feel pressured to force down a drink they dislike to fix an issue they more than likely don't have.
No more bizarre than your insistence on focusing on parts of the article that have nothing to do with why I linked to it in the first place, specifically the bit you wrote about hydration not contributing to weight loss." I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health"
Sorry but no that's a horrible diet myth.
It does nothing for weight loss and fat burning - that's a calorie deficit.
It can benefit weight loss, fat burning and general health.
I didn't even read the bits unrelated to that fact because they didn't have any references, such as the section on drinking before, during and after exercise that you quote. But now that you brought it to my attention, I've done a lot of running over the last 10 years or so and I learned a very painful lesson early on with regards to hydration. Many people, myself included, will develop kidney stones if you don't hydrate sufficiently. It only takes one episode to make you very aware of your hydration. After passing that little piece of heaven I did get into the habit of drinking before, during and after my runs, even ones as short as an hour. But, admittedly, that's totally anecdotal and specific to my situation.
And you can certainly ignore animal studies, but we do share an awful lot of our physiology with a lot of animals, including rats. I would hazard a guess, and it's only a guess, that we utilize water (or flavored water) in a very similar manner to them. Admittedly, that's just a guess though.
And one last point, it's insanely easy to figure out if you're hydrated enough, at least if you have no underlying health conditions. Look at the color of your urine. It should be a very pale yellow. The one caveat to this is that you need to be aware of ingesting anything that can affect your urine color, like supplementing riboflavin (aka vitamin B2). It turns your urine yellow.
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Last attempt to reinforce the context of the original question.
"Hi, does anybody have any tips on how to increase water intake? I am fully aware of how important drinking water is for weight loss/fat burning/general health but I really don’t enjoy drinking it. I guess I’m just one of those people that hates water, I have to force myself.
That's crystal clear the question I responded to is about water and only water - not a general question about hydration.
My response which you agree with is that hydration is important. If the OP prefers to regulate her hydration without forcing herself to drink water that is absolutely fine.
Agree it's easy to monitor hydration levels, which is why the obsession with counting glasses of water (which many do interpret as only water), aiming for arbitrary numbers of glasses or ounces, drinking just because some clown says you must drink before/during/after any exercise is a waste of limited attention which could be better employed elsewhere or simply remove an unnecessary stressor.2
This discussion has been closed.
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