I can only drink so much...

2

Replies

  • KetosisTina
    KetosisTina Posts: 197 Member
    BEER :drinker: JUST kidding of course. First find out if you prefer cold or warm or just room temp. I know my hubby has to have his water ice cold or forget it so he loves his in a thermos or any of the other brands that folks have posted. I can't drink water if it is too cold, it actually bothers the back of my throat so room temp is fine for me.
    I keep some at my desk at work and just take small sips throughout the day. I have a 32 ounce bottle so I try and get through it at least twice at work if not 3 times... remember you have 24 hours.
    Other fluids count too. If you have a cup of coffee in the morning.. that's 8 oz (or 16,24 etc) I also drink warm tea in the winter. 8..8..8 it ads up.
  • Followingsea
    Followingsea Posts: 407 Member
    http://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/news/2002_h2/08aug2002_water.shtml

    From the summary:
    Valtin thinks the notion may have started when the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council recommended approximately "1 milliliter of water for each calorie of food," which would amount to roughly two to two-and-a-half quarts per day (64 to 80 ounces). Although in its next sentence, the Board stated "most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods," that last sentence may have been missed, so that the recommendation was erroneously interpreted as how much water one should drink each day.

    He found no scientific studies in support of 8 x 8. Rather, surveys of fluid intake on healthy adults of both genders, published as peer-reviewed documents, strongly suggest that such large amounts are not needed. His conclusion is supported by published studies showing that caffeinated drinks, such as most coffee, tea and soft drinks, may indeed be counted toward the daily total. He also points to the quantity of published experiments that attest to the capability of the human body for maintaining proper water balance.

    Valtin emphasizes that his conclusion is limited to healthy adults in a temperate climate leading a largely sedentary existence - precisely, he points out, the population and conditions that the "at least" in 8 x 8 refers to. At the same time, he stresses that large intakes of fluid, equal to and greater than 8 x 8, are advisable for the treatment or prevention of some diseases, such as kidney stones, as well as under special circumstances, such as strenuous physical activity, long airplane flights or hot weather. But barring those exceptions, he concludes that we are currently drinking enough and possibly even more than enough.

    Despite the dearth of compelling evidence, then, What's the harm? "The fact is that, potentially, there is harm even in water," explains Valtin. Even modest increases in fluid intake can result in "water intoxication" if one's kidneys are unable to excrete enough water (urine). Such instances are not unheard of, and they have led to mental confusion and even death in athletes, in teenagers after ingesting the recreational drug Ecstasy, and in ordinary patients.

    And he lists other disadvantages of a high water intake: (a) possible exposure to pollutants, especially if sustained over many years; (b) frequent urination, which can be both inconvenient and embarrassing; (c) expense, for those who satisfy the 8 x 8 requirements with bottled water; and (d) feelings of guilt for not achieving 8 x 8.

    tl;dr: as long as you aren't thirsty all the time, stop worrying about your water consumption. You're fine.
  • kk_140
    kk_140 Posts: 518 Member
    I base my water intake on my meals. I don't normally drink water just for the sake of drinking it. I have a 16oz bottle of water with breakfast, another bottle at my mid-morning snack, another at lunch. Normally by the end of the day I've had 80oz of water. One 16oz bottle at each meal and snack. :)
  • ashenriver
    ashenriver Posts: 498 Member

    31PeuYtQfUL.jpg

    I have one of these. I am going on vacation next week.

    It will not be filled with water :drinker:
  • davepearson86
    davepearson86 Posts: 158 Member
    Someone else just posted something similar about what can you count towards your "water" goal...and another person posted a study saying that the need is for fluids in general, not just water. I'm not a doctor so I don't know how accurate that is... and God knows just because it's on the internet does not make it gospel :)

    I don't really get too strict with this whole water intake thing... but one thing that helped me was trying not to drink my calories and avoiding added sugars etc in things I drink whenever possible. So, what does that leave? Water. When I need a drink.... I choose water instead of tea, soda, juice, etc. I have several flavors of Mio that I add to it now and then. So, other than my daily glass of wine and 2 cups of coffee... water is all I drink. I don't force myself to drink a certain amount.... but since that's all I'm drinking I usually get pretty close :) I have a 12oz cup on my desk at work that I fill up... and I just keep count of how many I've had during the day and it adds up pretty fast.

    ^^ I looked this up on the Mayo Clinic website ( I read it in a few other places too, but Ill take the mayo clinic site as a good reference)
    The 8 cups of water a day is a guideline and depends on the person and climate. The 8 cups of water, should be 8 cups of fluid. It does not need to be plain water, tea and coffee counts. Also even though coffee is a diuretic it does not actually dehydrate you.

    there you have it 8 cups of coffee per day and game on. I only drink water if I'm thirsty or working out. According to the 8 glass a day science I should have died years ago and should not be able to lose weight. ..
  • I just perpetually have a little plastic cup that holds exactly two cups of water when filled up. I always have it with me, whether I'm working on something or just relaxing. Even four of those a day (which is seemingly trivial given it's a small cup by my standards) is the 8 cups they recommend. Yesterday I hit 16 cups of water; I wasn't trying specifically to drink a lot, that's just what I recorded over the day because I was thirsty. The more you drink, the less your body will retain it and the more you'll want it as a result. That's why they had us drinking a ton of water in boot camp every day; it made our bodies stop retaining water and cut everyone's weight down.

    I actually find it easier to keep refilling a small cup than to just carry around a single large one. I've found that if I have one big cup, I never drink as much as if I'm using my smaller cup. I'll drink more like 7-8 cups of water instead of the 12-16 I get with the small one.
  • bryannakay
    bryannakay Posts: 198 Member
    I know that a lot of people don't like the artificial low calorie juice things like Crystal Light BUT....I LOVE them :smile: It makes me drink them so fast because they taste so good! The generic brand ones are just as good! Raspberry Lemonade is my favorite!!!
  • bryannakay
    bryannakay Posts: 198 Member

    31PeuYtQfUL.jpg

    I have one of these. I am going on vacation next week.

    It will not be filled with water :drinker:

    :drinker: :smokin: :bigsmile: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Love it!
  • Amitysk
    Amitysk Posts: 705 Member
    How much water you need to drink depends on a lot of factors, the climate being the main one. Definitely don't drink water until you feel nauseous or are making trips to the bathroom every 5 mins. The more you sweat, the more water you need to drink. So if it's a hot day or you're very active, drink more. If you're sitting down a lot and it's cold, don't drink so much.

    Your pee is a good indicator of how hydrated you are. If it's very pale or clear, then you're adequately hydrated and don't need to drink any more water.

    ^^This! Also, there is hydration in the foods you eat as well. Drink what's comfortable!
  • otillie03103
    otillie03103 Posts: 107 Member
    I actually found that the more I drink water, the more I want it. I actually crave it. I like the tip about keeping water with you all day from other posts. You don't have to drink a ton at once, just sip throughout they day and it really adds up.
  • I once saw someone who had two 32 ounce water jugs that they marked with hours of the day. One was for before lunch, one for after lunch. Then they just made sure they drank down to the correct hour by the end of that hour. It works really well to space out your water evenly. Even if it means you forgot for a couple hours, you can chug (or sip aggressively for a few minutes) to catch back up to the correct "time" on your water jug.
  • dswolverine
    dswolverine Posts: 246 Member
    I used to never really drink water, but over time I drank more and more on a regular basis, and now my body craves it! I have a water bottle that i re fill many times per day. Maybe just slowly increase the amount you drink?
  • yogicarl
    yogicarl Posts: 1,260 Member
    That's exactly my problem. If I drink too much, I start to feel sick the same way you would if you overate. My stomach just doesn't want to fit it!

    The 8 glasses of 8oz water thing is a myth. Just drink when you feel thirsty - water, soups, the water in your veggies, soft drinks, tea or coffee; it's all good.

    Here you go:

    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/eight-glasses-water-per-day/
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

    Highlights include:

    The 8-glasses thing appears to originate in a 1945 study, (I'm guessing you can find or think of a few things 'known' to medical science in the 1940's that have subsequently been found to be inaccurate).

    The nature of the 8-glasses per day commentary was descriptive, not prescriptive.

    The liquids in other beverages and even the foods consumed contribute toward the 8-glasses.
  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    I have one of these at its my main water hole:

    http://www.amazon.com/Bubba-Keg-Insulated-Mug-Black/dp/B002KDPSYI

    I can fill it up with ice in the morning, and still have ice in it as I leave work. I have a hard time drinking a lot of water unless it is ice cold, and this thing does just that. If its sitting by you all the time, you shouldn't have a hard time drinking water.

    31PeuYtQfUL.jpg

    Hey I have one of those but I didn't use it for water :indifferent:
  • MysteriousMerlin
    MysteriousMerlin Posts: 2,270 Member
    Count everything liquid as water.
    Water, milk, tea, coffee, gatorade, etc.

    Thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.
  • toiletski
    toiletski Posts: 126 Member
    Something in my head insists I drink half of whatever I have. I used to carry around a 1/2 gallon jug of water and I'd drink half. Then I upgraded to a gallon size jug (which doubles as a weight when it's full) and I'd drink half. Now on most days I can drink the whole thing, especially when I am dragged into a conversation in which I'm not expected to participate. I keep myself looking interested and keeps my hands busy by continuously raising the jug to my mouth.

    Also, sometimes I add flavored BCAA's which helps keep it interested. 1 scoop of Scivation Xtend per 1/2 gallon is the perfect amount of flavor for me.
  • DaveInFL
    DaveInFL Posts: 84 Member
    I just drank 2 16.9fl oz of water this afternoon quite easily. How many cups does that equate to? Is that around 5-6 cups?
  • MrsLannister
    MrsLannister Posts: 347 Member
    As some others have said, these water calculations, including the 8x8, are not really based in science. Just stay hydrated. If your urine is dark or you are retaining water, drink more water. If your urine is almost completely clear, you should probably drink a little less water. If your urine is a pale yellow color, then you are doing it right.
  • RLeighP
    RLeighP Posts: 232 Member
    I find that if I don't drink at least a couple liters a day, I retain a ton of fluid. Like today, I've had 18 cups, so that's about 144 oz so far, and it's only 4 pm. I'll probably drink another 6 cups with dinner. Everything that I drink out of is 24 oz or 3 cups (I measured them) so I just calculate it like that.

    Helps that I LOVE tap water.

    If you can't drink that much, listen to your body. I agree with others, your pee is a good indicator. Too dark? Drink more water. Pale to clear? You're good!
  • Greytfish
    Greytfish Posts: 810
    I have one of these at its my main water hole:

    http://www.amazon.com/Bubba-Keg-Insulated-Mug-Black/dp/B002KDPSYI

    I can fill it up with ice in the morning, and still have ice in it as I leave work. I have a hard time drinking a lot of water unless it is ice cold, and this thing does just that. If its sitting by you all the time, you shouldn't have a hard time drinking water.

    31PeuYtQfUL.jpg

    This is worth it just for the extra lifting.

    I have a CamelBak Bit n Sip bottle. Works for me. BPA Free. Antibacterial and easy to keep clean. Also pretty durable.
  • Sassy40Tx
    Sassy40Tx Posts: 23 Member
    I agree, keep your water container full and near . Some days, it is hard to take in 8 x 8, other days it is easy to do. It helps to not keep any other form of drink near. On the days that it is harder to take in water, I try to eat more "water" fruits and veggies.
    Hope this helps, good luck!
  • AlyssaJoJo
    AlyssaJoJo Posts: 449 Member
    I just drink it. Seriously - just drink it. I have a bubba keg that holds 6 glasses and I can fill it up 4-5 times a day. The more you make your self do it the more second nature it becomes and the more your body adapts
  • silverinc13
    silverinc13 Posts: 216 Member
    I probably drink about 130-150 ounces a day myself ... I weigh 140lb. Much of the time I'm still thirsty! I don't drink anything else other than 18 oz of coffee in the AM and a glass of wine at night. Just suck it down! Much easier with my camelbak than it would be with a regular cup. I recommend something with a straw for sure.
  • popo312
    popo312 Posts: 78 Member
    I probably drink to much. I take a 32oz tumbler pretty much wherever I go. I typically go through at leaf four in a 12hr shift at work. On my off days who knows but probably more than that. Could be part of the reason I have trouble hitting my calorie goals.
  • gigglesinthesun
    gigglesinthesun Posts: 860 Member
    I probably drink about 130-150 ounces a day myself ... I weigh 140lb. Much of the time I'm still thirsty! I don't drink anything else other than 18 oz of coffee in the AM and a glass of wine at night. Just suck it down! Much easier with my camelbak than it would be with a regular cup. I recommend something with a straw for sure.

    excessive thirst is a sign of diabetes
  • Drink a glass of water before every meal- a lot of the time our bodies will confuse thirst fir hunger, so this way you are getting your water in and satiating some of that thirst before you eat. It will also help curb your appetite while you are eating and prevent you from overeating because your stomach will already feel slightly full...
  • JayMri
    JayMri Posts: 241 Member
    Making flavored water helps if you do not like plain water. Just add fruit or veggies to your water, as little or as much as you want to taste. My two favorites are orange & cranberry and cucumber & lime. I do not drink a lot of water and fluids in general but this helps.
  • silverinc13
    silverinc13 Posts: 216 Member
    I probably drink about 130-150 ounces a day myself ... I weigh 140lb. Much of the time I'm still thirsty! I don't drink anything else other than 18 oz of coffee in the AM and a glass of wine at night. Just suck it down! Much easier with my camelbak than it would be with a regular cup. I recommend something with a straw for sure.

    excessive thirst is a sign of diabetes

    Lol I don't have diabetes. But thanks for the medical advise champ!
  • freddi11e
    freddi11e Posts: 317 Member
    Never really had a problem with drinking liquids... i drink 4 water bottles a day (8 cups), 5 cups of almond milk, and 3 or 4 cups of coffee.... i think i also have a weird oral fixation thing goin on, so i constantly need to have something haha... i recently bought cinnamon flavored toothpicks to help tho. :)

    maybe just drink like a water bottle before your meals? and then another one during your meal. Like take a sip after every bite?