I HATE THE TASTE OF WATER!

DalesWife

I do. I've tried to like it but I HATE THE TASTE OF WATER!

Instead of drinking water, I make unsweet iced tea - decaffienated.

Is this okay? Does it still count as water?

I can't see how adding a bit of unsweetened, un-caffienated flavor could matter, but thought I'd ask nonetheless.

Thanks for your help and I love this site!

robjuliew

tea counts, and try crystal light too!

rdy2lose

Yes that is ok. In fact on WW you are permitted to count it as water. You could also add fresh or bottled lemon or lime juice. You don't need much and it really adds to the flavor. Also, I only like water if it is ICE cold, try adding a LOT of ice and see if you like it any better.

tltincher

Another great addition to water is the Special K protein mixes. They taste great (to me) and have 5 grams each of protein and fiber.

kappyblu

I second the Crystal Light. I love my water, but Crystal Light is great. There are many many yummy flavors, and they have them in single serving packets as well. They all taste great, IMHO. I give it to my kids sometimes, they view it as a treat. It sure replaces kool-aid and all that sugar, we don't even miss it! Good luck!

deshaine

decaf doesn't mean un-caf...

it means decreased caf...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/11/health/webmd/main2081503.shtml

ginnyroxx

Try Crystal Lite w/ your water. It's the only way I can get my water in.

NoAdditives

I've heard that tea, whether it has caffeine or not, shouldn't be counted as water because it actually dehydrates you, the same way soda or alcohol will. Crystal Light isn't so great either since it's made with artificial sweetener.

I don't like drinking water from a glass, I never have. It's just not something I can do. But I can easily drink my 8 glasses or more if I'm drinking from a travel cup with a straw or from a sport bottle. They both keep the water fresher and because they are closed containers I don't feel the pressure to drink it all at once. I can take drinks here and there and before I know it I'm having to refill the cup or bottle.

SP0472

I've heard that tea, whether it has caffeine or not, shouldn't be counted as water because it actually dehydrates you, the same way soda or alcohol will. Crystal Light isn't so great either since it's made with artificial sweetener.

I've never heard that about tea. Like the OP - I sometimes make tea that way on days when I want a "treat". I don't like Crystal Light - it's WAY too strongly flavored for my liking.

I need to look up that info on tea. I wouldn't want to undo any good that I do with water

lilRicki

yeah but isn't the aspertame in the crystal light bad for you? that's why you shouldn't have sweet and low either? i suggest making green tea and putting a scooch of honey in it...cool it off if you want a cold drink, but i like it hot so i can kill my food cravings. I also put lemon slices in my water bottle...i know that I have to drink 1 water bottle and 1 tea thermos before the work day is done. I premake both drinks and have them at my desk all day. I usually start with the water first and then have tea in the afternoon. or put an orange slice in the water, that works well too...

Gizmo52

I've heard that tea, whether it has caffeine or not, shouldn't be counted as water because it actually dehydrates you, the same way soda or alcohol will. Crystal Light isn't so great either since it's made with artificial sweetener.

I've never heard that about tea. Like the OP - I sometimes make tea that way on days when I want a "treat". I don't like Crystal Light - it's WAY too strongly flavored for my liking.

I need to look up that info on tea. I wouldn't want to undo any good that I do with water

I find that if I put Crystal Light in a 33 oz bottle of water it isn't quite so strong and is quite tasty. I've even just put in half a packet in the 33 oz as well.

I like the Energy Crystal Light.

MTDork87

I do to and my solution is seltzer. It tastes different and counts exactly the same as water.

Ahzuri

yeah but isn't the aspertame in the crystal light bad for you? that's why you shouldn't have sweet and low either? i suggest making green tea and putting a scooch of honey in it...cool it off if you want a cold drink, but i like it hot so i can kill my food cravings. I also put lemon slices in my water bottle...i know that I have to drink 1 water bottle and 1 tea thermos before the work day is done. I premake both drinks and have them at my desk all day. I usually start with the water first and then have tea in the afternoon. or put an orange slice in the water, that works well too...

I've seen Crystal lights with Strevia instead of the aspartame, I can't drink either because I can tell when it isn't actually sugar and it bothers me to no end. I was drinking the Gatorade powder stuff for awhile there, if it weren't so expensive (it goes fast in my house) I'd buy it again. Its not the greatest thing ever for me but it defiantly beats Crystal Light in taste.

CombatVet_Armywife

I find the best way to get all my water (and then some), is to use a sports/water bottle. I keep it filled up and drink it throughout the day.

I have noticed a few negative comments about crystal light....all true & make good points....they do contain artificial sweeteners that are not very good for you, but my thought is...I'd much rather add a packet of crystal light to my water than drink a soda or anything else. I like to have something besides water to drink with my meals & crystal light works great for me! Also...it's easily adjustable to your taste, too strong- add more water...not enough flavor- add less water.

I don't count it as my daily water intake, but I do log it for the calorie count into my diary. I think it's all a matter of personal opinion. Also...crystal light has come out with a new product, Pure Fitness I think it's called, that I've heard doesn't have the artificial sweeteners....might be another option for you. Good luck finding what helps!

tater8589

I like the lipton tea to go flavors and those are cal free. I will warn you that raspberry smells funky.

JDMPWR

I'm sorry but I just can't get this. It's water. Drink it already or try to add lemon juice to it. I'll avoid my full on rant.

SHBoss1673

Tea (or any caffeinated beverage) doesn't dehydrate you, it's a mild diuretic, which means it forces the kidneys to produce more urine. That's all it means. The liquid in tea and coffee balance out any dehydrative effects that the caffeine has.


http://www.webmd.com/balance/caffeine-myths-and-facts?page=2

lashell617

Frozen fruit pieces helps add a little flavor, along with a bit of Honey. I like lemons, oranges, or berries but please do not freeze a banana and add it to your water, you will be disgusted in the end

thirtyby40

I hate water too. I always have a squeeze of lime or lemon. However I hate hate hate those pre-flavored waters YUCK!! Try fresh lemon or lime though it make a world of difference.

JosieMomGramma

Tea & decafe tea do not count as water according to every diet I have ever been on. Although your herbal teas do count as water. I even do not mind them cold. All your crystal light & sugar free sweet ice teas are loaded with chemicals that your body really does not need. If you do use them I think it would be smart to use them in moderation. Putting lemon or lime slices in your water makes the water taste different for those who do not like plain water. Green teas are also good but do have caffeine in them.

SP0472

Tea (or any caffeinated beverage) doesn't dehydrate you, it's a mild diuretic, which means it forces the kidneys to produce more urine. That's all it means. The liquid in tea and coffee balance out any dehydrative effects that the caffeine has.


http://www.webmd.com/balance/caffeine-myths-and-facts?page=2

I found similar info from a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study found that it didn't have a dehyrating effect.

Question...does forcing the kidneys to produce more urine have an adverse effect on them?

winningthin

I can truly relate. There was a time where I really just did not like the taste of water at all, but overtime it became bearable and now it's second nature for me to fill up my water bottle (with a sprig of lemon juice - a must!) every day and keep at my desk. I sip on it and am done before I leave for the day. I average 6 to 8 glasses a day. I keep the lemon juice in the fridge at the office and use it religiously. It really really helps with the taste!

lilRicki

Tea & decafe tea do not count as water according to every diet I have ever been on. Although your herbal teas do count as water. I even do not mind them cold. All your crystal light & sugar free sweet ice teas are loaded with chemicals that your body really does not need. If you do use them I think it would be smart to use them in moderation. Putting lemon or lime slices in your water makes the water taste different for those who do not like plain water. Green teas are also good but do have caffeine in them.

i make sure there is NOTHING in my tea but green tea...pure herbal lol it doesn't give me the stimulant i need to keep awake, but at least i can count it as water

MizzFitness

Tea is a diuretic & will remove water from your body. You should try to drink at least 4 glasses of regular water a day without any additives to ensure your are getting enough. I don't count anything as water but pure water. The water in your area is probably high mineral content causing the flavor you don't like. Try various bottled waters or even the distilled water at the store. It's really good for you!

barbarella

Sorry people, WATER IS WATER! Our bodies need it....... PLAIN & simple! :drinker:
Every health care practitioner I've seen or book I've ever read says so.

I also fill up plastic bottles to keep track of the quantity drunk each day.
Lemon is a good idea but can be hard on tooth enamel. :grumble:

Please don't use any funky flavorings because guess what?
All that stuff = crap = chemicals. :sad: :noway: :grumble:

Get a Brita water filter (or similar) because guess what?
TAP Water = CRAP Water = chemicals = like chlorine = tastes LoUsy! :bigsmile: :flowerforyou:

kikina

i just bought this stuff at costco ZIPFIZZ you add it to water.. it gives you energy has a great taste and no sugar (made for type 2 diabetics) but it has electorlytes and stuff so it should replace gateraid and all that stuff..

i used to use Emergency in my water but my kids don't like it .. this we all like and it seems healthier than other additives.. but of course water is water!!

StuAblett

I have real trouble with artificial sweeteners, if I do drink something with it, I go into slow motion, I really hate it. I used to drink diet coke by the gallon, not I avoid it like the plague :sick:

I drink 2L of water mixed with 1L of 100% fruit juice, I have been liking Acerola lately, it is not that sweet and has a lot of vitamins in it, mixed with the 2L of water is has taste but it is certainly NOT sweet. When I'm doing big miles on the bike, the only thing I want to drink is water.

SHBoss1673

Tea (or any caffeinated beverage) doesn't dehydrate you, it's a mild diuretic, which means it forces the kidneys to produce more urine. That's all it means. The liquid in tea and coffee balance out any dehydrative effects that the caffeine has.


http://www.webmd.com/balance/caffeine-myths-and-facts?page=2

I found similar info from a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study found that it didn't have a dehyrating effect.

Question...does forcing the kidneys to produce more urine have an adverse effect on them?

other than putting more stress on them, I don't believe so. If you have kidney problems to start with, it's probably not a good idea to force them to work harder, but other than that, I've not heard of any reason it's bad.

Ahzuri

Sorry people, WATER IS WATER! Our bodies need it....... PLAIN & simple! :drinker:
Every health care practitioner I've seen or book I've ever read says so.

I also fill up plastic bottles to keep track of the quantity drunk each day.
Lemon is a good idea but can be hard on tooth enamel. :grumble:

Please don't use any funky flavorings because guess what?
All that stuff = crap = chemicals. :sad: :noway: :grumble:

Get a Brita water filter (or similar) because guess what?
TAP Water = CRAP Water = chemicals = like chlorine = tastes LoUsy! :bigsmile: :flowerforyou:

So true on the Tap water! For a long time we would buy bottled because neither me or my husband could stand the tap water. After awhile we got a filter and now its awesome so I think if you aren't liking the water getting a filter may help a lot more than you think.

I used to hate drinking water too but over time I've come to love it. Anything like soda or crystal light now leaves a weird taste in my mouth (kinda like dry mouth if that makes sense!) but the water has to be cold, can not drink lukewarm water lol

SouthernBell86

Okay, well if you don't have a Brita filter, I HIGHLY suggest you get one, because that can make some of the weird taste go away. Secondly, I think you need to tell yourself you are going to learn to love water. You really need to be drinking a lot of it everyday and if you put bunches of stuff in it all the time, that will have a negative effect.

Wean yourself into it if necessary. Make weaker and weaker tea over time or something, but bottom line is that NOTHING is a substitute for water. It's okay to drink a glass of unsweet tea occasionally, but it shouldn't be the main way you are getting liquids. Crystal Light shouldn't be seen as a bunch of "nothing" you add to water. As soon as you add it, it isn't just water anymore. I understand that it can be really hard to just drink water at first, but for your whole body's health you need to learn to love it.

Water is literally a miracle substance. Without it life on earth would be unable to exist. You need it for every cell and cell membrane in your body, every process that takes place requires it. It can cure diseases (caused by dehydration) and relieve many of the aches and pains throughout your body. Try to drink it with the attitude that it is like oxygen, a non negotiable necessity for life. Because it is.

DalesWife

Thank you everyone for your help..... I *can* learn to like water, I just prefer tea. Glad to know that on WW it counts, since that's the program I've decided to go with. Thanks again.