What counts as water?

bcattoes

Let's check with the experts at the Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

Everyone has heard the advice, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day." That's about 1.9 liters, which isn't that different from the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Although the "8 by 8" rule isn't supported by hard evidence, it remains popular because it's easy to remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be reframed as: "Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward the daily total.

killagb

I was told by my chiropractor that you could not count water enhanced with things such as crystal light due to the preservatives. He said you can only count straight water as water. Even coffee and tea did not count.

Your body 'counts' it. How does flavoring water suddenly make water not water? Your body certainly still sees the fluid as hydrating.

RUN2CJ

I believe that what you choose to count is your business. I prefer to keep things simple and count my water intake as exactly that, water intake. I DESPISE water, so I think it’s cheating when I add additives to make me drink it, although the MIO is pretty tasty!!!!

I just have to be a stickler myself because since I know that my water intake leaves a little to be desired.

melissa_leah

I count crystal light and iced tea... it keeps me hydrated & its no calories

savage22hp

Everything , unless it is dehydrated contains water , so ...... everything

YukonJoy

I was told by my chiropractor that you could not count water enhanced with things such as crystal light due to the preservatives. He said you can only count straight water as water. Even coffee and tea did not count.

Oh yeah sure, because chiropractors are real doctors and everything....

rainunrefined

Hey guys! Quick question, couldn't find anything related easily when I searched. My coworker and I were discussing how much water we drink the other day and I was telling her it was hard for me to just drink regular water, so I use Crystal light and tea. She responded that these things don't count as going toward your 8 glasses daily and only strictly water does! What do you guys think??

Personally if it starts out as water and it doesn't have caffeine, I count it. I count, water, decaf tea or decaf coffee, water with zero cal flavoring (crystal light). As for milk, pop, juice, caffeinated beverages... no they aren't counted in my world. The majority of my water consumption is plain ol' ice water.

therealangd

Everything , unless it is dehydrated contains water , so ...... everything

HA! I was going to same thing.

Nic620

I'm a "water only as water" person

PepeGreggerton

I was told by my chiropractor that you could not count water enhanced with things such as crystal light due to the preservatives. He said you can only count straight water as water. Even coffee and tea did not count.

Oh yeah sure, because chiropractors are real doctors and everything....

^HAHA

Fluids are fluids. Yes some have a diuretic effect but it's not equivalent to the amount of fluid you're consuming.

Reedern

I was told by my chiropractor that you could not count water enhanced with things such as crystal light due to the preservatives. He said you can only count straight water as water. Even coffee and tea did not count.

Your body 'counts' it. How does flavoring water suddenly make water not water? Your body certainly still sees the fluid as hydrating.

Read the ingredients on the packages... water is water, if you add anything to it, it is no longer water

UsedToBeHusky

Basically all liquids (besides alcohol) count. So, water, tea, juice, milk, etc, etc, etc

This is not true. Milk and juice are actually foods. And caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee cause you to retain water. Water is only water if you are drinking water. Period. You can have other stuff, but to get the fully hydrated, toxin-flushing effects of water, then you still have to drink you 8 glasses (4 bottles) of water a day.

seehawkmomma

I guess the two gallons of tequila I drank before work doesnt count towards my water intake then huh?

keiraannemorgan

MFP suggests drinking 8 glasses of water each day, not 8 miscellaneous beverages.

Water is water is water.

galegetsthin

I have to make only water count for me. Everything else kinda screws with me and I will not drink enough if I .start counting other stuff

HorrorChix89

Water is water and fluid is fluid. I try to drink water but I'd rather drink a gallon of milk instead. If water tasted like milk than I'd have my 8 glasses before noon.

I hate the taste of water. I have to be dying in order to just drink water all day. Just because this site says 8 glasses of water doesn't necessarily mean you need to have the clear liquid stuff in the expensive bottles or filtered stuff. If this site said "Drink 15 shots of vodka" would you do it?

wish21

wish21

I look at it like this. WATER is the only drink free calories, soda, milk, tea (mostly) has calories

killagb

I was told by my chiropractor that you could not count water enhanced with things such as crystal light due to the preservatives. He said you can only count straight water as water. Even coffee and tea did not count.

Your body 'counts' it. How does flavoring water suddenly make water not water? Your body certainly still sees the fluid as hydrating.

Read the ingredients on the packages... water is water, if you add anything to it, it is no longer water

This is all I say to you ma'am...first ingredient is...what?

killagb

I look at it like this. WATER is the only drink free calories, soda, milk, tea (mostly) has calories

That is a valid reason to hydrate with water. It lacks calories, so it's good for sticking to your plan. BUT....all those other drinks do hydrate your body.

mshortcake622

Thanks to the ones who gave real answers and opinions and not sarcastic ones. Very enlightening!

killagb

Basically all liquids (besides alcohol) count. So, water, tea, juice, milk, etc, etc, etc

This is not true. Milk and juice are actually foods. And caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee cause you to retain water. Water is only water if you are drinking water. Period. You can have other stuff, but to get the fully hydrated, toxin-flushing effects of water, then you still have to drink you 8 glasses (4 bottles) of water a day.

You should brush up on your research....caffeine = a diuretic. It's not going to make you retain water...in fact it's the opposite, but thing is...the diuretic effect is not greater or even close to the hydrating effect of the drink it's contained in. Sodium will make you retain water. Drinking anything that contains water 'counts' to your body's hydration.

luvmybaby333

I used to not be much of a water drinker either. Now I LOVE ice water with fresh cut lemons in it. I pick up a large one at Sonic every morning. Nothing but fresh lemon to flavor it and I refill it all day. Now, all I drink is water except for a cup or two of coffee in the morning.

not trying to be rude, but why do you pick one up at sonic instead of just making your own?

I can't answer for her, but I know that I love to get water from Sonic because they have the best ice. I don't like to waste the cups, though, so now I just buy a big bag of Sonic ice and use that for my water at home. In a pinch, though, a cup of ice water from Sonic would be my first choice.

Tany27

I read somewhere that liquids count as water!!! so i would say...Water, Green Tea, Sparkling water, squash with no added sugar!!! Nd coffee and tea u cud possibly count...I dont see any harm....

soccerella

I used to not be much of a water drinker either. Now I LOVE ice water with fresh cut lemons in it. I pick up a large one at Sonic every morning. Nothing but fresh lemon to flavor it and I refill it all day. Now, all I drink is water except for a cup or two of coffee in the morning.

not trying to be rude, but why do you pick one up at sonic instead of just making your own?

I can't answer for her, but I know that I love to get water from Sonic because they have the best ice. I don't like to waste the cups, though, so now I just buy a big bag of Sonic ice and use that for my water at home. In a pinch, though, a cup of ice water from Sonic would be my first choice.

ahh I've never been to a Sonic....do they have that really cool crumbly ice? That stuff is awesome and I wish I had a maker that did that

I was just thinking that its a waste of cups/money if they charge for it (dont know if they do)...but hmmmm that ice....

savage22hp

Thanks to the ones who gave real answers and opinions and not sarcastic ones. Very enlightening!

Unfortunately , I fit into the sarcastic column and I apologize ,

I have just covered this ground before and wanted to quickly cut to what the overwhelming majority on the last thread expressed. My opinion :water is for more than hydration and the recommendation for 8 cups of water means water , adding flavorings doesn't detract from the hydration influence of liquid but can influence your body in other ways . Also , depending on the additive , the amount of water retained in the body will be influenced.

amymancha

I count white and green tea as water also. But I only use it as 1/2 my water intake. The rest I drink water. I also don't use any sugar just sweetner.

mshortcake622

Thanks to the ones who gave real answers and opinions and not sarcastic ones. Very enlightening!

Unfortunately , I fit into the sarcastic column and I apologize ,

I have just covered this ground before and wanted to quickly cut to what the overwhelming majority on the last thread expressed. My opinion :water is for more than hydration and the recommendation for 8 cups of water means water , adding flavorings doesn't detract from the hydration influence of liquid but can influence your body in other ways . Also , depending on the additive , the amount of water retained in the body will be influenced.

That was more directed to the "uhh waterrr" responses. Obviously I know pure water is the best, lol. Thank you very much for elaborating on that, very helpful.

snaptate

Water, counts as water...other liquids are just that..other liquids...you don't read about drinking at least 2 liters of coffee or tea...water=water

brewdays

oh and Coors Light because its basically water and tastes like water