Plain Water versus Flavored Water (i.e., Crystal Light)

stacy_1971

I am not a fan of plain water so I add the five-calorie Crystal Light packets to my water.

Question: Since I am not drinking "clean" water (the Crystal Light is loaded with aspartame and other additives), should I count the Crystal Light water as my water consumed, or should I count it separately and only count plain water as my water consumed?

Does it make a difference?

Thanks, in advance, for your input and advice.

FredDoyle

Doesn't make any difference. It's water. If the drink has calories, log those as well.

wild_wild_life

You can count the crystal light water as water consumed. The basic idea is to consume enough fluids to stay hydrated, so adding something to water is fine. I add flavored stevia drops -- yummy!

chinakat72

Setting aside the debate over additives like Aspartame, Splenda etc, water doesn't necessarily have to be "clean" to count. What you are counting is the water content, regardless of what else is in it. Technically, your daily water intake can come from soda, milk, Kool-Aid, juice, etc. It can also come from fruits and veggies. The trick is getting enough water content in the healthiest way possible. Even though it's technically possible to get most or all your water from the food you eat, drinking plain water is a good way to ensure you have enough fluid, and it can also help curb your appetite. I personally feel that if you won't drink plain water, a little flavoring is better than not drinking water at all. But, there are lots of opinions out there and I'm sure you'll hear a lot of different ones in this post!!

Pixie8504

I have often wondered the same thing. Thanks for posting the info

kittenbobitten

I would count it as water too. I am addicted to soda and can't really drink plain water without feeling like it is SO boring! So I do crystal light full flavor in a bottled water. Then when I am halfway done I refill it with water to dilute it some so I can get used to the more watery taste. Hopefully one day I can drink water plain!! LOL!

stacy_1971

Doesn't make any difference. It's water. If the drink has calories, log those as well.

Thanks for the advice on logging the calories. I just re-examined the packets, and it's five calories for only 1/2 packet and I've been using the whole packet in my water. I've been drinking 8-10 packets' worth of water a day for an extra calorie intake of 80-100 calories. Yikes!

ladybugcoupons

I am not a fan of water either, but I recently tried "SmartWater", it's distilled. I actually like it. No metallic taste, very smooth.

Ready2Rock206

Doesn't make any difference. It's water. If the drink has calories, log those as well.

Thanks for the advice on logging the calories. I just re-examined the packets, and it's five calories for only 1/2 packet and I've been using the whole packet in my water. I've been drinking 8-10 packets' worth of water a day for an extra calorie intake of 80-100 calories. Yikes!

Whoopsie! Well now you know. You might want to look into the liquid flavorings - like Mio or Dasani or whatever that are zero calories. (although they likely have hidden calories too.) Or just log in those 80 calories and work around them....

MaggieSporleder

I am not a fan of plain water so I add the five-calorie Crystal Light packets to my water.

Question: Since I am not drinking "clean" water (the Crystal Light is loaded with aspartame and other additives), should I count the Crystal Light water as my water consumed, or should I count it separately and only count plain water as my water consumed?

Does it make a difference?

Thanks, in advance, for your input and advice.

I always counted it as water. But left me tell you after cutting out the chemical sweeteners I feel SOOO much better.

taunto

Just log the water and add the packet of crystal light as a snack or something

julimonster

You can count the crystal light water as water consumed. The basic idea is to consume enough fluids to stay hydrated, so adding something to water is fine. I add flavored stevia drops -- yummy!

I just started using Mio, it's like kool aid for grownups:drinker:

Sarauk2sf

Doesn't make any difference. It's water. If the drink has calories, log those as well.

^^this

zentha1384

I'm the same way.

My rule of thumb is if it is caffeinated don't count it because caffeine is a diuretic that if you don't have other forms of water can cause water retention, the point of drinking water is to help reduce the water you are retaining. also watch out if it contains Sodium because that can cause water retention too. Bottom line if you notice the scale not moving down and there isn't a reason for it up your water intake and see if that helps.

I would recommend trying Mio water flavorings

Railr0aderTony

Just log the water and add the packet of crystal light as a snack or something

exactly, I use the Hawaiian punch packets, they are awesome and log it under snacks.

slkehl

My rule of thumb is if it is caffeinated don't count it because caffeine is a diuretic that if you don't have other forms of water can cause water retention

This is actually a common myth. According to the Institute of Medicine, "unless additional evidence becomes available indicating cumulative total water deficits in individuals with habitual intakes of significant amounts of caffeine, caffeinated beverages appear to contribute to the daily total water intake similar to that contributed by noncaffeinated beverages." But, as you said, it is important to check for sodium, not so much for in sodas, but in soups and whatnot.

So basically, water is water, whether it's in coffee, soup, or an orange. There's so many ways to get it in that the 8 cups a day rule doesn't hold up. If you feel hydrated and your urine is light in color, you're good to go. No need to "force-feed" yourself water.

zentha1384

This is actually a common myth. According to the Institute of Medicine, "unless additional evidence becomes available indicating cumulative total water deficits in individuals with habitual intakes of significant amounts of caffeine, caffeinated beverages appear to contribute to the daily total water intake similar to that contributed by noncaffeinated beverages." But, as you said, it is important to check for sodium, not so much for in sodas, but in soups and whatnot.

So basically, water is water, whether it's in coffee, soup, or an orange. There's so many ways to get it in that the 8 cups a day rule doesn't hold up. If you feel hydrated and your urine is light in color, you're good to go. No need to "force-feed" yourself water.

Very interesting, Thanks for this. I myself still won't could them, but this may put my mind at ease for those days I can't make it to my 8 glasses.

Also FYI some club Soda's do have sodium in them not much but some (I like putting Mio in them and have a Soda like drink)

rozvanmeter

So, does my daily vodka tonic count as water, as well as its calories????

slkehl

@zentha-Yes, and luckily it takes about 11 12 oz sodas to dehydrate you! I remember my entire food properties class was surprised when we learned that, as well as the fact that caffeine isn't dehydrating. It's interesting how some things become so pervasive. Even these days, I still sometimes feel like my coffee is making me dehydrated, even though I know that's impossible

annams76

I would say if it has calories in it than it would be a snack. It is good that you are getting the hydration but I would say if it is 0 calories than count it as water and if not count it as a snack. Just my opinion.

annams76

Also, water that has flouride in it actually taste better than regualr water, well unless you live in like Alaska where the tap water is amazing.

waronmyfat

water thanks all the way... crystal light has sugar in it water does not

hpsNcrvs

Doesn't make any difference. It's water. If the drink has calories, log those as well.

Thanks for the advice on logging the calories. I just re-examined the packets, and it's five calories for only 1/2 packet and I've been using the whole packet in my water. I've been drinking 8-10 packets' worth of water a day for an extra calorie intake of 80-100 calories. Yikes!

Just use Mio, or the Great Value Water Enhancer (in the same kinda bottle as Mio..only Walmart brand)
The powdered mixes have calories. The liquid mixes usually don't.

I drink a lot more water now that I use the liquid enhancers :-)

LesaDave

I'm not a dr, but I did check with mine. I have a hard time drinking plain water. I was told that crystal light is OK to count as water since the MAIN thing is to get fluids into your system. But coffee doesn't count since your body has to do so much to break it down to water.

I have been told by my Herbalife coach also that Crystal Light counts, but also the Herbalife tea counts as water. But she also says that coffee doesn't count.

But besides Crystal Light, have you heard of or seen the Wyler's selection? They have one that is half tea/half lemonade that is DELICIOUS!!! But I like the Arnold Palmer drinks. They have probably about 10 different flavors to choose from.

Also, Ocean Spray has quite a few selections. When you like cranberry added to the flavor, this is an excellent choice. They have maybe 8-10 flavors, but they are hard to find.

Sometimes I like pop, but I don't want all the calories. And Crush has some flavores out that cures my desire for pop. Crush Strawberry, Crush Grape, Crush Orange--and the ALL taste JUST LIKE THE POP! Even the kids drink it. I don't like Squirt as a pop, but they also make a Squirt drink mix that is GREAT! I have to fight to have that one myself. The ONLY place I have found these is Dollar General.

Another good one I have run across is LEMONHEAD!! Yep, just like that candy!! There is grapehead, orangehead and cherryhead. I didn't know about those flavors in the candy, but I like the drinks.

And last, but not least, how about the Hawaiin Punch flavors? I didn't like Hawaiian Punch growing up, but they have green berry rush and berry limeade that is wonderful. I buy only about 5-6 of their flavors.

But I guess I said all that to say this: There are SOOOOOOOO many powder choices available.

If I want it already made, I use Propel Zero. The powder mixes are 10 calories per pack. The Propel Zero has NO calories.

I have tried the Mio, but maybe I just haven't gotten the "drops" down to a science. It is tastes too watery or too strong.

AnvilHead

I would say if it has calories in it than it would be a snack. It is good that you are getting the hydration but I would say if it is 0 calories than count it as water and if not count it as a snack. Just my opinion.

Does the body process water with calories added differently than water without calories added? It's still water, regardless of what you put in it.

My .02 - if you want to account for the calories, log them accordingly - but you can still check off the water intake against your daily totals.

00babyk00

For those that like fizzy drink, or just find plain water boring..we have a soda stream machine which carbonates the water into sparkling water, I find it much easier to drink than plain water. Add some ice and a slice of lemon or lime its lovely.

ladyark

I count mine as water when i use the crystal light. I even count water when i make my own iced tea as long as its decaff. I have also been using some lemon slices in my water with or without stevia since i am trying to get away from the artificial sweeteners.

Lovestoscrapbook

Makes no difference. If that helps you get your 64 ounces in each day, then go for it!

coolraul07

Personal approach: water with something that I mix in (Crystal Light, tea, fiber/protein powder, etc.) counts as water. So do flavored seltzers. Fruit juices, milk, soda, etc. do not count as water. Calories add up regardless.

WinnerVictorious

My rule of thumb is if it is caffeinated don't count it because caffeine is a diuretic that if you don't have other forms of water can cause water retention

This is actually a common myth. According to the Institute of Medicine, "unless additional evidence becomes available indicating cumulative total water deficits in individuals with habitual intakes of significant amounts of caffeine, caffeinated beverages appear to contribute to the daily total water intake similar to that contributed by noncaffeinated beverages." But, as you said, it is important to check for sodium, not so much for in sodas, but in soups and whatnot.

So basically, water is water, whether it's in coffee, soup, or an orange. There's so many ways to get it in that the 8 cups a day rule doesn't hold up. If you feel hydrated and your urine is light in color, you're good to go. No need to "force-feed" yourself water.

you are winning this thread.

my response to the earlier assertion that "anything with caffeine in it doesn't count", is this...

when you drink a glass of water in order to swallow 2 Excedrin (or similar pain reliever), do you not count the water? because 2 Excedrin have lots of caffeine in them (65mg x 2). that's more than a cup of coffee, which averages 115mg.

BelindaDuvessa

I don't like plain water either. It has to be filtered or bottled, and even then, I've found that I really only drink it willingly in the mornings (I'm famished and thirsty from sleeping....). But about mid day, it's difficult for me to keep drinking anything.