Water vs. Other Liquids
VelvetMorning
Posts: 398 Member
Hi,
I've heard of the importance of getting ample water! Can you substitute plain water for coffee, tea, diet soda, juice, etc? I've been going crazy on diet soda (0 cals, 0 sugar, 0 everything except a pinch of sodium) and I believe its having the desired effects, I'm just wondering if this is okay, or if I still need to squeeze in 8 cups of water? Honestly...this soda tastes so much better than water. I truly hope everyone says I can - otherwise I'm gonna be mad! :P ...but very hydrated.
I've heard of the importance of getting ample water! Can you substitute plain water for coffee, tea, diet soda, juice, etc? I've been going crazy on diet soda (0 cals, 0 sugar, 0 everything except a pinch of sodium) and I believe its having the desired effects, I'm just wondering if this is okay, or if I still need to squeeze in 8 cups of water? Honestly...this soda tastes so much better than water. I truly hope everyone says I can - otherwise I'm gonna be mad! :P ...but very hydrated.
0
Replies
-
You get water from your foods as well, most fruits have quite a lot of water.
I would look at how your pee looks and smells. If it smells very strong and/or is very yellow, you probably need more water.
It doesn't have to be completely clear, but somewhere around light yellow is fine.
Coffee dehydrates you if you drink too much, but you can count that too, tea counts ofcourse (it's flavored hot water).
Personally not a fan of diet soda, but thats your choice. Juice is fine too, but it can add up with calories if you drink a lot.
So there is no need to really get that 8 cups of water, because fruit, coffee, tea, soda and juice count too.0 -
http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/7-side-effects-of-drinking-diet-soda
http://www.today.com/health/no-seriously-diet-sodas-are-terrible-you-too-4B11200933
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/10/29/10-reasons-to-give-up-diet-soda/
Humans have been drinking water for 5 million years...just learn how to drink it already.
ack...damn links0 -
I'm going to just put this on top of the "it doesn't matter" category.0
-
if it has caffeine and sugar NO0
-
There's very very very limited scientific evidence on HUMANS to suggest that diet soda has any side effects on a person who is not sensitive to aspartame. I drink coke zero regularly and feel absolutely fine. The only concern I have is for my teeth... after drinking too many acidic drinks all my life, my teeth are quite sensitive. The solution- sensitive toothpaste and I drink it through a straw.
That being said there is nothing better than water to hydrate and help flush waste from the body. If you don't like it, flavor it. There are tons of no calorie water enhancers out there so you'll be sure to find a flavor you like.0 -
why?if it has caffeine and sugar NO0 -
coffee - No...it's a diuretic. However, if you have been a coffee drinker for some time...the diuretic effects may be lowered. I really wouldn't recommend drinking 8 cups of coffee a day. That's entirely too much caffeine.
tea - You can replace water intake with tea. Tea is normally 99% water and only has a diuretic effect in large quantities. You could drink 8 cups of tea a day instead of 8 cups of water. Not the tea flavored powdered sugar though...but I am sure you know that.
diet soda - Sure....if you want the massive amount of sodium
juice - Sure...if you want to load up on sugar0 -
coffee - No...it's a diuretic. However, if you have been a coffee drinker for some time...the diuretic effects may be lowered. I wouldn't count on coffee to be safe.
tea - You can replace water intake with tea. Tea is normally 99% water and only has a diuretic effect in large quantities. You could drink 8 cups of tea a day instead of 8 cups of water. Not the tea flavored powdered sugar though...but I am sure you know that.
diet soda - Sure....if you want the massive amount of sodium
juice - Sure...if you want to load up on sugar
40mg isn't exactly a "massive" amount of sodium. There's more sodium in a potato than a can of diet coke.0 -
coffee - No...it's a diuretic. However, if you have been a coffee drinker for some time...the diuretic effects may be lowered. I wouldn't count on coffee to be safe.
tea - You can replace water intake with tea. Tea is normally 99% water and only has a diuretic effect in large quantities. You could drink 8 cups of tea a day instead of 8 cups of water. Not the tea flavored powdered sugar though...but I am sure you know that.
diet soda - Sure....if you want the massive amount of sodium
juice - Sure...if you want to load up on sugar
40mg isn't exactly a "massive" amount of sodium. There's more sodium in a potato than a can of diet coke.
My Diet Twist Up (lol) has 25mg per 8 ounces. I don't think that's too bad - I cut my sodium everyone where else anyway! Thanks for all of the input! Yay!0 -
coffee - No...it's a diuretic. However, if you have been a coffee drinker for some time...the diuretic effects may be lowered. I wouldn't count on coffee to be safe.
tea - You can replace water intake with tea. Tea is normally 99% water and only has a diuretic effect in large quantities. You could drink 8 cups of tea a day instead of 8 cups of water. Not the tea flavored powdered sugar though...but I am sure you know that.
diet soda - Sure....if you want the massive amount of sodium
juice - Sure...if you want to load up on sugar
40mg isn't exactly a "massive" amount of sodium. There's more sodium in a potato than a can of diet coke.
My Diet Twist Up (lol) has 25mg per 8 ounces. I don't think that's too bad - I cut my sodium everyone where else anyway! Thanks for all of the input! Yay!
Not bad at all. :drinker:0 -
coffee - No...it's a diuretic. However, if you have been a coffee drinker for some time...the diuretic effects may be lowered. I really wouldn't recommend drinking 8 cups of coffee a day. That's entirely too much caffeine.
tea - You can replace water intake with tea. Tea is normally 99% water and only has a diuretic effect in large quantities. You could drink 8 cups of tea a day instead of 8 cups of water. Not the tea flavored powdered sugar though...but I am sure you know that.
diet soda - Sure....if you want the massive amount of sodium
juice - Sure...if you want to load up on sugar
Do some research on this. You'll find that most of this simply doesn't matter, aside from the fact that sugar means calories. The low sodium diet is largely been abandoned, and coffee and tea, even as mild diuretics, do hydrate. There are more important things to worry about like total calories, protein, fats, fiber, and a good resistance training program.0 -
I know the "scientific evidence" is basically inconclusive on diet sodas. But soda used to be an occasional treat -- now it's the major source of liquid for many, and it's definitely a major contributor to the declining health of the developed world. Why not just learn to drink water? The consensus on water being necessary for life is unanimous, right? Keep sodas, juice, and all that other crap as an occasional treat if you like the taste of it, but don't *replace* water with soda. Seems like a pretty dumb thing to do IMO.0
-
if it has caffeine and sugar NO
so if i drink a glass of water and then eat chocolate the water does not count? it has sugar and caffine?0 -
I know the "scientific evidence" is basically inconclusive on diet sodas. But soda used to be an occasional treat -- now it's the major source of liquid for many, and it's definitely a major contributor to the declining health of the developed world. Why not just learn to drink water? The consensus on water being necessary for life is unanimous, right? Keep sodas, juice, and all that other crap as an occasional treat if you like the taste of it, but don't *replace* water with soda. Seems like a pretty dumb thing to do IMO.
But...but...I haven't had soda in 10 years (okay - maybe once or twice) and I actually bought two bottles by accident (I put them in the cart for deliberation, then bought them without realizing) and its so fizzy and tastey and lemony and aspertame sweet! ^_^ Hahah, I see where you're coming from though. Good point! I love water, I just feel like a crack fiend for soda at the moment.0 -
I know the "scientific evidence" is basically inconclusive on diet sodas. But soda used to be an occasional treat -- now it's the major source of liquid for many, and it's definitely a major contributor to the declining health of the developed world. Why not just learn to drink water? The consensus on water being necessary for life is unanimous, right? Keep sodas, juice, and all that other crap as an occasional treat if you like the taste of it, but don't *replace* water with soda. Seems like a pretty dumb thing to do IMO.
that is an awfully bold statement to make without supporting research. Not that many pseudoscience types haven't pushed it before.0 -
I make my own lemonade with bottled lemon juice and truvia...its really tasty or ice tea with pomegranate green tea and truvia but only a smidge of truvia. Its pretty sweet. One or two packets lasts me all day. I dont log soda as water and only have one diet soda a day due to the aspertame and caffeine. Its all about balance.0
-
Here is the thing.
You are going to hear a lot of different opinions on caffeine, sodium, and everything else for that matter.
In the end...drink what you want.
I would recommend water. Why? Because it sounds good to me. Water is pure...I don't have to worry about some study 15 years from now linking brain tumors to high sodium intake...and it makes me feel happy inside.
Here is the thing to remember about nutrition. Our understanding is constantly evolving. We don't know enough about anything to make very many factual assertions about the long-term impacts of excessive sodium, caffeine, or whatever else you want to add.
Throw in a few glasses of water....it doesn't hurt....and it only takes a few minutes to chug it down.
Or you could drink diet soda, tea, or coffee. Either way we are all just making assumptions at this point. I stay on the safe side of things. I don't trust any of the studies as they are constantly "updated".
Just my take.0 -
I know the "scientific evidence" is basically inconclusive on diet sodas. But soda used to be an occasional treat -- now it's the major source of liquid for many, and it's definitely a major contributor to the declining health of the developed world. Why not just learn to drink water? The consensus on water being necessary for life is unanimous, right? Keep sodas, juice, and all that other crap as an occasional treat if you like the taste of it, but don't *replace* water with soda. Seems like a pretty dumb thing to do IMO.
Yet, you listed an article from fox news condemning it for it's supposed side effects. I think I'd sooner take health advice from Kermit the Frog before fox news. There's nothing wrong with having soda once or twice a day. People have done it for years with no ill effects. How is a calorie free, sugar free soda contributing to the decline of society?0 -
coffee - No...it's a diuretic. However, if you have been a coffee drinker for some time...the diuretic effects may be lowered. I really wouldn't recommend drinking 8 cups of coffee a day. That's entirely too much caffeine.
tea - You can replace water intake with tea. Tea is normally 99% water and only has a diuretic effect in large quantities. You could drink 8 cups of tea a day instead of 8 cups of water. Not the tea flavored powdered sugar though...but I am sure you know that.
diet soda - Sure....if you want the massive amount of sodium
juice - Sure...if you want to load up on sugar
Do some research on this. You'll find that most of this simply doesn't matter, aside from the fact that sugar means calories. The low sodium diet is largely been abandoned, and coffee and tea, even as mild diuretics, do hydrate. There are more important things to worry about like total calories, protein, fats, fiber, and a good resistance training program.
This! The diuretic impact of coffee does not even come close to the hydrating impact. Also, I don't think anyone would suggest coffee being the only source of hydration. So, the coffee reference is a strawman. The whole forcing water thing is just unnecessary. The person who suggested going by color of urine, shooting for light yellow was right. Our bodies do need hydration but there is no daily quota of water and only water.0 -
My belief is that if it doesn't have calories, caffeine or sodium, it counts as water. I do count my tea because it's decaf and I drink it black. If what you're doing seems to work for you, keep doing it. If you hit a plateau, try drinking water, or crystal light, or water with lots of lemon and add some sweetener if you're into that
But that's just me
I can't get onto all that macro stuff-just trying to eat better and be more active. I like food, but I can't let it control me any more0 -
lol...
Yeah it's a great idea to judge by the color of your urine. Great idea!
Nobody is saying coffee doesn't hydrate you. If it contains water.....it obviously provides...water.
As I said......if you drink coffee regularly....the diuretic impacts are lowered.
Over 300mg of coffee for occasional drinkers has been shown...through studies....to increase urine output.
I think some of you argue just to argue....instead of focusing on giving good advice.
Drink gasoline for all I care....lol...I think that may hydrate you as well.
By the way...if your urine is dark...you are already dehydrated.0 -
I agree that fox news isn't a reliable source, but that list is based on studies that are reliable. Excessive soda intake is definitely bad for your kidneys, teeth, and may even be linked to strokes, high blood pressure, etc. MAY be. But still, like I said earlier, I think we can all agree that water is good for you and you should drink it and not replace your body's need for water with stuff like soda, juice, coffee, etc.0
-
I know the "scientific evidence" is basically inconclusive on diet sodas. But soda used to be an occasional treat -- now it's the major source of liquid for many, and it's definitely a major contributor to the declining health of the developed world. Why not just learn to drink water? The consensus on water being necessary for life is unanimous, right? Keep sodas, juice, and all that other crap as an occasional treat if you like the taste of it, but don't *replace* water with soda. Seems like a pretty dumb thing to do IMO.
that is an awfully bold statement to make without supporting research. Not that many pseudoscience types haven't pushed it before.
Yeah, it is. I'm just sick of reading about people who don't like to drink water. What's not to like? It's water! You would die without it! It's like saying you don't like air.0 -
lol...
Yeah it's a great idea to judge by the color of your urine. Great idea!
Nobody is saying coffee doesn't hydrate you. If it contains water.....it obviously provides...water.
As I said......if you drink coffee regularly....the diuretic impacts are lowered.
Over 300mg of coffee for occasional drinkers has been shown...through studies....to increase urine output.
I think some of you argue just to argue....instead of focusing on giving good advice.
Drink gasoline for all I care....lol...I think that may hydrate you as well.
Dude. Not trying to push buttons. I'm not going to spoon feed the research, but it's available on pubmed. Diet sodas have been researched up and down, and while certain people are sensitive to aspartame, it's not going to harm most people. Sugar is calories, you have that one, and yes, you drink any liquid and you'll increase urine output.
The point is sure, drink water, heck I don't drink sodas myself but that's because I genuinely enjoy the taste of water, but don't stress yourself out by adding the 8 glasses of water a day thing to the mix of getting your calories and macros down.
Oh, and yea, the color of your pee is a good indication of hydration.0 -
Many people here worry about drinking enough water. I've collected some information, including references to scientific and medical sites: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Robin_Bin/view/water-265761
(The original focus was on how to drink more.)0 -
lol...
Yeah it's a great idea to judge by the color of your urine. Great idea!
Nobody is saying coffee doesn't hydrate you. If it contains water.....it obviously provides...water.
As I said......if you drink coffee regularly....the diuretic impacts are lowered.
Over 300mg of coffee for occasional drinkers has been shown...through studies....to increase urine output.
I think some of you argue just to argue....instead of focusing on giving good advice.
Drink gasoline for all I care....lol...I think that may hydrate you as well.
Dude. Not trying to push buttons. I'm not going to spoon feed the research, but it's available on pubmed. Diet sodas have been researched up and down, and while certain people are sensitive to aspartame, it's not going to harm most people. Sugar is calories, you have that one, and yes, you drink any liquid and you'll increase urine output.
The point is sure, drink water, heck I don't drink sodas myself but that's because I genuinely enjoy the taste of water, but don't stress yourself out by adding the 8 glasses of water a day thing to the mix of getting your calories and macros down.
Oh, and yea, the color of your pee is a good indication of hydration.
Clear urine is not an indicator of hydration. I seriously wont even argue with you on that. Go drink a few beers. You may find yourself pissing clear for hours. Good indicator of hydration huh? Let's not even go there.
Secondly, I never said diet coke was bad. I said sure...if you want the increase in sodium go for it.
Excessive sodium is bad for many people. If you have high blood pressure....for starters....excessive sodium intake can make your problem worse.
To say "Yeah...diet coke...go for it...drink 8 diet cokes a day" and "yeah look at your urine to determine hydration."
^
Stupidity
Just my take. Again, drink what you want.0 -
Just going to move along and laugh at the appalling lack of comprehension0
-
Nobody is saying coffee doesn't hydrate you. If it contains water.....it obviously provides...water.
Well actually you did.coffee - No...it's a diuretic.I think some of you argue just to argue....instead of focusing on giving good advice
Nope. But after you've been here awhile, you get pretty d*mn sick of seeing quasi science, pseudo science, bro science and just plain misinformation being passed off as fact. After your original statement you back off on coffee but you still demonized it, and sugar, and sodium for no reason and provided no dose or context. Maybe instead of getting butthurt and pointing fingers, own up.0 -
You do that...and when you pass out because you thought you were hydrated due to clear urine...come back and I will give you some water.0
-
...0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.8K Introduce Yourself
- 43.9K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 15 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions