What counts as “water”?
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witchaywoman81
Posts: 280 Member
Years ago, “they” used to say that you should drink a certain number of cups/Oz a day of pure water (i.e. coffee, tea, pop, etc don’t count). Is that still the conventional wisdom? Do you count “other” beverages toward your water intake?
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Replies
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Whether you decide to count them or not, your body uses coffee, tea, and soda to help meet your overall need for hydration just as it uses water (and the liquid in foods).15
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I count all liquids, unless there is alcohol contained within. Mmmm, margaritas...8
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I use my urine color as a hydration barometer more than any recommendations floating around. I haven't done extensive research regarding what constitutes "water" that counts for a daily value but I know there are conflicting opinions regarding caffeinated beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, etc.
I also do usually count my cups of "water" during the week since it's easy to do when I'm at my computer, much less diligent about it at home/on weekends. I do count pretty much anything liquid since the majority of most beverages are water.11 -
I only count water as water. I log coffee, tea, la Croix, etc. but only in "calories" not as water. I think it's always good to go for your goal of literal water and let extras be add-ons.14
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just stay hydrated...that's all that matters. The color of your urine will tell you.11
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If your plan is to treat your hydration like a video game that must be played on "hard mode" to prove you're serious, then sure, do it the hard way. Score yourself zero points for drinking any liquid that you actually enjoy drinking. You do you.
If you've got more reasonable priorities in your life and just want to be healthily hydrated, then just get enough thirst-quenching liquids so you're not thirsty and you pee with reasonable frequency and lightish color.
It's not that hard.20 -
If, when reading the nutrition data label, I see the word "water" listed as the first ingredient, I count it as water. (Even if I don't track or log my water intake - I monitor my pee color). This applies to soda (diet or otherwise), sparkling flavored waters (ohh, there's that word again), teas, coffees, etc.6
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If your plan is to treat your hydration like a video game that must be played on "hard mode" to prove you're serious, then sure, do it the hard way. Score yourself zero points for drinking any liquid that you actually enjoy drinking. You do you.
If you've got more reasonable priorities in your life and just want to be healthily hydrated, then just get enough thirst-quenching liquids so you're not thirsty and you pee with reasonable frequency and lightish color.
It's not that hard.
So, if racking up video game points helps OP reach her goals, what's the problem with that?!?
To each their own. You do you, boo.11 -
There is not problem AT ALL w racking up video game points. I absolutely manage my health on a points system.
My point is that if you want a high score (good health) why the eff would you do it on an arbitrary "hard mode"? Why rule out ways of earning points just because they're too easy to earn?
If a liquid quenches your thirst, it's hydrating. Don't score yourself down for enjoying the liquid, unless you like making it hard just to make it hard because your priorities are weird.10 -
There is not problem AT ALL w racking up video game points. I absolutely manage my health on a points system.
My point is that if you want a high score (good health) why the eff would you do it on an arbitrary "hard mode"? Why rule out ways of earning points just because they're too easy to earn?
If a liquid quenches your thirst, it's hydrating. Don't score yourself down for enjoying the liquid, unless you like making it hard just to make it hard because your priorities are weird.
First, OP never said she wouldn't count other liquids. She asked a simple question.
You went full *kitten*-mode, making it sound like she was stupid for even asking.
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There is not problem AT ALL w racking up video game points. I absolutely manage my health on a points system.
My point is that if you want a high score (good health) why the eff would you do it on an arbitrary "hard mode"? Why rule out ways of earning points just because they're too easy to earn?
If a liquid quenches your thirst, it's hydrating. Don't score yourself down for enjoying the liquid, unless you like making it hard just to make it hard because your priorities are weird.
Why do you care?
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There is not problem AT ALL w racking up video game points. I absolutely manage my health on a points system.
My point is that if you want a high score (good health) why the eff would you do it on an arbitrary "hard mode"? Why rule out ways of earning points just because they're too easy to earn?
If a liquid quenches your thirst, it's hydrating. Don't score yourself down for enjoying the liquid, unless you like making it hard just to make it hard because your priorities are weird.
Why do you care?
Um, why do YOU? SAUCE FOR EVERYONE7 -
I count clear, pure water as water... or water with lemon, and just add the lemon calories. If I am drinking protein water, I log it under beverages.6
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If I didn't count my tea as water I wouldn't drink any at all... I justify this solely on the fact it is water until I put the tea bag in...10
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Our bodies have adapted to a remarkable level and self regulate rather well to suit today's demands. Hydration typically only becomes a concern with physical activity. The suggestion of drinking 8 cups of water/day have little to no scientific foundation.
I have established a simple routine around this. I drink 16 oz of water ~30 mins prior to meals as a means to manage hunger and stay hydrated. I also exercise ~60 mins/day and just ensure my urine is clear to straw colored.2 -
I count tea, lacroix, and mix in powders as water. I don't drink them as my sole source of hydration. But if I'm getting tired of plain ol water I'll spice it up a little with some flavor. I never get dehydrated that way.3
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I count water as water & say if I drink a Gatorade I log that under a snack just because it has 140 calories. And regardless if I drink or eat something with a calorie, a calorie is a calorie.2
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catebonarrigo wrote: »If I didn't count my tea as water I wouldn't drink any at all... I justify this solely on the fact it is water until I put the tea bag in...
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All liquid counts, including the water content of food.6
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