WATER

I've seen this debate on here before. I personally say that it can still count as water, as long as you add the caloric intake of the Crystal Light package, which is what? 10 calories? A lot of people use it to help them get their water intake for the day.

My dad had gastric bypass done a few years ago and his doctor told him that it still counts, but you shouldn't do more than 1 or 2 glasses like that. It's not the same as drinking plain water. Same as coffee and tea, still water but not the same.

I have a hard time drinking water (even though it's basically the only thing I ever do drink) and I find that it is a million times easier if you use a STRAW! Try it

I was told by our wellness coach at work that it still counts but only do it for about 16 oz of your daily water. The rest should be plain.

what if you added a few sqirts of lemon juice, lime juice or a slice of cucumber for some flavour?

When I told my doctor I didn't like plain water she told me I could add Flavorings like Crystal light or Mio. I would still reccommend asking your doctor how they feel about the issue.

I've done a lot of research on this actually and the one common thread i've found is that water enters your body through a variety of sources and they all count. There's water in all the foods you eat and all the drinks you drink and it all "counts". Now the 8 cup guideline is based on the average amount of water your body needs in a day. Now certain items (for example soda) contain other ingredients that force your body to consume additional water just to digest them, so a cup of soda would not be the same as a cup of pure water.

So specific to crystal light your friend is not totally wrong but not right either. Adding the mix to the water could does add other elements that have to be digested which consumes some water. However the amount is very small. So even exaggerating it, those 8 cups may effectively be only 7 cups with the mix.

In reality, there are a ton of variables that affect how much water you need. As long as your properly hydrated (urine should be light in color or even clear) you'll be fine. That should be your real indicator.

Great response.

I've read that most doctors and nutrionists count water as water - whether flavored or not.
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The latest recommendations from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science, Dietary Reference Intake for Electrolytes and Water say:

"The fluids consumed do not have to be only water. Individuals can obtain their fluids from a variety of beverages and foods. Contrary to popular opinion, consumers do not need to consume 'eight glasses of water a day' to meet their fluid needs."

However my own personal opinion, particularly for people trying to lose weight, is to encourage additional water intake whenever possible. I feel it helps to cleanse the body when weight loss and fat breakdown is occurring. I also know that it helps to keep the hands and mouth busy, so snacking is less. This is a form of behavior modification. I personally know that many people feel better when at least 4-6 glasses of plain old H2O is consumed to help meet total fluid needs.

Written by Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

Try warm or room temperature water that always helps me. I drank only soft drinks my entire childhood and when I finally figured out that is bad for you my stomach wouldn't let me drink a lot of water. Room temperature water goes down smooth and I can drink 3 liters a day.

seriously? Water is water.

anything else is not.