Can a cup of tea be added as a cup of water?

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Replies

  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    My nutritionist said to count any "non-caloric" beverage--so unsweetened tea, coffee. I agree with adding any calories from juice and sweeteners to the diary…calories in/calories out! And anyone who has suddenly increased their water intake knows water is a diuretic…much more so for me than coffee (as a 2 cup a day girl)!!


    So your nutritionist would count Coke Zero as water? Could be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.
    Coke Zero is made with water, believe it or not.
  • Justjoshin
    Justjoshin Posts: 999 Member
    Sigh.
  • lfairman
    lfairman Posts: 1
    I agree. I think there are 2 issues here, one is water intake, and one is calorie intake. I would say you can count tea, juice, or coffee (in moderation) towards liquid intake, but that you will also need to log these in the food counter.
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    Sigh.
    Great answer. Very informative.
  • carrie_eggo
    carrie_eggo Posts: 1,396 Member
    Sigh.

    Lol
  • LuciaLongIsland
    LuciaLongIsland Posts: 815 Member
    Haven't had to post this for a while!


    You need the equivalent of 8 cups of water a day on average, from any source. These sources can be pure water/tea/coffee/juice/soda/milk/fruit/veg etc. It does NOT have to be pure neat water!

    http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/13/myth-eight-glasses-water-day

    http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2008/07/wellness-water-8x8-myth.html

    http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/12/08/the-myth-behind-drinking-8-glasses-of-water-a-day/


    As for coffee being a diuretic, so many people just spout that word as a reason, without actually understanding what "diuretic" means.

    di·u·ret·ic (d-rtk)
    adj.
    Tending to increase the discharge of urine.
    n.
    A substance or drug that tends to increase the discharge of urine.

    Neat water is also a diuretic. The diuretic effect of caffeine is far, far outweighed by the actual water in the tea/coffee. Also, regular consumers of caffeinated beverages will build up a tolerance to said effect, eventually reaching the point where caffeinated drinks provide practically the same amount of hydration as a cup of neat water will.


    http://www.divinecaroline.com/22178/46361-coffee-makes-dehydrated-say-what

    http://worldofcaffeine.com/2011/06/14/caffeine-does-not-dehydrate/

    http://advance.uconn.edu/2002/020722/02072207.htm

    http://nomoredirtylooks.com/2011/04/surprise-caffeinated-tea-does-not-dehydrate-you/

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/nutrition/04real.html

    http://www.sharecare.com/question/does-caffeine-dehydrate-not

    http://www.artofdrink.com/2009/12/caffeine-in-coffee-does-not-increase-dehydration-during-hangovers.php

    http://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/nutrition/questions/do-caffeinated-beverages-cause-dehydration.htm

    http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=5552790&page=1#.TrQWc0O5_oo

    You Made my day!!!
  • carrie_eggo
    carrie_eggo Posts: 1,396 Member
    What's wrong with counting water as water and everything else is just bonus "water" intake?
  • Justjoshin
    Justjoshin Posts: 999 Member
    Sigh.
    Great answer. Very informative.

    I guess my concern here, is that if you're telling people that Diet Sodas should be counted as water, they will not limit the intake of them and see them as a healthy choice for daily hydration.

    I drink 1-2 gallons of water per day. If I replace that with Coke Zero, I can guarantee you, without any hesitation, that my body will react.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I drink Earl Gray tea with 2 tables spoons sugar and a little fat free milk. Could this count towards my water intake?

    Yes, of course. You make it with water, so when you drink it you are drinking water. You should probably also log the sugar and milk as food to count the calories.

    http://www.webmd.com/parenting/healthy-family-choices-11/healthy-beverages
    What Counts as Water?
    Fruits are an excellent source for water. Watermelon is 90% water, so it ranks highest on the list. Oranges, grapefruit, and melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are also strong contenders.

    Vegetables, though not as full of water as fruit, can also provide a nutrient-rich water source. Stick with celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and Romaine lettuce.

    There are plenty of hidden sources of water in your diet, says White. If you want to tap into these foods, reach for oatmeal, yogurt, soup, and smoothies.

    Besides guzzling water, milk is a top choice to refuel. Sodas, even diet ones, get a bad rap for lacking nutritional value, but they can still be hydrating. Juices and sports drinks are also hydrating -- you can lower the sugar content by diluting them with water.

    Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe that they were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.

    Alcohol is a huge dehydrator, says White. You should try to limit your intake, but if you are going to raise a glass, aim for at least a one-to-one ratio with water.

    If you don't like the taste of plain water, White suggests adding lemon to it. Or test out your own concoction, like sparkling water with raspberries with a sprig of mint.
  • rmwinters
    rmwinters Posts: 288 Member
    I asked my Dr and she said NO. water is water.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    My nutritionist said to count any "non-caloric" beverage--so unsweetened tea, coffee. I agree with adding any calories from juice and sweeteners to the diary…calories in/calories out! And anyone who has suddenly increased their water intake knows water is a diuretic…much more so for me than coffee (as a 2 cup a day girl)!!


    So your nutritionist would count Coke Zero as water? Could be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.

    Coke Zero will hydrate you the same as water, because it is mostly water.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Yes, but lose the sugar!

    I am thinking of putting less in, I just don't like it completely unsweetened

    I put honey in my tea. Same calories. It hasn't hurt my losses in the least and it doesn't make the tea not water. If you like sugar in your tea and you're in your calorie goals, then have honey in your tea.

    There are a lot of people on here who are purists and think if you have a little bit of something that's not 100% healthy that you're not doing this right. I say everything in moderation and eat as healthy as possible the majority of the time and you're fine. Don't give up everything you enjoy because someone on a message board tells you to.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Sigh.
    Great answer. Very informative.

    I guess my concern here, is that if you're telling people that Diet Sodas should be counted as water, they will not limit the intake of them and see them as a healthy choice for daily hydration.

    I drink 1-2 gallons of water per day. If I replace that with Coke Zero, I can guarantee you, without any hesitation, that my body will react.

    Those are completely separate issues. Diet (and regular) soda are still water. They are not the healthiest choices for your liquid intake, but they are still liquid and still hydrate.

    Saying it's not water so people won't drink it doesn't make it not water.

    Being indignant when you're flat wrong is cute.
  • squiggles409
    squiggles409 Posts: 50 Member
    Yes, but lose the sugar!

    I am thinking of putting less in, I just don't like it completely unsweetened

    I put honey in my tea. Same calories. It hasn't hurt my losses in the least and it doesn't make the tea not water. If you like sugar in your tea and you're in your calorie goals, then have honey in your tea.

    There are a lot of people on here who are purists and think if you have a little bit of something that's not 100% healthy that you're not doing this right. I say everything in moderation and eat as healthy as possible the majority of the time and you're fine. Don't give up everything you enjoy because someone on a message board tells you to.

    If you feel that you MUST sweeten a beverage maybe agave nectar its a little sweeter than honey so you'll use less and its also safe for diabetics and plant based so its vegan friendly.
    " The agave nectar is about 1.5 times sweeter than honey. Furthermore, it has a wide variety of flavors, which makes it a suitable additive for most foods. In addition, the nectar does not impact the nutritional balance of food. Agave nectar is a plant product, meaning that it is a perfect alternative for vegans and vegetarians.

    In comparison to honey, agave nectar has a very low-glycemic index, and it is a safe sweetener for diabetics. Moreover, it does not spike blood-sugar levels or stimulate insulin response. Rather than increasing body fats, agave nectar assists in the breaking down of body fats through the gallbladder."
  • HealthyBodySickMind
    HealthyBodySickMind Posts: 1,207 Member
    I second that: thanks so much, Monster. I like it when people site their sources :)
    Haven't had to post this for a while!


    You need the equivalent of 8 cups of water a day on average, from any source. These sources can be pure water/tea/coffee/juice/soda/milk/fruit/veg etc. It does NOT have to be pure neat water!

    http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/13/myth-eight-glasses-water-day

    http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2008/07/wellness-water-8x8-myth.html

    http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/12/08/the-myth-behind-drinking-8-glasses-of-water-a-day/


    As for coffee being a diuretic, so many people just spout that word as a reason, without actually understanding what "diuretic" means.

    di·u·ret·ic (d-rtk)
    adj.
    Tending to increase the discharge of urine.
    n.
    A substance or drug that tends to increase the discharge of urine.

    Neat water is also a diuretic. The diuretic effect of caffeine is far, far outweighed by the actual water in the tea/coffee. Also, regular consumers of caffeinated beverages will build up a tolerance to said effect, eventually reaching the point where caffeinated drinks provide practically the same amount of hydration as a cup of neat water will.


    http://www.divinecaroline.com/22178/46361-coffee-makes-dehydrated-say-what

    http://worldofcaffeine.com/2011/06/14/caffeine-does-not-dehydrate/

    http://advance.uconn.edu/2002/020722/02072207.htm

    http://nomoredirtylooks.com/2011/04/surprise-caffeinated-tea-does-not-dehydrate-you/

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/nutrition/04real.html

    http://www.sharecare.com/question/does-caffeine-dehydrate-not

    http://www.artofdrink.com/2009/12/caffeine-in-coffee-does-not-increase-dehydration-during-hangovers.php

    http://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/nutrition/questions/do-caffeinated-beverages-cause-dehydration.htm

    http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=5552790&page=1#.TrQWc0O5_oo

    You Made my day!!!
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Yes, but lose the sugar!

    I am thinking of putting less in, I just don't like it completely unsweetened

    I put honey in my tea. Same calories. It hasn't hurt my losses in the least and it doesn't make the tea not water. If you like sugar in your tea and you're in your calorie goals, then have honey in your tea.

    There are a lot of people on here who are purists and think if you have a little bit of something that's not 100% healthy that you're not doing this right. I say everything in moderation and eat as healthy as possible the majority of the time and you're fine. Don't give up everything you enjoy because someone on a message board tells you to.

    If you feel that you MUST sweeten a beverage maybe agave nectar its a little sweeter than honey so you'll use less and its also safe for diabetics and plant based so its vegan friendly.
    " The agave nectar is about 1.5 times sweeter than honey. Furthermore, it has a wide variety of flavors, which makes it a suitable additive for most foods. In addition, the nectar does not impact the nutritional balance of food. Agave nectar is a plant product, meaning that it is a perfect alternative for vegans and vegetarians.

    In comparison to honey, agave nectar has a very low-glycemic index, and it is a safe sweetener for diabetics. Moreover, it does not spike blood-sugar levels or stimulate insulin response. Rather than increasing body fats, agave nectar assists in the breaking down of body fats through the gallbladder."

    I'm neither diabetic nor am I vegan.

    And I meant to say, if you like sugar in your tea, have sugar in your tea. My fingers got ahead of my brain. Oops.
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    You're welcome :) Glad to see some people actually listening and not believing the zealous hype some people bring to the water debate!

    At the end of the day, to all those people who don't "count" other liquids... it doesn't matter what you "count". Your body IS getting hydration from those sources, whether you "count" it or not. All you're doing by drinking more is making yourself pee more, and just adding another complication that really isn't necessary.
  • therealkittymao
    therealkittymao Posts: 194 Member
    You are kidding right?

    No I'm not, I really wanted to know, no need to be rude

    Truly! No need for any of us to act like that. I'm glad you stuck up for yourself and I am sticking up for you, too!!!
  • sarasmile144
    sarasmile144 Posts: 108 Member
    I've seen people saying on here they count coffee as water.. coffee actually dehydrates you, so you have to drink more water to make up for a few cups of that. Just saying.
  • sarasmile144
    sarasmile144 Posts: 108 Member
    I asked my Dr and she said NO. water is water.

    I agree with this.
  • TheBraveryLover
    TheBraveryLover Posts: 1,217 Member
    You can count whatever you want as your water intake; even a Snickers bar.

    I personally, only count plain water as my water. I don't even count carbonated mineral water, but that's just me. :-)
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    I've seen people saying on here they count coffee as water.. coffee actually dehydrates you, so you have to drink more water to make up for a few cups of that. Just saying.

    Have you read any of the scientific facts that are posted in this thread? That all agree that coffee hydrates you just as much as water?
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    I've seen people saying on here they count coffee as water.. coffee actually dehydrates you, so you have to drink more water to make up for a few cups of that. Just saying.

    Are you one of those people who just see links and dismiss them without reading them? Or did you just not see the links i posted?
    As for coffee being a diuretic, so many people just spout that word as a reason, without actually understanding what "diuretic" means.

    di·u·ret·ic (d-rtk)
    adj.
    Tending to increase the discharge of urine.
    n.
    A substance or drug that tends to increase the discharge of urine.

    Neat water is also a diuretic. The diuretic effect of caffeine is far, far outweighed by the actual water in the tea/coffee. Also, regular consumers of caffeinated beverages will build up a tolerance to said effect, eventually reaching the point where caffeinated drinks provide practically the same amount of hydration as a cup of neat water will.


    http://www.divinecaroline.com/22178/46361-coffee-makes-dehydrated-say-what

    http://worldofcaffeine.com/2011/06/14/caffeine-does-not-dehydrate/

    http://advance.uconn.edu/2002/020722/02072207.htm

    http://nomoredirtylooks.com/2011/04/surprise-caffeinated-tea-does-not-dehydrate-you/

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/nutrition/04real.html

    http://www.sharecare.com/question/does-caffeine-dehydrate-not

    http://www.artofdrink.com/2009/12/caffeine-in-coffee-does-not-increase-dehydration-during-hangovers.php

    http://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/nutrition/questions/do-caffeinated-beverages-cause-dehydration.htm

    http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=5552790&page=1#.TrQWc0O5_oo

    It is an old fashioned myth that coffee/tea dehydrates you. People used to think it until a lot more research was done.
  • apriljmcmillan
    apriljmcmillan Posts: 17 Member
    I never liked it completely unsweetened, but I have found that I can do that if I add a good squeeze of fresh lemon or lime. The citrus goes well with black tea, chamomile, and obviously any fruit tea. Plus, you get a tiny bit of fructose which is helpful but it's still so little it barely counts. Try that and see what you think--I'm what you might call a "recovering sugar addict" and I like it a lot. I almost never need sugar or honey in my tea now, which means I can get my sugars from better sources--like dessert :)
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,224 Member
    Yes of course. The food you eat counts for about 20% of your water intake as well. The diuretic arguement doesn't hold water. :laugh:
  • breezymom81
    breezymom81 Posts: 499 Member
    My guide line is anything with sugar/caffine is not water- those are the things that we are trying to clean out of our systems!!

    I would not count milk, juice, diet soda or energy drinks!! I would count crystal light, decaffinated tes(unsweetened), Mio, flaored water.:drinker:

    Can't take the easy way out :cry:
  • original_cake_face
    original_cake_face Posts: 131 Member
    I add tea as water. I add coffee as water.

    Some people say that anything with caffiene shouldn't be added as water -- but does eating chocolate negate water you already drank? It has caffiene in it.. does that mean it's negative water?

    Broscience. Water is water, no matter what you add to it.

    Edit: And if Soda/tea/coffee doesn't count as water.. How in the hell has my husband (who drinks nothing but those things) not dehydrated? Hmm? You get water from food as well. Bah.
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