Does tea count?

BHRussell
BHRussell Posts: 83 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Does other beverages count toward my water count if it is flavored water?

Replies

  • AmyLyn1983
    AmyLyn1983 Posts: 100
    I've wondered this myself. Some seem to say water only, but others say differently. I'm interested to see what gets posted here.
  • jesscod
    jesscod Posts: 98
    I count it if the tea is non-caffeinated.
  • ccnjc4e
    ccnjc4e Posts: 142 Member
    I would agree if it is non-caffeinated. I also will mix crystal light in with my water. I do add the extra calories, even though it's only like 20. Also, I have heard that you need 64oz including the food you eat...

    So, my thing is, I drink when I am thirsty, and don't worry about it if I don't get all 8 cups in. I know if I have had something a little on the salty side, that I will need to drink some more for my body to flush it out.
  • BeautifulKristen
    BeautifulKristen Posts: 281
    Yes tea does count as water.. If you make it with water.. But not if you bought the tea yourself

    Like for me I drink green tea with tea bags.. And I use 2 cups of water for it.. because my mug is that huge lol
  • 152dbs
    152dbs Posts: 116 Member
    i have sweet tea coursing through my veins. i dont count it because my wife asked "is it clear?" i said "no, so can i count vodka then?"

    yes i have to be sarcastic when im giving up a great friend like caffeine. i dont count tea because id rather try harder and not possibly cheat myself.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    You'll probably get lots of people saying no you can't count it because it has caffeine and will dehydrate you. Others will say only count pure 100% water with nothing added (good luck getting hold of any of that! :wink: )

    If you want to count tea as part of your fluid intake, go for it. Your body can certainly use the water it contains. The caffeine will not have any significant effect on hydration. Check out these links, which list some relevant studies:

    http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/12/08/the-myth-behind-drinking-8-glasses-of-water-a-day/
    http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeinated-drinks/AN01661
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/5281046.stm
    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/nutrition/04real.html
  • digitig
    digitig Posts: 2
    Tea is usually reckoned to be the next best thing to water for hydration. The issue is not the caffeine, it's that tea is a mild diuretic so it tends to make you pass more urine.

    Aiming for a fixed amount of water isn't a very good way of ensuring hydration anyway. Most folks where I am are losing a lot more water through perspiration than we were a couple of weeks ago, and need to drink more to make up for that. A much better indication is the colour of your urine. If it's pale, straw-coloured then you're maintaining your hydration ok. If it turns dark then you're getting dehydrated.
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