So i'm having a really hard time getting my water intake for the day. I feel like drinking all the water i'm suppose to in a day makes me feel sick. My stomach feels so full, and my head starts hurting ( i guess after years of not drinking ANY water, just diet coke, my body is not use to it). Well, i bought the crystal light packets for water, and it's a lot more doable now. The only downfall is how much artificial sweeteners there are in crystal light, it's pretty gross.

My question is, would it be better to keep trying to drink plain water (i drink significantly less), or drinking water with crystal light, (where i drink significantly more)?

I was talking to a personal trainer and he was saying that artificial sweeteners like that can really set of your sweet tooth and send you on a sugar binge if you're not careful because you're still tasting sweetness so I stay away from them as much as possible. However, if you don't have a "binging on sugar" problem like I do then I guess it's whatever helps you get more fluids!

On the other hand, artificial sweeteners are just putting chemicals into your body that it finds more difficult to deal with than natural foods but if it helps you with your journey then it's up to you

I would try to stick with plain water, and add ounces slowly. I did a abrupt stop to all caffine and artificial sweetner all on one day and haven't looked back. This time I did not have withdrawl, and its been amazing.

how about using the Crystal Light but weaning yourself off them by using less and less of it - so at first, you get all the flavor, but the next day, use a little less of the powder until you get to the point where it's so lightly flavored but you are used to drinking it that you are ok with the plain water.

Personally, I think the hydration is the more important thing, even with the Crystal Light in what you drink, it's better than not drinking anything. You could also try varying the temperature of the water you are drinking to see if that helps - some people like ice cold but others find room temp easier to drink.

Honestly, I doubt I've had two full glasses of plain water during my entire weight loss process. I wouldn't waste a lot of emotional energy on how you should be drinking plain water--if you like them the same, or nearly the same, then try to segue, but if you are going around worrying about water all day and if every glass of crystal light or diet coke makes you feel guilty--it's not really that big of a deal and I would let it go.

I drink crystal Light every day. I have done this for the last year with no problems. The "Live Active" flavors have probiotic fiber as well. I usually divide one package between two glasses or one large water bottle. Honestly, I don't think you should drink till you are sick. If you feel hydrated and well, you are probably drinking enough. Take a look online at some informative articles such as the link below. Increasing your fluid intake when it is hot or during a workout is a good idea but excessive drinking is not necessary. Of course, everyone has their own opinion

http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/03...ses030314.html