Does crystal light count towards your 64 oz of water? Obviously, I don't plan on drinking just crystal light, but maybe one or two glasses. It's so hot today, and lemonade seems so refreshing!

From everything I have read it does! Non-Caffinated drinks do count as water. The caffinated drinks are a little more controversial.

While opinions differ (there have been many, many threads debating this), I (and many others) say yes.

Many say only "pure" water, without "stuff" in it counts. And I would argue that all water has "stuff" dissolved in it, and the only pure water is "distilled water" and it is NOT recommended for drinking because it can actually pull minerals from your body.

Many say that you can count Crystal Light and other non-caffeinated beverages (Mom's kidney specialist says even coffee counts, as there's not enough of a diuretic effect to worry about). Others say that you can count non-water beverages for up to half of your water intake.

Best suggestion, do what makes YOU feel comfortable, and watch the scale (over months, not just days or a week) and pay attention to how you feel. If you feel better drinking only water, then drink only water. If you feel good and the scale isn't stalling, do it YOUR way.

I dont think all that sweetner is good for you..so I take a packet of crystal light and pour into 4 16 oz water bottles..that way you get a hint of lemon but not as sweet. I do think it counts towards your water intake.
debi

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

I do agree about the sweenter thing though, which is why I don't want to have too much of it anyway. Also, I like plain water, so I would miss it.

Either way, I usually drink more than the 64 oz of water per day.

One of my friends buys the 4C brand of drink sweeteners. It has no calories like the Crystal Light and it doesn't have the aspartame in it which is what she said makes the artificial sweeteners so bad for you. She said they taste good too. I am still working through the stuff that I bought so I can't help you out as far as the taste goes.

I do count them as water because of the no calories thing, but I also drink plain Poland Springs as well.

If it contains water, it counts as water

Your question has been addressed, but wanted to say that not everyone needs the same amounts...Drinking 64oz. of fluid isn't a "one size fits all" approach to meeting your individual needs for fluid intake.

I think Crystal Light counts as water. In fact, according to the article Fluid Fundamentals that appeared in a recent issue of Cooking Light, just about any fluid you consume counts towards your total water intake for the day. This includes sweetened beverages (with real or artificial sweetener), juices, milk, tea, coffee (even caffeinated), and alcohol. Also, all food has some amount of water--even bread--and that water counts too.

I've read other articles that say the same thing, the Cooking Light article is just the easiest to link to.