One of my obstacles with this journey of mine is water intake. That little green smiley says it all for me. I couldn't imagine taking in 64 oz of water a day!!! So, I got to reading and have found that it's not really 64 oz of water...it's 64 oz of fluid. And the 64 may be too high or too low, depending on the person. I had no clue. Did you? And I also didn't know that that fluid can come from beverage or food, like fruits and veggies.
Now, I've consistently read that water is best before, during, and after exercise and I would agree. However, it just seems that it's been commonly believed that fluid = water, or was this just me?
I've heard totally different opinions on water all over. I've heard as well that if you aren't thirsty and drink enough water to satiate your thirst that that is enough too. But I have noticed since I increased my exercise program, that I have been naturally thirstier.
I've heard like you have that it's 64 oz of fluid, I think that's why some researchers I heard a while back said that most people DO get their daily requirements of fluids just in what they eat. I also heard that it can be any drink, but then heard that diet soda does not satisfy. I think common opinion is as well that caffeinated drinks do not count and that because caffeine dehydrates you are supposed to compensate by drinking EXTRA water when consuming caffeinated drinks. I've really heard things all over the board. I always had a hard time getting in enough water, but I have to say since I increased my exercise it seems like I've been naturally thirstier than normal and I'm sure I'm getting in the 64 oz now without really trying. I'm pretty sure I wasn't before though (and I drink caffeine regularly, which may be hampering my fluids if what some people say is true). I'd be interested to hear more opinions and research on the matter.
Yep, I've heard differing reports as well. I even saw an ad that said that drinking caffienated sodas does count toward fluids for the day- of course it was a two page spread paid for by Coca-Cola. So, I think it's going to be different depending on who you ask. One thing that I do believe for sure, is how much different my body feels when I drink water opposed to other drinks. I've tried to get into the mindset that food and fluids are simply fuel for my body, and just like a car- if I put in junky or unneccessary things, who knows what kind of performance I'll get.
I'll try and give you a little hope though... I was definitely a confirmed water-hater. I would literally go weeks at a time without having even one sip of plain water. When I was thirsty, I would swear that my body was asking for diet pop. When I decided to go cold turkey on the soda, I filled the gap with sugar-free drink mixes. But, eventually I went to water only. And since I've done that- I get in SO MUCH water! Once I cut out the other stuff (I do have milk), I found myself wanting more water. I drink more water now (on a daily basis), than I used to drink other fluids combined. So, if you want to get in more water, my personal advice is to cut out all other drinks (except milk, especially if you have trouble getting in your calcium) for awhile and see if that doesn't get you drinking more water.
I'm satisfied with my water intake as it stands. I went from, like you, consuming none to consuming about 32 oz a day. I'm just happy to know the pressure is off a bit in thinking I had to get 64 oz of just water.
I can't drink milk...I have allergies to it. I'm not lactose intolerant, just can't breathe after I drink it. I use about a teaspoon in my coffee each morning - after that no more milk for me.
Personally I do think we need more water even if it is flavored (not counting soda, etc). Having said that, make it your rule to INCREASE your water intake (if you aren't drink 64+) instead of saying you have to get that unattainable number. Fitday also includes foods as part of your moisture. I converted the numbers to 64fl oz to 80fl oz as my range. Some of that does come from food. If you excercise you need more on those days.
If you feel thirst, your lips are dry, your urine is not clear pale yellow then you may not be getting enough.
I agree with cut out the other stuff. I don't tend to agree with those that the water can't be the flavored water.
Have you ever tried the flavored carbonated water from Wal-Mart? The 1-liter bottles are $.50 each. That's what I used to start getting used to drinking water. I used to drink a LOT of Diet Dr Pepper. Then I made a deal with myself. If I drank a 1-liter bottle of the water, then I could have a can of pop. Once I got that habit down, I switched to have to drink TWO 1-liter bottles before the can of pop. Now I've been drinking 32 ounces of plain cold water before I have a 1-liter bottle of the flavored stuff (and then I can have a can of pop). Actually, this weekend I didn't have any flavored water. Just PLAIN water!
The flavored stuff is sugar free, caffeine free, and sodium free. The only "down" side is that it is sweetened with aspartame. I'm hoping that they will eventually switch to splenda.
But I do agree, I read somewhere (Fitness magazine?) that your fluid intake can also come from the foods you eat.
I've gone from a firm water-hater to a confirmed water-drinker. I consume minimum of 2 litres (approx 64 fl oz's) a day. I notice that when I drink my water each day I feel less sluggish and more alert, my skin feels softer and I have more energy. I decided to make an effort to drink more water after talking with people and reading that water intake helps flush out fats. Also, if you retain water, like I do, then drinking water helps rid you of that too. Your skin needs water too to keep firm and hydrated.
Altogether, for me anyway, the benefits of drinking water far outweigh reasons to not drink it, e.g plain flavor, boring etc. When I'm at work I drink it plain but at home I keep one of those squirty bottles of lime juice in the fridge to add to it.
I would say that other fluids such as diet pop, coffee etc. wouldn't count towards your water count either.
The only downside for me is the amount of times I go to the loo! It's worse on a morning, on an afternoon I don't seem to go half as much.
I've also found that I have to quit drinking ANYTHING by 7 pm or I will be up several times during the night! I normally wake up around 3 am for a trip to the bathroom and then again at 5 am when my DH's alarm goes off.
I just bought Fitday PC today (YAY!) and was inestimably exuberant to see that my 33.8 oz of fluids was actually 43 once the water in my diet was added. That's nice to see when you feel like you are about to float away.
Amen to that Kimberly! I don't drink water after 7pm either or it's a restless night for me and the hubbie when I go crashing to the bathroom every hour .
Yep, I've heard differing reports as well. I even saw an ad that said that drinking caffienated sodas does count toward fluids for the day- of course it was a two page spread paid for by Coca-Cola.
I would say that other fluids such as diet pop, coffee etc. wouldn't count towards your water count either.
These are considered fluids, yes, but the problem with sodas and coffee is that they act as a diuretic. You pee out twice as much as you take in and can actually be dehydrating. Water keeps you hydrated, even though you feel like you're in the bathroom every 10 minutes.
Lots of things, however, can count towards fluid intake; fruits and vegetables (especially oranges, cucumbers, watermelon, celery, etc), milk and juice, and even soup. To get your fluids you don't necessary have to sip water all day long, but try and stay away from caffeinated beverages.
You don't have to chug a ton of water every day. Just drink enough to keep you from becoming thirsty. Because, so they say, when you feel actual thirst, dehydration has already begun. I love water. I walk around with a glass of ice water all day long. I can't remember the last time I felt REALLY thirsty - well, except for that time I went out drinking with a friend of mine because alcohol acts as a diuretic as well. I got up in the middle of the night and chugged a whole glass of water in seconds. Now, when I drink alcohol, I drink a small glass of water every other drink or so and have one more before I go to bed.
These are considered fluids, yes, but the problem with sodas and coffee is that they act as a diuretic. You pee out twice as much as you take in and can actually be dehydrating. Water keeps you hydrated, even though you feel like you're in the bathroom every 10 minutes.
Caffeine is the actual diuretic and while water does a better job of hydrating, the body is a smart machine that adapts to these type beverages and minimizes the effects from the caffeine. I think the key here is the frequency of intake. The person that drinks a cup of coffee each morning need not panic.
Kimberly,
I have tried those and I'm sad to say I didn't like them at all. I took my first swallow and gagged, but I didn't give up and thought it might have been the shock factor because it was so fizzy. I got about half the bottle down and decided I preferred regular water.
I'm no longer a water hater - I just want more than water to drink during my day. The family has been taking advantage of pretty days and taking some hikes through a nearby state park. My water intake definately goes above my normal 32oz.
Eek! All this talk about fluids.. I'm DYING of thirst. (Well, not that bad.) I weigh in at TOPS at 10 a.m. and then drive to Fargo to get a fasting blood test to check my cholesterol (again). At least I can drink water after I weigh in. I wonder if that means no artificial sweeteners until after the blood work? Hmmm.. Plain water is what I'll have then. I've been on Vytorin this past month to get my cholesterol levels down... I hope it's down SOME.
Fluids
That little green smiley says it all for me. I couldn't imagine taking in 64 oz of water a day!!! So, I got to reading and have found that it's not really 64 oz of water...it's 64 oz of fluid. And the 64 may be too high or too low, depending on the person. I had no clue. Did you? And I also didn't know that that fluid can come from beverage or food, like fruits and veggies.
So, I think it's going to be different depending on who you ask. One thing that I do believe for sure, is how much different my body feels when I drink water opposed to other drinks. I've tried to get into the mindset that food and fluids are simply fuel for my body, and just like a car- if I put in junky or unneccessary things, who knows what kind of performance I'll get. 
