Well I think this is a great idea! I have had 44 oz so far today. I would like to get in at least 64 so I better fill up that water bottle now!

I am trying to get more water in too! I have so far only managed to get in about 2 water bottles per day though. Not enough, I know but it's a start. Today, I haven't had anything but an iced coffee. Better go get a bottle now! Thanks for posting this and reminding me!

my goal is always 3 liters per day and I'm half way through #2 so I think I'm doing good.

I had to force the water initially. I did count clear herbal teas in my total but not coffee. Now it's become a habit. Already today I've had 81 oz of water and 70 oz of herbal tea. It's even worse when I drive I always go through at least a gallon jug of water in a 5 hour drive. Your bladder does adjust ;)

The advice used to be at least 64 oz. (8 8oz glasses) of clear water, then the "experts" changed it to include any liquid, even coffee or tea, which makes no sense as they are diuretics. I've heard you lose 1.5 cups of water for every cup of caffinated beverage you drink. Years ago I read a book called "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" which was a bit extreme about what drinking less than 64 oz. can do for you, but generally - I feel best when I drink 80 oz. or so of just plain water. I don't drink soda but I do drink 3 cups of caffeinated beverages (2 cups coffee/1 cup tea or 3 cups coffee per day) a day and sometimes I drink wine and when I do, I have to drink a lot of water. Wine dehydrates me like no one's business.

My fingers look like sausages when I am dehydrated. I know I'm drinking enough water when they are normal sized. Long way of saying - I think 80 oz of plain water is a great idea!!!

Cyndi, I'd NEVER get out of the bathroom!

I just had 23.8 oz and an orange. I've been thirsty ever since I read this on my way out the door!

Cyndi! I would never make it to my destination. You must have an iron bladder. When I have to be on the road, I hold off on the water (and coffee) until I get there.

Mmc - I've heard that it's an old wives tale about dehydrating from caffeine (from my very favorite Nutrition Diva). I'll see if I can find any good info because I'm really curious.

Chelby & Schmoodle - I didn't start drinking that much and my bladder really has caught up. I do stop 3 times on that 5 hour drive but that's really good for my back so no complaints from me. Same at work - it gets me away from my desk for a few minutes, but not as much as you'd think ;)

ETA - Found it! If you aren't a Nutrition Diva fan you should be :) How Much Water Should You Drink

Thanks for that reference Cyndi. This is what I've always thought but hadn't bothered to see if there was any research on it. I think thirst is a good indicator of when you need to1 drink. I sometimes do confuse thirst with hunger, but that's another issue. The water is definitely important. As I mentioned previously I can really tell a difference when I drink it and when I don't. But I'm glad to know I don't have to guzzle gallons of water.

So far today I have drank 60oz. I did have a glass and half of soda and one coffee today.

Cyndi You rock!!! LOL I would spend all day in the potty. I will read the info. My dietician has said anything without caffeine can be counted as water. Even diet caffeine free soda.


For me and for now I am sticking with clear water. As I get futher along in my weight loss I might allow myself to use the crystal lite things. I do drink hot tea at times too. I feel better when I drink plain water.

Tammie

64 oz and one more bottle to go!
(I *am* cold! 50" total now and it's all blowing around!)