About all that water

[MammaC]

There seems to be a big controversy over water. it seems everyone has a different opinion on how much one should drink, and should it be all just plain water. Could you give us your opinion on this. Do decaf beverages count toward water intake, or should we drink a specific amount of plain water? How much should we drink? Does the amount change according to your weight?
Thanks again for your input,
Martha

[Purrgirl]

Martha - I go by the minimum of half my body weight in ounces and 8oz. water per extra 25 lbs. needed to lose. So, if I weigh 130 I drink 65 oz. of water. I do know there are people on this board that don't drink water and have lost a lot drinking things like Crystal Lite.

Laura

[Diana]

I was always told half your body weight in water. I drink over 200oz though so that doesn't help much.

Just remember- Water flushes the body of toxins
It helps make you feel satisfied
It's great for Skin
It helps release water from fat cells

[honeybear]

There are so many different opinions on the water issue...I guess it would be each individual's own choice of what counts and what doesn't...I've heard the 1/2 your body weight in oz, but I've also heard drink all your body weight in oz...then I think, could someone who is 300 lbs actually drink 300 oz of water with no problem? Wow!! I admire those who can get in 200 oz of water per day...I shoot for a gallon (128 oz) a day...the more water I drink, the better I feel and the clearer my complexion is...but that would be cool to hear the opinion of an expert on this question. Maybe it could be cleared up once and for all...

Sheyla

[Lisa Rae]

If someone weighs 300..then the reccomended water is 150 oz. And even though that seems like a ton..if your not drinking soda all day..it is very doable. I had never ever been a water drinker..but I looked at it this way..if this was going to be a way of life..vs. my usal quick fix..then why not change it all!!!

I still don't love water..but can tell you this from my 4 amazing years on Atkins thus far..Water helps me in many many ways..here are just a few:

Less appitite, great skin and hair, much better weightloss and overall..I know I'm putting hydration into my body that is chemical free and nautral. Ot many things in this world that are chemical and calorie free...so kind of like how I had to make vitamins a daily habit..so did I with water.

[MammaC]

Thank you all for your replies. I have heard so many different opinions on this. That is the reason I asked the AN about it. I thought I could get an "official" opinion. I have been doing a little experimenting, and I have found that I lose just as well if I drink a little less water and get part of my liquid from non-caffeinated drinks like Crystal Lite, green tea, and Diet Rite. I still drink a lot of water, but just not as much as before. I still run to the bathroom all the time, so I know it is still flushing me out good. Thanks again everyone for your input. Hope everyone has a great day.
Martha

[IMImproving]

Where are these recommendations for very high water intake coming from? I honestly am curious. I have three books by Dr. Atkins and have searched each of them for suggested water intake. Atkins, in his books, suggests 64 ounces or more of water daily with no mention of LOTS more. In the '72 version he felt you could count other drinks, but in one of his more recent books (DNADR, I believe) suggests that water should be counted separately. But no where is the suggestion for LARGE water quantities coming from Atkins books, at least these three. Several months back I searched the Atkins website and found nothing suggesting high intake of water either. That leaves me to think the suggestion is coming from some other school of thought, or even passed around on the boards so often they become part of the rules.

Any clarification would be appreciated.

[Diana]

Originally posted by IMImproving
Where are these recommendations for very high water intake coming from? I honestly am curious. I have three books by Dr. Atkins and have searched each of them for suggested water intake. Atkins, in his books, suggests 64 ounces or more of water daily with no mention of LOTS more. In the '72 version he felt you could count other drinks, but in one of his more recent books (DNADR, I believe) suggests that water should be counted separately. But no where is the suggestion for LARGE water quantities coming from Atkins books, at least these three. Several months back I searched the Atkins website and found nothing suggesting high intake of water either. That leaves me to think the suggestion is coming from some other school of thought, or even passed around on the boards so often they become part of the rules.

Any clarification would be appreciated.

There isn't a recommendation on drink more then that. I have heard that 64oz is not enough for anyone. that once the body is THIRSTY you are already dehydrated

[Lorne]

I drink between 300-400 oz a day now, I love it and I crave it. I am peeing all day long, but it is very beneficial I think. Certainly an excellent appetite supressor. I was drinking black decaf until recently, but now water is the only thing I drink. Feels great!

[IMImproving]

Still hoping for some sources for this info. My metaboolism is SLOOOWWW. I have been wondering if I drink lots more water if that will increase noticeably, or if that is just a wild fantasy.

[Diana]

Let me see if this helps you....

When you don't take in enough water the fat cells go "hey were not getting enough we need to hang onto some of this water" Hense weight gain. BUT if you drink plenty of water more then 100oz in my opinion... (64 oz is not enough for anyone ect maybe a baby.) the fat cells go "hey, we have plenty of fluids, we can release our water and not worry" Hense weight Loss.

Not only that but it flushes your system and rids it of toxins, and it is great for Skin!

[MammaC]

I've been drinking less water lately, and more other decaf drinks, and I honestly can't tell it has hurt my weight loss any. In fact, I seem to be having less up and down fluctuation from day to day on the scales than I did when I was drinking such huge amounts of mostly just water. I don't measure my water, but probably do drink at least 64 oz. a day. I keep a big mug of water handy all the time. I am sure in the summer time I will drink more, but I will need more then.

[Sue421]

I don't really like water that much. I like lightly carbonated drinks (Splenda-sweetened), decaf and herbal teas. I think they DO count towards overall fluid intake - afterall it's mostly water in them - makes sense to me - unless there was something in there like caffeine which might counteract the benefits. Anyway, add food to your water and what do you have in your tummy? No longer pure water, that's for sure.

I try to have at least 3 to 4 tall glasses of water a day and the rest is what I enjoy drinking - probably up to 12 cups of other fluids a day.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

On any eating regimen, a minimum of 64 ounces, or eight 8-ounce glasses, of water per day is the usual recommendation. Pure water is the best way to go, but many find this boring and need some flavor. If you can't meet your requirement with regular water, those with non nutritive sweeteners are okay to count, as long as they contain no carbohydrate. You can't increase your metabolism by adding water, DianaO's explanation on how water can help is great!

[sky75]

Originally posted by DianaO
There isn't a recommendation on drink more then that. I have heard that 64oz is not enough for anyone. that once the body is THIRSTY you are already dehydrated

That's not actually true (about once you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated).

I personally believe that the importance of water in losing weight is WAY over-rated. There are a lot of common myths about water and weight loss that have proven to be untrue:

1) Water helps fill you up.
Water has no calories or carbohydrates. It does not trigger the satiety signals that tell your body to stop eating. You may feel a bit bloated if you chug a large quantity, but that will go away quickly and leave you feeling hungry again.

2) Only water hydrates you.
Anything you drink hydrates you - even caffeinated beverages.

3) You need 64 oz. of water (or more) a day.
Actually, fluid needs vary depending on age, climate, & activity level. The average adult loses only 1 litre of water per day through sweating, urination, etc. - the equivalent of only 4 8oz. glasses.

The best way to check if you're hydrated is the color of your urine. If it's pale to clear, you're doing fine. The darker it gets, the more dehydrated you are (although multivitamins can also change the color of your urine, so keep that in mind.)

[Diana]

Originally posted by Atkins_Nutritionist
On any eating regimen, a minimum of 64 ounces, or eight 8-ounce glasses, of water per day is the usual recommendation. Pure water is the best way to go, but many find this boring and need some flavor. If you can't meet your requirement with regular water, those with non nutritive sweeteners are okay to count, as long as they contain no carbohydrate. You can't increase your metabolism by adding water, DianaO's explanation on how water can help is great!

thank you.....

You can also take Sugar free Syurps like Atkins or Davinches to give it a kick.

When you are Thirsty, it is the BODY telling you you need fluids.... So yes, it is true. Your body is already depleting its Fluids.

[sky75]

Originally posted by DianaO
When you are Thirsty, it is the BODY telling you you need fluids.... So yes, it is true. Your body is already depleting its Fluids.

Yes, it is your body telling you that you need fluids. It is not a sign of dehydration. Dehydration means you are already depleted beyond a level acceptable by your body. The difference between thirst and dehydration is like the difference between hungry and starving. One is your body letting you know you need food, and one is your body letting you know that is depleted beyond a functional level.

[Diana]

Ok so the proper word would have been DEHYDRATING....

de·hy·drate ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-hdrt)
v. de·hy·drat·ed, de·hy·drat·ing, de·hy·drates
v. tr.
To remove water from; make anhydrous.
To preserve by removing water from (vegetables, for example). See Synonyms at dry.
To deplete the bodily fluids of: The hot weather dehydrated the runners.

v. intr.
To lose water or bodily fluids.

[sky75]

The point I'm trying to make is that thirst is not a sign of danger. It is a sign that you should drink something.

Dehydration is a more serious condition that has symptoms and potential effects on your health.

Saying that by the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated is not accurate because normal thirst is not a sign of dehydration. Reduced urination, a dry/sticky feeling in your mouth, leg cramps, feeling faint, etc. are.

I'm not trying to split hairs here - I just think it's a common misconception that by the time you get thirsty, you're already in some danger as saying you're dehydrated implies. That is not the case.

[idioglossic]

my 2 cents... I drink water when thirsty... some days more, some days less
always at least 6 8 oz... glasses plus coffee 1 cup... other days 10 8 oz glasses.. I know when I am thirsty.. and always use water...as nothing else really quenches thirst..

[Diana]

For me if I drink less then 200oz a day, I don't lose as well. Not only that but I don't feel as well either.

Different strokes!

[Chantel]

Originally posted by DianaO
For me if I drink less then 200oz a day, I don't lose as well. Not only that but I don't feel as well either.

Different strokes!

That is alot of water. You must never have a retention issue. Do you also drink other things like Diet pop or tea? Just curious

[Tiggeroo]

Originally posted by sky75
The point I'm trying to make is that thirst is not a sign of danger. It is a sign that you should drink something.

Dehydration is a more serious condition that has symptoms and potential effects on your health.

Saying that by the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated is not accurate because normal thirst is not a sign of dehydration. Reduced urination, a dry/sticky feeling in your mouth, leg cramps, feeling faint, etc. are.

I'm not trying to split hairs here - I just think it's a common misconception that by the time you get thirsty, you're already in some danger as saying you're dehydrated implies. That is not the case.

Thank you

After reading some of the water post. I feel like I need to fill the bathtub with water and get a giant straw.

[Diana]

Originally posted by Chantel
That is alot of water. You must never have a retention issue. Do you also drink other things like Diet pop or tea? Just curious

No Rention issues
I have 2 dite rites, 2 cups of coffee and green tea 1-2 cips a day.
I love water..... That's it... I know it helps me and it's a great backbone for any WOL

[Diana]

Originally posted by Tiggeroo
Thank you

After reading some of the water post. I feel like I need to fill the bathtub with water and get a giant straw.

Why? Each person is different. To me 100oz just isn't enough. Some days 200 isn't. yes I potty a lot, but hey I love water!

[Chantel]

Originally posted by DianaO
No Rention issues
I have 2 dite rites, 2 cups of coffee and green tea 1-2 cips a day.
I love water..... That's it... I know it helps me and it's a great backbone for any WOL

I am sorry..maybe I miss spelled it. I know for me, if I eat salty foods and not drink enough water, it shows on the scale. If I could muster 200 oz I probably would never retain water from salt.

I agree, water is important to all WOE

[Diana]

I do eat lower sodium.... Who knows! LOL

[MAMZELLE]

The hospital material that came for my mother via her nurses said that ''only water is water. Any slightest addition to the water.... flavorings or worse, makes the body recognize and process