Fluid intake

[Rogofulm 2,440]

I find that drinking TONS of Fluid has really helped me control the hunger pangs. I've worked my way up to well over 100 ounces per day. It's not that hard, but you have to find something to drink that you really like. My go-to drink is watered-down Crystal Light. It's too sweet at full strength, so I mix a 2-quart packet into a 3-quart jug of Water and it's just right. Here's my secret to getting in TONS of water:

I bought two 24-ounce Tervis Tumblers (and handles) at Bed, Bath & Beyond; one for work and one for home. At least 30 minutes after Breakfast (and after coffee) I fill one up with sugar-free, Decaf Crystal Light (or generic) iced tea and sip it all morning, finishing up at least 30 minutes before lunch. At least 30 minutes after lunch, I fill another and sip it all afternoon. (Sometimes I work in a snack, sometimes I don't.) Then, at least 30 minutes after dinner I fill my last one at home and sip it all evening. That's 72+ ounces of Fluid every day! If I have to go somewhere, I bring my tumbler in the car with me. And if I'm hungry and it's not mealtime or snacktime, I drink even more. If I'm going to a casual party where there won't be anything "appropriate" for me to drink, I bring along more tea in a cooler. A bit obsessive? Perhaps, but it works!

In addition to keeping my stomach full and comfortable, I believe the fluid helps with hair retention (Protein is key to this too) and skin elasticity. Also, the more fluid you drink, the more your body craves. (Like sugar and carbs, only much healthier!)

You're still early in the journey, so it may take a while to work up to this much fluid, but keep at it -- you can do this!!!

Edited January 8, 2015 by Rogofulm

[heynowkc 329]

My Nut says I can't count tea as Water intake. I can count Crystal Light but not Decaf tea and she cannot give me a good reason. I hate Crystal Light and I am also having trouble getting in my Water. Can't count Gatorade or other liquid except pure water.

@@jlcohio Maybe if you ask her about naturally caffeine free herbal teas? Black tea has caffeine in it and "decaffeinated" drinks STILL have caffeine in them. Rooibos, peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, and fruit teas are naturally caffeine free (not decaffeinated). Green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea all have caffeine of varying amounts. If you're more specific maybe you can find one she will allow you to count toward your fluids! I drink rooibos vanilla with some truvia, and it counts toward my fluids.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

It's likely the tannin as much as the caffeine in traditional teas. Trying to drink as much plain Water as possible is not a bad thing. Most people have trouble because processed foods and additive change our palettes. They are used to sweet taste so Water is difficult to drink. Once I stopped eating processed foods my taste for sweet changed and I was able to drink more water. Try a compromise. Drink half your water plain. Then with the other half dry adding 25% fruit juice like apple or white grape. Even try adding fruits and veg either with an infuser or allowing the to sit in the water overnight and then removing them.

[maria88 11]

It's likely the tannin as much as the caffeine in traditional teas. Trying to drink as much plain Water as possible is not a bad thing. Most people have trouble because processed foods and additive change our palettes. They are used to sweet taste so Water is difficult to drink. Once I stopped eating processed foods my taste for sweet changed and I was able to drink more water. Try a compromise. Drink half your water plain. Then with the other half dry adding 25% fruit juice like apple or white grape. Even try adding fruits and veg either with an infuser or allowing the to sit in the water overnight and then removing them.

I'm doing the same with tea right now, 4 oz tea and about 16 oz of water... I find though if fruit especially with a hard rind like lemon or oranges sit in the water too long it gets a bitter taste, so I usually take the fruit out after a couple hours.

[Marielbx 37]

You can try coconut Water, pedialyte or a sports drink like gatorade. Drink as much as you can. I started adding lost of ice to my Protein Drinks to get in more water. I also used a Liquid Protein that I mixed with herbal tea so I could get water and Protein in at the same time.

Ive been doing the Zico coconut water. How much do you think is okay to drink a day? The whole liter?

It has 11 g of carbs & 9 g of sugar.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Yes I think the entire container of coconut Water is fine.

Also citrus fruits do need the peel and pith (the white part) removed as that goes bitter really fast.