Hello! I'm not banded yet, going through the insurance/consultation process, but I'm trying to change some of my habits ahead of time. I generally consume lots of sweet fruit juices, sodas, sweet tea, etc. and very little, if any water(not a fan). I'm trying to drink water with Crystal Light (the One the Go Packets). Can this count as my 64 ounces of water a day? I know each pack has 10 calories, and I'm keeping that in mind for when I really need to count calories after the surgery. Are there any other non-carbonated/low calorie drinks out their that you guys like? I haven't had a carbonated beverage or sweet tea in a couple of weeks! I'm so proud!

You might try some Water Sensations, you can buy them at Super Target or some Krogers. They come in a single packet and have several different flavors and you just add it to a 16 oz or 20 oz bottle of water and you are on your way. No calories or carbs...just a little flavor in your water. i add it to mine and as a rule have no problem getting my water in for the day.

Kimmy, that's what we used doing Atkins to get in our water requirements. It's just about the only way I could do it. I don't DO water, either.

Kimmy,

Try the Great Value generic Crystal Light ones from Wal-Mart: no calories and no carbs = an easy way to get your water in.

I think while you can suppliment your Water with flavored beverages (minute maid light has some new great flavors) it is important to drink WATER because only water will flush out the toxins from your body. Any time you add extra stuff, you add extra work on you kidneys and liver.

If you don't like the tap water, try different bottled waters. In SE ID the water is TERRIBLE so I buy gallon jugs of water, but at home in Seattle the water is wonderful.

I definitely use Crystal Light to get those 64 oz in.

Thanks Everyone! I have seen those Great Value (Crystal Light generics), so I'll give them a try. I'll try the Water Sensations too. I wondered if strait-up water was better at ridding your body of toxins, so I'll try to drink more of it. Our tap water is pretty bad too, so I think I'll stick with bottled. I have found Nestle Pure Life Water at Sam's Club, its pretty good. It is purified and is "Enhanced with Minerals for Taste", whatever that means.... I've never been one to sit around with something to drink close by.. I usually drink something with breakfast, lunch, and dinner and thats about it. All this water consumption is sending me to the potty a lot! Does your body eventually adjust to the increased fluid intake? Later!

i love water sensations. its new to here. can only find it at target greatland or super target.

Kimmy~

Yeah, your body does eventually adjust so that you don't run to the bathroom all the time, but you might as well plan on more often than you're used to even then. I have gotten used to drinking about 3 quarts or so a day and fortunately have a desk job where I can take a potty break whenever I need to. Don't know how it would work for someone on an assembly line or something similar. And I think vinesqueen was right when she said tht plain good Water is best. The other things can help with some of it, but I don't think it's good to depend on them for all of it.

Emily

Just my 2 cents, but I had a lengthy discussion about this with my PCP when I was on Atkins. I am an avid water drinker, I prefer plain water to flavored, but I still asked the question. From what I was told, and we talked for a good 30 - 45 mins about this, WATER counts as water: not lemonade, not spritzer, not tea... water.

I specifically asked the nutritionist at the fill center if Crystal light counts as water and she said YES!

So no one is right, no one is wrong, and everyone just needs to do what they have to in order to keep their bodies hydrated & working.

Easy 'nuff.

Better Crystal Light than no liquid at all. Drink as much clear Water as you can stand - and then drink Crystal Light.

:]

I agree that even counting crystal lite as Water is good because then you get some water in you, but I am wholeheartedly with the "water is water" camp as well. I asked my doctor about this, and he said that while it is good to drink thosethings to remain hydrated, to actually flush the system of toxins, and boost the metabolism i should be drinking pure, filtered water with nothing added. not even lemon juice. it was hard for me. i hated water. but i am up to a gallon a day. Here in florida the water is VERY hard and heavy chlorinated. I filter my water TWICE and keep it in a gallon jug in the fridge. everyday I force myself to empty that gallon. I have found that using that as a basis for measuring makes it so I barely can get in anyother drinks. I have also found that my skin is clear, my energy level is up, and my joints feel looser. i didn't feel or look that way when i was doing a gallon of crystal lite a day.

Amy

I drink mostly Nestle Pure Life ("Natural Fruit Flavored Water Beverage"). It's clear, no carbs, no calories, and tastes a lot better than Fruit 2-0.

Water Purists VS Crystal Light Cheaters

:fencing:

There was a smilie for this and I just had to use it. I'm a water purist in theory, but a Crystal Light Cheater in reality.