Healthy Eating / Healthy Living

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

since I also enjoy drinking juices, tea, and other stuff that does count towards "8 glasses a day". This is already a triumph for me, because I'd sadly average about a 20 oz. bottle of water every three days.

Grrrr.
"8 glasses a day" is a myth. There has never been any scientific study to support it. It's not entirely clear where it came from, though a likely candidate and old Nutrition Board recommendation that did recommend that amount of liquid intake per day, but followed by saying that most of that amount you get by eating prepared foods.

If you've seen that keeping hydrated has benefits for you, then that's good, but don't bother worrying about "8 glasses a day", it's bogus.

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

If you've seen that keeping hydrated has benefits for you, then that's good, but don't bother worrying about "8 glasses a day", it's bogus.

That's why I put it in quotes. I only drink when I'm thirsty. I don't believe in forced hydration or eating. In fact, some people have poisoned themselves by doing that, throwing off their electrolytes, etc.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

If you've seen that keeping hydrated has benefits for you, then that's good, but don't bother worrying about "8 glasses a day", it's bogus.

Bogus it may be, but studies have also shown that your body needs water before it sends the signals of "thirst." Better to drink a little more water than you need (I'm not talking gallons here, I'm talking a cup or two) than too little.

[Morrigoon]

Originally Posted by LSPoorEeyorick

Bogus it may be, but studies have also shown that your body needs water before it sends the signals of "thirst." Better to drink a little more water than you need (I'm not talking gallons here, I'm talking a cup or two) than too little.

This is true. Another thing I've learned is that many of us receive the "hungry" signal instead of the "thirst" one. So when you get hit with the munchies, it's a good time to drink a cup of water. THEN decide whether you want to grab a snack. That little trick has saved me from hunger many times when in the office and nowhere near things to munch. I'd say about 50% of the time the water satisfies.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by LSPoorEeyorick

Bogus it may be, but studies have also shown that your body needs water before it sends the signals of "thirst."

Sorry to continue to be contrary, but this one goes right along with 8 glasses as being commonly accepted with no scientific support. If you know of studies otherwise, I'd love to see them.