Decaf Lattes - how much liquid is one?

Hi, I am 10 months out and doing great. I have always worried about not getting enough water nad protein, but now I have discovered suger-free, non-fat, decaf vanilla lattes and I'm in love. A 24 oz. one only has 12 grams of protein which means it's really only 12 ounces of milk. But it's a 24 ounce size. This made me wonder about all blended shakes and things. Do they count as the amount of liquid they are after blending or before? Can I count my latte as 24 ounces or only as twelve?  And then someone told me that even though it's decaf, I shouldn't count it in my liquid amount at all. I so hope this isn't true. Can you set me on a true path? Thanks, nancy

Nancy, Sounds like you have found a delicious lower calorie treat with protein and sugar free to boot!  I did a post awhile back that talked about what constitutes a fluid and here is the short answer:  anything that is liquid at room temperature (coffee, decaf, tea, water, juice, milk, broth) AND everything that melts at room temperature **** gelatin, popsicle, ice cream, ec) is considered a liquid.   All blended shakes and things usually have ice in them which melts at room temperature and increases the volume of the drink which counts as more fluid versus if it didn't have ice added.  As I also mentioned in the post that previously written, decaf items count toward your fluids and recent studies also count caffeinated beverages as part of your fluid intake.  Yes, caffeine is a diuretic and will make you urinate a bit more but if used in moderation it is fine to count as your part of your fluid intake.   Cheers and have a latte for me!!

Ohh Im so glad to hear this. I want to add... I buy the Torani Syrups. I keep s/f vanilla and chocolate. I have two cups of coffee a day... I make my coffee with the Upcal D powder.  I use 8oz coffee, a shot of flavor,  1 oz of nonfat milk, 1 splenda, and a calcium powder.    I pour my second cup over ice and take it to go run errands. I save a ton of money making them at home and I know for sure it really is s/f f/f and I have extra calcium in it.