Water vs. Crystal Light

I have a question. My doctor's opinion on fluid intake was that Crystal Light and unsweetened tea are equal to water. (This was 4 years ago) I drink at least a gallon of Wal-Mart's version of Crystal Light each day. What have you all been told??? Cheryl

I've been told the same thing. I love black cherry Kool-Aid and I mix one unsweetened packet of it with 1/2 cup of Splenda and keep it in a plastic jar. (That's the measurement per package; I actually mix a huge batch of it with 5 or 6 packs of Kool-Aid at one time.) Whenever I want something besides pure water I just mix a couple tablespoons of the Kool-Aid/Splenda mixture in with my water. I drink at least one 30 oz. bottle of that every morning and count it as my water. DeeDee

I was told the same thing. I was only told to avoid anything with caffeine, carbonation, or with calories. I haven't had any of the above for over a year now. Well, I take that back, have had a few beers and some milk. but no coffee, tea or softdrinks. And for some reason I haven't been able to drink plain water since my surgery...makes me nauseous. So I'm always drinking flavored water.

There are 5 calories per serving in Crystal light, not sure about the tea. I drink gallons of both of those, and they do count as water/fluid intake....they are mixed with it... Kari

That's my opinion too. Not that my opinion matters much --but my nutritionist agrees.

Hi Cheryl, I agree with your doc's opinion. Anything I drink that is decaf I equal to water. Now that I am thinking about it, and please someone correct me if I am wrong.... I vaguely remember the reason why I didn't buy the walmart version is because it has a carb impact where the crystal light doesn't. I don't have a box to reference but I think that is why I tend to go with crystal light. If that makes a difference to you you may want to check it out. Val~

Val, WalMart's Great Value SF drink mix that is sold in the same canisters as Crystal Light has 0 calories and 0 carbs. I love this stuff. It has been a life saver for me. Water goes down much easier if it is flavored.......but I do drink a gallon a day, so the flavors help with the boredom. I teach school, 7th grade, and the kids even keep up with it for me. Thanks for everyone imput. Cheryl

My surgeon and PCP agree with your doctor. I drink all my water in the form of Crystal Light so I hope they know what they are right. Have a good day!

My surgeon and nutrionist were ok with crystal light and decaff tea, but I had read numerous places that sugar or the artificial sweetners could make one hungry or hungrier, so I try to avoid them. I'm 13 months out now and minus 141 pounds. So far, I'm still never hungry. The nutrionist has remarked that it also could be that I eat on a schedule. Whatever is doing it, I appreciate it!

Me too! I am drinking some as we speak. I love the orange early rise flavor. I buy a case of bottled water and just add the packet to it. I count it towards my water intake.