Question:
Decaf coffee can count towards water intake, correct? So, theoretically, can I drink

a pot of decaf coffee each day and count it towards water? Are there any negative health effects from drinking decaf coffee?    — raye (posted on September 26, 2003)

September 25, 2003
If you drink it black..
   — Robert L.

September 25, 2003
I was told that any non-caffiene drink counts toward fluid intake. Milk would be included in that so I don't see why you couldn't put milk in your coffee (I know I do). Some people say that sweet-n-low or equal seems to slow their weight loss so you might want to keep that in mind. I don't know if I'd drink a pot a day or not, but as long as your surgeon/dietician don't have a problem with it - go for it.
   — Carolyn M.

September 26, 2003
I drink a couple of decafs most days with milk but your body also needs water. If you add milk you might want to measure for a day to see how much you are actually adding. If you drink a whole pot of caffee you could add quite a few calories with milk.
   — Carol S.

September 26, 2003
I, on occasion, put a scoop of chocolate protein powder into my coffee... mocha... it is really pretty good!! I don't count coffee as water intake, though. Our bodies need unadulterated water! lol!! You CAN, but IMHO you would be cheating yourself! AND, decaf doesn't get rid of ALL the caffene, AND it is done using a chemical that is not that good for us (I can't remember the name, but it is a pretty powerful preservative)... do yourself a favor, drink your coffee, but try to get in as much water as you can, too! :~)
   — Sharon m. B.

September 26, 2003
Hmm I was always told that caffeine has the opposite affect, acts like a diuretic. I also remember reading this in anatomy and physiology class in college, so on that note coffee and tea are not the same as water.
   — Melinda C.

September 26, 2003
Hi Raye: I drink a pot of decaf everyday. Sometimes more. Straight water just didn't sit well early post op so I started drinking crystal light. I got sick of that after a while and switched over to decaf coffee and tea. I was wondering if it didn't count as the required water especially if I added milk and fake sugar but was assured it was ok to replace if the water wasn't working. I thought better to get the liquid in as opposed to dehydrating again, so I'm comfortable with subbing decaf for most of my water intake. Would water be better/ideal. Yep, I'm sure it would. But I like the decaf coffee better, and that's what I drink. I get way over 64 oz. a day now no problem. If it's ok with your doctor then go for it. Good luck. S
   — sherry hedgecock

September 26, 2003
Please keep in mind that 'decaf' coffee isn't completely decaf! I was a barrista (espresso server) for several years and the manufacturer/roaster of our product informed me that the caffeine difference was only about 3-4 %. That basically means that decaf isn't 'decaf' just more like a reduced caffeine product! Hope this helps! Sugar free coffee syrup is really good!!!!!
   — jenn2002

September 26, 2003
I count my decaf coffee towards my total, but I make iced decaf. In the AM, I make a sports bottle full of it and drink it on the way to work. I take a heaping teaspoon of Folgers instant decaf along with sweet n low as liked, and fill the bottle with cold water (we have a water cooler). I leave enough room to lighten it with skim milk. Sometimes I will do this a second time and drink it during the day. I use alot of sweetener. I don't think in my case that it has slowed my weight loss. I am down 97 pounds in just over 7 months, and 104 since my consult. Good luck!
   — Fixnmyself

September 27, 2003
My surgeon's nutritionist says that my 48 oz should be from water, not decaf whatever, milk, crystal light, juices etc. Your body does not benefit from the other liquids like it does from the water, keeping your skin hydrated and your bowels supplied with water so you do not get constipated. I can still have the other liquids but I need to get my 48oz of water in also.
   — ChristineB

October 1, 2003
My surgeon told me not to drink coffee at all.. decaf or non, because the acid in it can cause ulcers. I would limit yourself to a cup a day, or less, ulcers with a stomach this small can be extremely painful! hope this helps.
   — Katrina K.

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