Question:
Water and Crystal Light, serve the same purpose?

I am just over 3 weeks post-op, LAP RNY, and am having trouble getting in all the water. I have discovered Crystal Light, and can tolerate that much better than plain water. QUESTION: Can drinking Crystal Light be my "water" intake? Are they comparable as far as getting in the required liquid/water intake? I know the CL is mostly water, with just a little added flavor, will this be acceptable in place of water? Or am I neglecting my "water" intake by drinking CL solely?    — Pamela S. (posted on April 20, 2002)

April 20, 2002
Yes, water, juice,skim milk, decaf coffee, tea and broth, popsicles etc are all counted toward your daily fluid intake. The rule is If it is in a liquid state when it reaches room temperature, it is counted. Some doctors even count Jello,yogurt and pudding which is an exception to that rule. I love the Tangerine/Strawberry Crystal Light...I can't tell it's sugar free.
   — Karen B.

April 20, 2002
I have lived off of Crystal Light since day one home. I cant stand plain water. I think the only down fall from it instead of water is "some" think the artificial sweetener boosts the appetite. I can live with that!!!
   — tn683

April 20, 2002
I adore Crystal Lite and hate water. I have found though that I do not loose as quickly on Crystal lite for some reason. I still use it mixed with half water now. I pretty much have switched to a Spenda based diet drink called Diet Botanical Ice from SAMS CLUB. This website has many articles about concerns about Nutrasweet you might want to use. As I said I am not slamming Crystal lite. I love it...just for your info. http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/
   — Joelle B.

April 20, 2002
Yes, CL can count toward your daily water intake. I would caution you, however, against using that as your sole water source. CL has tons of aspartame in it, which has been shown to cause cancer and some neurological problems in large quantities.
   — Terissa R.

April 20, 2002
Aspartame has been shown to cause cancer in large quantities? I remember reports speculating about a possible aspartame/brain tumor link a few years ago, but I thought that idea had been discredited?
   — Tally

April 21, 2002
My dietician suggests using crystal light. She told me non-caloric non-carbonated drinks counts towards your water intake. She does suggest that I try to get half of my intake from water. I can also have 1oz. fruit juice to 1 oz. water.
   — Jennifer F.

April 21, 2002
I also neglected to mention that on the front of my Tangerine Strawberry Crystal Light is advertised as being an excellent source of calcium. I don't know if this is true of other of their flavors. I only have this one in my pantry right now.
   — Jennifer F.