Does tea count as water intake?

[pb1961]

Can other liquids such as tea (with milk) count in the water intake chart, or should it be pure water only?

[Dominique · Accepted solution]

Yes, I would count tea (whether with milk or not) as water intake. I think people often tend to overemphasize the importance of hydration, especially in connection with weight loss: yes, being properly hydrated does matter, but in the grand scheme of things, there are more important things, and hydration is not going to make or break anyone’s weight loss journey. Besides, our body is pretty good at telling us whether it needs to be rehydrated.

[pb1961]

Thank you Dominique 🙂 

[MarciM]

I agree with @Dominique about our bodies telling us what we need, but I find when people are just starting the journey to a healthier lifestyle they have not listened to what their bodies have been telling them for so long it take some getting use to and thus I suggest a bit more rigor around tracking water and quality of food. Pure water, whole food. 

[JwallaceRD]

When assessing intake of my clients and patients, we include anything liquid at room temperature towards fluid intake/water intake. 

I would also count as food too if you are tracking calories and nutrients. If you don't add anything to the tea, I wouldn't bother tracking as food but if you added cream and sugar, I would. 

Hope that helps.

[danielpatrik]

The answer is a resounding yes. Tea and coffee count in the tally. Earlier people used to feel they are dehydrating but it has been invalidated. You can stay fully hydrated by drinking water and other fluids like juices, tea, coffee etc.