I am wondering how drinking coffee will affect my diet. I use fat-free creamers and sweet-n-low.
I drink about 3 or 4 cups a day, sometimes more.
Do I need to drink more water to make up for all the coffee?

Hi Melissa,
Aaaahhh The great coffee debate. 1st thing I do each morning. Make coffee. It's my stall before eating breakfast. Now depending on who you ask, read ect... seems some coffee isn't bad for us. I have read that caffeine drinks, sodas included. Makes us hungry by lowering our blood sugar and it causes thirst by our output. I am not giving up my coffee. But I would say a BIG yes to water. I drink water ALL day. Your body needs it. Once you are thirsty your body is signaling you it's getting dehyrdrated. Drink before a meal, it's helps tell your stomach you are full. Never say no to H20!

Just my opinon :o

I agree with Sugaree Melissa, yes to needing to drink more water if you use caffein alot, but it isnt necessary to give it up..in fact I have read articles that say that caffein actually helps our bodies release fat during exercise...and as an asthmatic I find caffein helps me breathe if I am having a mild asthma problem..for me, I have switched to the sweetener Splenda to try to cut back on aspertame because of some of the things I have been reading here about it, and I also use non fat milk in my coffee instead of an artificial creamer to boost my calcium intake.

Coffee!!! My fiance calls it "Nectar of the Gods!!!"

Here's what I have read. Coffee can actually burst your metabolism and help you lose weight!!!
Now for the down side. Coffee is a dehydrator. (is that a word??? I can't remember what the exact word was!!!LOL) For every cup of coffee you drink, you need to drink an EXTRA glass of water!
here's the water equation that I have learned
8 8oz of water for your normal weight
+
1 8oz glass of water for every 25lbs overweight
+
1 8oz glass of water for every caffeinated drink(coffee/cola/etc)
ICE COLD water burns 100 cals per glass. It takes that much energy to reheat your body to normal temp.!!!
Water is great for the complexion!! as well as for cleaning out your kidneys, helping hunger.
Did you know that half the reason people get tired or cranky in the middle of the day is because they are dehydrated???? I was amazed. They (whoever "they" are)say to drink an ice cold glass of water if you're feeling tired, within 30 min. you will feel better!

Hi Melissa,
I read an article about coffee that said that the body views coffee, & other drinks with caffeine, as a toxin so it tries to rid itself of that toxin as fast as possible. (Which is why I run to the bathroom alot first thing in the morning).
At Weight Watchers, they told us that coffee with caffeinedoesnt count as part of your water intake but the decaf kind does.
As for me, I have to start the day off with Hi-Test or I can't get going. I switch to decaf after lunch, when I know my eyes are going to stay open!
Take Care,
Dolci

Thanks eclipse for the water advice..just what I needed!!!! :)happiness

Thanks for all the great information you all! I really appreciate it.
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adding my 2 cents here - a little late 8-|
However better late then never :)
Coffee in moderation as you have read above is fine, however the sweet n low is not very healthy for you.
I have switched to Splenda as it does not have SACCHARN in it which sweet n low does.
Just wanted to let you know :)
Jade