A liquid dilemma

bounty_hunter

I'm not quite sure I'm posting this in the right forum, but since keeping hydrated is a huge part of fitness it seems a good place to start.

Basically, I have been told by doctors that I need to drink water constantly throughout the day due to *insert various medical reasons here*.
Aside from this, I know that drinking a sufficient amount of water is paramount to health and fitness anyway, and we are being made increasingly aware these days of how important it is to do so, so I am very conscious of how I don't drink enough.

My problem is, I just don't like it I don't like the taste, and to be honest I actually find it quite uncomfortable to drink. I've tried the usual putting lemon juice in, etc. but all to no avail.

Now my question is (actually, I have two), first of all, will drinking something like fruit squash diluted with still water have the same effect, or does it need to be pure water on its own? Silly as it sounds, I am genuinely confused about this. I have done quite a good bit of reading up on it and have found several sources that say it should be pure water (which is contrary to what I would have thought).

Secondly, if it is alright to get your daily intake of fluids in some form other than pure water, can anyone suggest some equally hydrating but pleasant-tasting alternatives?

I appreciate any help on this issue. Thanks in advance.

amazingemmet

Green tea is good, a sugar free squash would be fine as well.

bounty_hunter

That's alright then, as long as those things are ok. I've read stuff about "clear liquids". Where does that come in?

justsomebloke

powerade or gatorade i find are better for keeping you hydrated while you have *insert various medical reasons here*. Generally water is better when you don't have *insert various medical reasons here*, but while you do they can be better.

bounty_hunter

Haha, it's not the medical reason you're thinking of mate
It's an ongoing thing, I will need to do this for the rest of my life most probably.

Transform

Then stick to water water water. Post up your diet if you wish as most peoples taste buds are stuck on sugar load and that can affect the foods and drinks they 'like'

bounty_hunter

Transform wrote:

Then stick to water water water. Post up your diet if you wish as most peoples taste buds are stuck on sugar load and that can affect the foods and drinks they 'like'

I assure you mine aren't, thanks though. I naturally keep a healthy diet due to being brought up very strictly by a health-conscious mother.

Cake Fiend

Are you trying to lash back half a glass at a time to get it over with? I find that if I have a pint of water beside me, I sip away at it and it's gone before I know it. If you take small sips regularly it should be easy enough to manage, then make a habit of.

bounty_hunter

Sico wrote:

Are you trying to lash back half a glass at a time to get it over with? I find that if I have a pint of water beside me, I sip away at it and it's gone before I know it. If you take small sips regularly it should be easy enough to manage, then make a habit of.

Aye, that's what I've been trying to do

So is it a case of it has to be water? I'm still not sure.