Amount of Water per Day?

[threeboysmom]

I know that we are supposed to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but exactly how many ounces is that? Sizes of glasses vary greatly. I'm thinking 8 oz. glasses so that would be around 64 oz. per day? I think I drink around 90 oz. a day (I need to measure to be sure) - do you think that's too much?

Thanks

 

[hyzdufan]

I say 8 ounces per day, plus another 8 ounces for every 20 pounds you want to lose. You can never drink too much water. It cleanses the system, and enhances fat burning.

 

[kayeandjim00]

I've read for optimal weight loss aim for 1/2 your body weight. So for a 200 lb person 100 oz is what you'd want to drink. And while that may be up for debate I know that I seem to lose weight better when I'm sticking to that. The good thing about that also is as you lose weight you can drink less.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Me too.
I lose a lot better when I drink a lot of water. Also my skin looks better, I feel better and heck... I'm even more regular!!

 

[bicker]

There aren't any firm rules about this, since there isn't any specific science behind it. Water has always been a murky issue (pardon the pun) since there is so much financial vested interest in the various decisions people make regarding what they drink (bottled water, soft drinks, etc.) Luckily, we're at least now beginning to learn about hydration and basic health (as opposed to specifically weight-loss).

From a news release:

... a long-awaited nutrition report, released Wednesday by the Institute of Medicine, that sets the nation's recommended intake levels of key nutrients....

The Institute of Medicine report ... Says consumers shouldn't bother with the old adage "drink at least eight glasses of water a day." The average healthy person gets plenty of fluid from a mix of beverages — even those with caffeine — as well as the water content of fruits and other foods.

From the official report itself:

The vast majority of healthy people adequately meet their daily hydration needs by letting thirst be their guide. The report did not specify exact requirements for water, but set general recommendations for women at approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water -- from all beverages and foods -- each day, and men an average of approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces daily) of total water.