Comments on: Five Minute Finances #6: Drink Lots of Water

By: frblarney

frblarney — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:48:28 +0000

I think water is great, but before a meal, try an apple or banana, or plain yoghurt. Put SOMETHING in your stomach, so the big plate of bread or pasta is not so tempting. Plain water is always helped by slices of lemon, orange, etc; keep them in the fridge and people are more likely to drink it spontaneously – it’s attractive.

By: Lionel

Lionel — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:44:08 +0000

In your ‘One Page’ on this topic, you say “Drink a big glass of water before each meal, and not only will you digest it better,…”
I must say I disagree with the digest it better part. Water actually dilutes the enzimes in your stomach, making them less efficient.

By: John

John — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:47:56 +0000

According to this, the idea of drinking 8, 8oz classes of water per day is not based on any scientific study whatsoever and has it's roots in vitalism.

By: Cable Gal

Cable Gal — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:53:23 +0000

Water is so healthy and clears up your skin if have acne also norishes wrinkles. Hydrate your body its the best.

By: Lazy Man and Health

Lazy Man and Health — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:18:37 +0000

While I drink tons and tons of water, I like to start off a meal with a glass of milk. If I don’t do it then, I tend to not get enough calcium. It also fills me up with actual calories, so I don’t have to eat as much. It’s pretty cheap as well, since a gallon can go a long way.

By: S

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 08:37:29 +0000

Whenever I get hunger pangs in between meals, I just drink a glass of water to ‘trick’ my stomach into feeling full. This almost always works and saves a lot of money by not needing to stock up with snacks (even healthy ones like *yuk* celery sticks)

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:35:53 +0000

While I agree drinking water can save you lots of money and calories (think: drinking water instead of drinks @ a restaurant), I don't think drinking a glass of water before eating a meal is a good idea. And according to this scientific study, drinking water before a meal doesn't have any effect on your food intake with the exception of older men. I've read some of the actual study and the authors state that the only other scientific study they have found report primarily the same result they report in their study. So while I endorse drinking more water, drinking water right before you eat a meal is not necessary going to affect anything. Of course, the scientific study I mentioned had subjects that were given as much food as they wanted to eat, so it's not exactly indicative of how we will behave when we have to actually pay for our food. However, neither does there appear to be scientific evidence supporting your claim either.

By: eR0CK

eR0CK — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:35:12 +0000

Drinking 8 – 8oz bottles a day should be the norm regardless of your financial state. Water is one of the most important substances our body needs each day to function.

By: thirsty

thirsty — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:09:43 +0000

Actually, it’s a pretty sound dieting tip. Sometimes you’re not hungry, you’re just thirsty.

I am tired of people pointing out that you can die from too much water. We don’t drink enough water – we just don’t. Drinking more water can only help.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:07:55 +0000

I consider myself a “hydraholic.” That is, I absolutely love water and honestly believe it benefits your health in a number of ways. I consume 4 liters a day and the skin on my body and face is amazingly clear. Nary a blemish in sight. Sometimes on the weekend I slice cucumbers, lemon, and oranges and put them in my water to change things up a big. Very refreshing!

By: icup

icup — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 18:53:19 +0000

also, from the link in your article to the cornell quote-unquote “study”:

“The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) collaborated in design and underwriting” [of the "study"]

Gee, I wonder if they had anything to gain from that specific finding. Totally weaksauce dude.

By: icup

icup — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 18:50:34 +0000

uh, according to snopes, that stuff about needing that much water everyday is an urban legend: http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

Although I agree with the idea of drinking water to reduce hunger and restaurant bills, if only because soda is expensive and beer/wine even more so in restaurants.