Belle,
A good rule of thumb in determining the amount of water you should drink is to divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water. For example, you are 190# (Oh, to be there again!) Half of that is 95 so you should be drinking at least 95 ounces of water a day. For those who point out the 8-10 8oz glasses rule I point out that that works perfectly for the average size woman or man. The "average" woman is 120-130#, let's say 128, half of that is 64 oz.- 8 8oz glasses! For the "average" man of about 160# half of that is 80 oz.-10 8oz. glasses! So for those of us of more "generous" proportions we need to drink proportionately more water. Any other drinks should be above and beyond you water quota. I can really tell when I am not getting enough water, esp. in my joints! Curses upon the fiend that invented soda!!!!