Maitlynn’s One-Gallon-A-Day Water Challenge

A few years ago, I was in college and was trying to be healthier overall so I figured water was one of the easiest ways to go! Also...I was broke, water was free and if you drank enough of it you didn't have to eat as much so it was a great way to stretch my budget and my groceries.

Sure, those are not the best reasons to do it; however, the results I got out of it had me feeling great! My skin was clear, my energy was up, my lips weren't chapped all the time and I looked a lot less bloated (I finally had some cheekbones adding shape to my baby face).

Over time, iced coffee and energy drinks took the place of constant water and I also just got really sick of having to use the bathroom what felt like every five minutes.

However, as time has gone on, I found myself getting dehydrated more often and longed for the days I felt as good as I did when I was properly hydrated.

While I understand drinking that much water is not for everyone and your daily recommended amount is based on several factors such as your body weight, your metabolism and more, I know that it is something that has worked for me in the past.

So why would anyone be crazy enough to take on such a feat?

Well, according to My Domaine, when you drink a gallon of water a day your body does some pretty cool things like:

• Spiking metabolic rate by activating enzymes in your body that mobilize fat.
• Maximize your workouts by being properly hydrated (don't chug right before your exercise though)
• Keep skin hydrated while also reducing excess puffiness/fluid around eyes, though it will not automatically make wrinkles disappear.
• Help you stop craving unnecessary calories such as high-sugar drinks, high-sodium snacks, etc...

As far as my tips go for this is to find something bigger to drink from so you feel like you are not refilling it every five minutes. I use a tall cup with a straw that the kind people of the internet (and my own experimentation) have proven can fit an entire bottle of wine. I then did some math, figured how many ounces my cup holds, how many ounces are in a gallon, how many times I'd have to refill and how many hours a day I would have to accomplish this.

Doing that allows you to set goals and almost creates a little checklist in your head. I know I have to refill my cup every three hours starting at 5:30 a.m. If done right, I will have had five, 750 mL cups of water by 7:30 p.m.

I will say, until your body adjusts to the new routine, you will be urinating A LOT, however, think of all the bad stuff you're flushing out of your system. UTI's? Never again!

All in all, when it comes to health challenges, always do your research. It is possible to drink too much water, so don't over-do it!

Dehydration is serious and dangerous, here are some signs you should drink more water: