How to Drink a Gallon of Water Every Day

Merry Christmas Eve…Eve!

We’re in the heart of holiday season, which means most people have been indulging in all the goodies that come with the season. I fully support this (and have important plans to sip eggnog from a moose mug tomorrow), but I also wanted to point out we should probably all be drinking some water in the midst of the sugary goodness. I know…how boring and healthy. But also, the way I feel when I drink 128 ounces of good ol’ H20 every day, it’s definitely worth making hydration a priority.

A few weeks ago, I shared that I’ve been drinking a gallon of water every day for 3 months, and it has taught me a lot (including what my record number of times going to the bathroom in day is; TMI). Whether you want to drink a gallon, or just increase your water intake in general, I wanted to share some tips for how I, or people I know, are able to reach their goal of drinking a gallon every day. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it (which goes back to the things I learned).

Today, as we continue to indulge, while also knowing in the back of our minds that we’ll be starting new health goals SOON, I’m sharing some of my top tips for drinking one gallon of water every day. I think it’s the easiest healthy habit to pick up, because you’re not depriving yourself of good stuff; you’re simply adding water—and lots of it!

Fill up a gallon jug.

Although this isn’t how I roll, I see a lot of people carrying around a jug that has the ounces marked to show them where they’re at at any given point in the day. I could definitely see it being very motivating!

Log your ounces in an app.

I don’t really want to carry around a massive water bottle everywhere, so I just stick to my 24- or 32-ounce water bottles. I keep track of my progress in the FitBit app right now, but I’ve also used other apps, as well as just added up in my phone’s notepad. Whatever’s easiest for you to log your water in is the best choice!

Set goals for different hours of the day.

This is a huge help as I try to keep myself accountable throughout the day. It’s really the only way I can avoid having to catch up at the end of the day—not that I frequently chug a bunch of water as I’m sitting in bed at the end of the night or anything.

Drink even when you’re not thirsty.

When I have even the slightest urge to drink water, I take a big gulp. Every drink makes a little dent in that gallon goal!

Carry a bottle with you everywhere you go.

I always mention this in my posts related to drinking more water, because it’s how I’m able to slowly chip away at my ounces without trying too hard. I’m always really sad when I can’t bring one with me!

Drink water instead of other drinks.

I’ve noticed it’s so much more difficult to reach the gallon mark if I drink tea or other drinks throughout the day. If you’re serious about reaching a certain ounce goal, I speak from experience when I say avoiding other beverages (no matter how healthy), can help. When it comes down to it, it’s whatever you want to prioritize.

Play drinking games.

Bahahaha I love this, and I’m not ashamed. I wrote a post about Matt’s and my favorite pre-race ritual of playing drinking games with water. The same thing applies to just reaching a goal of 128 ounces. This would be especially fun with a friend who has the same goal. The point of most drinking games is to drink a lot of alcohol…so…just switch that to water and it’s a family-friendly, yet-not-at-all, fun hydration tactic.

Okay, I think that about covers all my tricks for drinking a gallon of water every single day. Good luck to you as you attempt the hydrating feat! And I hope you have an amazing, festive weekend. Happy holidays!