For 2022, I started a fitness and mental health challenge that involves drinking a full gallon of water for 75 days (Currently on day 26/75). For anyone interested, this challenge is called 75 Hard. I plan to write more about the other aspects of this program in future posts. Whether you are participating in this challenge or not, at one point in your life you may ask yourself, “Should I start drinking a gallon of water everyday?”

Being properly hydrated has many benefits. Some include healthier skin, improved physical performance, and reduced cravings. Personally, the decrease in cravings was noticeable to me in just two weeks of drinking a gallon per day. Also, I often used to cramp after exercises and that has gone away entirely. The amount of time it takes to recover from a workout has also significantly decreased. As a former athlete and active person, I am loving these benefits.

The only drawbacks I have noticed include bloating and FREQUENT bathroom use. If you commit to drinking a gallon of water everyday, I highly suggest having a set portion of the gallon finished by a certain time of the day. Or else you could end up like me.. Drinking nearly half of a gallon 30 minutes before you try to sleep that night. This will surely result in 3-5 night time disturbances, and if you are sleep deprived, maybe some soaked sheets (has not happened to me, thankfully).

The bottom line is to make sure you’re getting at least some fixed amount of pure water everyday. Adding MiO, drinking soda/coffee/other liquids, etc. are not viable substitutes for whatever your set amount will be. There’s too much variation when considering these alternatives, and it becomes too hard to track. Before starting this challenge, my water intake was extremely variable. Some days I would have a few glasses of pure water, but other days my hydration would come entirely from flavored drinks-many that are actually dehydrating me due to their diuretic properties. If I were not committed to 75 Hard, I probably would not be drinking a full gallon per day, but somewhere closer to 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon. Either way, stick to your set amount, finish it daily, and start feeling the benefits!

I included a picture below of the gallon jug I use that tells me when I should have certain amounts of the gallon finished.. It’s after noon, and I have a lot of work to do!