Hey Loves,
I’m so proud of myself to even being writing this post. June 1st I made a promise to myself that I would drink more water. I made sure to be more conscious of how much water I was drinking. On June 4th I decided that I’m going to push myself to drink AT MINIMUM a gallon of water a day. A gallon of water is 128 ounces, which seems like a lot of water, but I took it day by day and I’m happy to say,as of July 5th,
I accomplished my goal of drinking a gallon of water a day for my 30 day water challenge.
There are 2 crucial tips that got me through this last month…
Take it 1 day at a time
I would be lying if I said it was easy. The 1st couple of days drinking a gallon was definitely hard. I pretty much needed to force myself to drink enough water to reach a gallon. The key is focusing only on each day and that particular gallon. I didn’t think about reaching July 4th. I didn’t want to overwhelm myself. I took this process one day at a time. Which became easier as the days went by.
Keep track of my water
I kept track of my water intake using my Fitbit app. Every time I finished a cup or a bottle of water, I automatically recorded it in my fitbit app. We’ve all heard this concept before of tracking what you eat so you can see where your calories come from. It’s the same idea. The Fitbit app helps add my ounces so I know the exact amount I’m drinking per day. I set my daily goal at 128 ounces and when I hit that number or surpass it, a green star pops up.
June 4th- June 17th
June 18th – July 4th
The effects of drinking so much water everyday definitely showed up from day one. The glowup of my skin has been on 10. I see a real difference in how lively my skin looks and feels because of my water intake. I’ve also coupled this water challenge with a rigorous skincare routine, both of which is helping fade my hyper-pigmentation. It has been a very slow process with getting my skin under control, but I’m seeing results and I need to keep going. I did a blog post about 3 years ago; Talking about My Skin. You can read about my history with my skin! I’ve been using a lot less makeup, a lot less lotion and oils because my skin is uber hydrated.
I was running to the bathroom ALL THE TIME. I felt like a toddler and a pregnant woman all at the same time. My bladder was out of control. I had to really plan out my water intake especially if I knew I would doing a lot of moving around NY. The last thing I wanted was to finish my 50 oz. water and 15 minutes later clamoring to find a public bathroom. Which New Yorkers know, finding a public bathroom is never easy.
Early on, I had serious caffeine headaches. While taking in more water, I slowly removed coffee from my diet. Going from having at least one large ice coffee a day, to no coffee was rough. But the more I focused on drinking my water, the headaches went away on their own.
My nails are growing for the 1st time in a very long time and they’re growing strong. My hair isn’t as dry as it use to be. My skin (other than my face) has always been soft, but with me drinking so much water, it’s definitely softer to touch.
I have a lot less headaches. Prior to this challenge I was having headaches 2-3 times a week and it use to drive me nuts. Aside from my caffine headaces, I haven’t had a single headache.
All in all I’m so happy that I got through these 30 days and because I’m loving the results I’m seeing, I’m going for month number 2. I’ll be sure to check back in with you guys August 4th.
See you in my next post.
xoxo
Shay
Wow! This is awesome and such an accomplishment. Drinking a gallon of water a day is not easy but I’m glad you got through it! Congrats
Author
Thanks so much. It was hard, but sooooo worth it!
Girl I did this last month and saw a major difference in my skin especially my dark spots… I def see the difference on u Water for the win!
Author
I remember when you did it! I always thought you had great skin! #waterforthewin
Wow. I need to start drinking more water. Thanks for the encouragement.
Author
You’re so welcome. Let me know if you do start!
Wow Shaina! I am so impressed with the results that you have already been seeing in your skin with your increase of water. I would LOVE to do this and I have been expired by your post to try.
Author
thanks so much! I say give it a try, you’ll amaze yourself with the results!
I started this in June as well and although I never quite do a gallon a day, I don’t beat myself up about it. I feel better. I sleep better and by cutting out all sodas and fast food, I’m down 11 lbs.and have lost some inches of my waist. It’s not easy, but I’m going to continue doing this!
Author
I hear you! It’s not easy, but the end results are always the motivator!
Thanks for sharing. I need to push for more than normal. Especially in this heat.
Author
Girl summer time heat is real! Take it 1 container at a time, one day at a time.
Im motivated. I need to do this!!
Thank you soooooo much for sharing, i need to do this.
Author
If you want to do it together, I’m always down for that!
Did it make you eat less because you were drinking so much water?
Author
I wouldn’t say I ate less, I was just more conscious about knowing when I was actually hungry or just thirsty.
Props! The pigmentation difference is dramatic; I applaud you for sharing. It certainly can’t hurt to get more water into my diet either.
Author
Thanks! It took looking at the pictures to really really see some results. It definitely doesn’t hurt any of us to drink more water!
Challenge accepted! Thanks for the inspiration lady!
I made it 25 days and I dropped off. I was so disappointed I didn’t make it but I loved the article and I am determined to get 30 days. Wish me luck..
Author
aww you were so close. Don’t beat yourself up. There were a couple of days where I fell short, but I made sure to stick with it. But keep pushing!
So proud of you!!! I definitely need to drink more water myself!!
I can definitely see the change in your skin and the results were amazing….I am planning to do a water challenge myself so seeing this was motivation for me to do it ?
This is so incredible, thanks for sharing. I started my own little water challenge yesterday and this post has encouraged me to document my journey too. I’m going to take photos right after this so I can compare in 29 days time. (I’m drinking 3L of water a day) and you’re so right about needing to go to the toilet all the time. It’s soooo annoying xx
Thanks for this post. I’ve been struggling with my water challenge once I start it’s hard for me to continue. This take time but your blog motivated even more to not give up !!
This is great! Your skin looks goregous!
This is such an inspiration. I have challenged myself before but I always seem to give up. I have an overactive bladder and going to the bathroom CONSTANTLY is already an issue. It’s soo annoying when I increase my water intake because I HAVE to know where a bathroom is at ALL times. Gonna keep trying though. Thanks for the post.