How I’m up-ing my water intake

Turning 25 kind of feels like I’ve officially become an adult. Maybe it’s the looming fear of paying for my own health insurance, or the fact that I’m on the cusp of being closer to 30 than 20 {this won’t be official until my half birthday}, either way it felt like a big birthday. It also made me start to think more about taking care of myself. If you know me, than you know that I love McDonald’s and hate the gym, so I wasn’t going to make any extreme personal changes overnight. But, one thing that I knew I needed to improve was up-ing my water intake. Thank you, infused water, for making this possible.

Most people know about the numerous health benefits of drinking water – right now, I’m focused on improving my skin. So, after a little procrastination {one month after my birthday}, I started the #gallonchallenge last week. Maybe you’ve heard about this because it’s been all over Instagram, but basically you need to drink a gallon of water every day.

Some people think this seems like overkill, and before I started, I did, too. But, a little more than a week in I can tell you that it’s much easier than I expected, especially on the weekdays when you have more of a routine {& constant access to a bathroom}.

As someone who normally drinks ~20 ounces of water a day, drinking 128 ounces got boring … fast.

Given the option, I’d rather drink 128 ounces of coke, but turns out that’s “bad for you,” so I’ve had to get creative about dressing up my water. Most days, I keep it simple and add a few slices of lemon {#basic}, but when I have the time, I like to change it up by infusing my water with different fruits and herbs.

Want to join me on the #gallonchallenge?

I have three weeks left in the #gallonchallenge, but I think this is something that I’m going to keep up {I’ve already noticed a difference in my skin}. Want to join me? When you’re drinking this much water, it helps when it tastes good, so infusing my water with flavorful add-ins has been a game changer. Since even the most delicious combinations can get boring, try out my favorite fruit, vegetable and herb combos to make it a little more fun.

Lemon & Berry
Squeeze in a few slices of lemon and a small handful of berries, and viola. I like this combination best with blackberries – but you could also use blueberries or strawberries. If you really like the flavor, try muddling the berries rather than just tossing them in.

Since you can’t completely change overnight …
try this one as a cocktail with vodka.

Grapefruit & Rosemary
This is a combo of two fairly strong flavors, so don’t go overboard – just a slice of grapefruit & a sprig of rosemary, and you’re good! You don’t want to make the “I-just-ate-a-war-head” face after every sip.

Since you can’t completely change overnight …
try this one as a cocktail with gin.

Cucumber, Lime & Basil
This is the most refreshing combination and my go to on most days. Perfectly balanced flavors help this one go down easy.

Since you can’t completely change overnight …
try this one as a cocktail with gin.

Blackberry & Basil
If you choose to muddle the berries, chances are at least one seed will get stuck in your teeth – you heard it here first.

Since you can’t completely change overnight …
try this one as a cocktail with gin.

Lemon & Cucumber
Drink this if you want to feel like you’re chilling at the spa. And everyone wants to feel like they’re at a spa when they’re actually at work.

Since you can’t completely change overnight …
try this one as a cocktail with vodka.

Grapefruit, Lemon & Lime
Alllll of the citruses {you can add orange, too!} make this a slightly-tart but refreshing combo.

Since you can’t completely change overnight …
try this one as a cocktail with vodka.

What’s your go-to infused water?

You know when you go into a fancy hotel in a tropical location and there’s always a craft of ice-cold infused water? Drinking these kind of feels like that except you’re sitting at your desk instead of the pool *cabana boy not included*.