Gallon Water Jug
What are the benefits of drinking a gallon of water a day?
It’s no secret that we need water to live. But how much exactly? Almost all of your bodily functions involve water. Most people follow the 8x8 rule, which is 8 servings of 8 ounces per day. This adds up to about half a gallon. But should you be doubling your water intake?
Most people can get adequate water by listening to their body and drinking when they feel thirsty. For the most part, carrying a water bottle with you to have fast access to drinking water when you get thirsty is enough. There is also no evidence to suggest that drinking more water than your body needs is beneficial. So really the answer is, if you need a gallon of water a day, then you absolutely should be drinking that much. If your body doesn’t need that much, you don’t need to force more water down your throat.
So how do you know if you need a gallon of water a day? Hydration needs depend on age, height, weight, and activity level. Since all your cells need water to function and keep your organs working properly, the bigger you are, the more cells you are made of, and they all need water. If you are an active person, you will need more water to fuel those intense activities and replace the water you lose through your sweat. A few other factors require you to drink more water: if you live in a hot or humid climate where you are sweating more, you will need water to replace that sweat. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will need to drink more water to give to the baby and replace the fluids you lose by producing milk. Some medical conditions also require more water intake.
So what are the benefits of proper hydration? First off, your exercise will be much easier, and you will perform better. Water keeps your bowel movements regular and prevents constipation. It also helps you lose weight, drinking adequate water can improve your metabolism. Being hydrated also improves brain function, prevents headaches and migraines, and keeps your skin healthy.
Is a reusable gallon water jug worth it?
So, you figured out that you need to be drinking a gallon of water a day. Do you just stock up on those plastic gallon jugs of water or shell out some money for a nice reusable one? Or just count how many water bottles you drink in a day?
Many people just get a 32 oz container, drink 4 a day, or even drink 8 16 oz plastic water bottles. However, some people find it more helpful to have a 1 gallon water jug that they drink out of all day. Having one water jug you drink down all day can be easier, especially if you are forgetful. Also, as surprising as it sounds, it can be harder to track how many water bottles you have had, especially if you throw some glasses of water in there.
Filling up a big water container in the morning and drinking the whole thing by night is much easier to keep track of and see your daily progress. Especially if you get a motivational water bottle that has markings and motivational sayings on the side. Many will have measuring marks on the side to see how much water you have left. Some motivational water bottles will even have times on the side to tell you when you should drink to space out your drinking.
Best gallon jug brands
The HydroJug
HydroJug is a popular water bottle and water jug brand. They have several sizes ranging from a 1 gallon water bottle to a half gallon water bottle and several ounce measurements between. Their water jugs are made from plastic, glass, or stainless steel, so you can choose the material that best suits you.
They also sell several accessories like an insulated sleeve to help regulate the temperature of your drink. It will keep ice cubes frozen for longer, and hot beverages won’t cool off as fast. You can also buy a reusable, removable straw. Their jugs all have a wide mouth for easy filling, and most have a cap or a straw lid with a smaller opening to drink from.
Their glass gallon water bottle is not recommended for dishwasher use. The metallic gallon water bottle is also not dishwasher recommended. Their newer gallon water bottle is dishwasher safe, so upkeep is a little easier.
They do specialize in containers for higher volumes of water, and almost all their bottles are highly rated.
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask also has a 1 gallon water bottle, as well as a half gallon water bottle, and several smaller volumes. Unlike HydroJug, Hydro Flask currently only has one type of gallon water bottle. The Oasis is a stainless steel gallon water bottle, and is highly rated. It is dishwasher safe, and has several other features like a double lid to allow easy pouring and cleaning.
Hydro Flask also has several other containers. In addition, they have several options for a water cooler, lunch bag, and other totes to carry your water bottles.
RTIC jug
RTIC is another brand that has a few gallon water bottle options. They have a half gallon water bottle and a gallon water jug. Both are stainless steel and insulated. RTIC also has other outdoor containers and water coolers on their website.
If you decide to start drinking a gallon a day
If you decide that you need a gallon water jug due to your weight and activity level, there are obviously several options to choose from. Drinking enough water is an easy first step to getting healthy, and if getting a gallon water bottle is what will make it easiest for you to start, go for it!
