Stars like Shay Mitchell love motivational water bottles — but do they really work?
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Although I like to think of celebrities as these extra-terrestrial species that are separate from us mere mortals, it turns out that stars, really are just like us.
Take for example, Shay Mitchell. It turns out that the "Pretty Little Liars" actress and I have a lot in common: We're both pregnant, 34-year-old Canadian women who love a bold eyebrow, our grandmas, carrying a Béis bag, and oh yes — a time stamped water bottle.
Recently, Mitchell shared a photo to her Instagram stories of her time stamped water bottle strapped securely in her passenger seat, as she headed to a workout.
Whether it's because of hormones or pregnancy-induced delusion, I immediately took this as a sign that me and the expectant beauty are basically twins who need reminders to stay hydrated.
Mitchell isn't the only star reaching for a motivational water bottle; Khloé Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen and Kendall Jenner and Julianne Hough have all been spotted carrying time stamped gallons of water to and from the gym.
Prior to pregnancy, the only water I would consume on a daily basis was whatever was accidentally accidentally consumed while brushing my teeth. Yes, I knew how vital water is to good health but instead of H20 my body consisted of 60 per cent diet soda.
While I can't speak for Mitchell, the caffeine limit during pregnancy is absolutely criminal, especially when you're feeling run-down, nauseous, foggy and very, very tired.
One handy water bottle that's helped me stay hydrated and "off the can" has been the BuildLife Gallon Motivational Water Bottle. I've been a fan of this handy (and large) water bottle for almost two years, but it's been a handy tool during pregnancy to ensure I'm drinking enough water.
BuildLife Gallon Motivational Water Bottle
With more than 26,000 ratings on Amazon, I like that these bottles are not only large enough to hold a daily recommended amount of water and BPA free, but there were time markers to help encourage you to stay on track and meet your goal. BuildLife offers bottles available in both 73 oz (approximately 2L) and a gallon (approximately 4L) quantities.
BuildLife's bottles are leakproof and come with a carrying strap and dust cover to protect your mouthpiece.
First impressions
I first ordered my BuildLife water bottle in March 2020. After giving it a wash, I set out on the task of following the time markers on the bottle. Once full, the bottle is heavy, but luckily it comes with both and handle and nylon strap that makes drinking and carrying it around much easier than I had expected.
On the first day, I only made it 3/4 of the way through the time markers before I had to give up, but as the days went on, I was easily hitting the markers without even trying. It was around day 3 or 4 that I drank the entire gallon, and found that I was actually craving water rather than diet soda.
Although it’s not dishwasher safe, the bottle is easy to wash since the spout and straw come apart easily. BuildLife does warn not to drop the bottle as it can break and crack (especially when full) but so far I’ve had no issues or noticed any deterioration.
What others are saying
In addition to its 26,000-plus ratings, the BuildLife Gallon Motivational Water Bottle boasts a solid 4.6 star rating. Shoppers have said it
“It is so much easier to keep track and keep drinking water,” one shopper wrote.
“It totally keeps me accountable,” another said.
While most people have noted just how overwhelming the bottle can seem at first (a gallon seems daunting in the beginning) many have noted that they’ve found improvements in their skin and find it easier to hit the recommended intake of water on a daily basis.
"I only have to fill this bottle up once a day," a shopper wrote of reaching their daily goal.
Although the BuildLife Motivational water bottle has its benefits, it is rather cumbersome to carry around and might not travel well in the car - unless you strap your water bottle into your car like Mitchell. Another thing to consider is that the water bottles can break easily if they're full when dropped (my husband learned this the hard way).
If you're looking for durability, you might have a better time with something stainless, however this water bottle is still great for ensuring you hit your water intake without multiple refills.
The final verdict
As someone who went from drinking hardly any water to consuming a gallon a day, this bottle has been a game changer. I enjoy the challenge of hitting the time markers and like the fact that I only have to fill the bottle up once in the morning, put in some ice and carry it with me throughout the day.
If you’re looking to change your habits, this is a great first step— just be careful not to drop it!
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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