Michael Strahan, Sara Haines and Keke Palmer take part in hydration challenge

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ABC News(NEW YORK) — Thirsty for self-care tips? This hydration challenge will do the trick.

Michael Strahan, Sara Haines and Keke Palmer found that their skin, sleep and energy improved after drinking more water for a month.

The hosts took it upon themselves to drink more water in the name of self-love, all thanks to Dr. Jen Ashton and her new book, The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier, and Fitter–One Month at a Time.

“Think you drink enough? You probably don’t,” Ashton says in her book.

On average, children and adolescents in the United States drink about 15 ounces of water and adults drink an average of 39 ounces of water on a given day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ashton was inspired to do her own hydration challenge after she learned she has had three kidney stones, which were caused by dehydration.

“I have a really busy day, every day … and I’m embarrassed to admit that I felt that if I drank water, it would slow me down because I have to use the bathroom a lot,” she told ABC News’ Good Morning America.

“When I began taking stock of how to improve my health this year, drinking more water was an easy choice for a challenge,” she said in her book.

The challenge

For 30 days, Strahan had to drink 125 ounces of water each day, while Haines and Palmer had to drink 90 ounces of water each day.

The recommendation for the amounts came from the Institute of Medicine, which advises women to consume approximately 2.7 liters of water from beverages and food, and suggests 3.7 liters each day for men.

So, how confident did the trio feel going into this challenge?

“I tend to drink about 80 ounces of water a day, and I only know this because I keep track of it in an app,” Haines proudly shared with GMA.

Strahan felt confident that he would be able to accomplish his H20 goals, especially considering he drinks about a gallon of water each day.

As for Palmer, she expressed that her biggest concern will be having to go to the bathroom more. She shared that she only drinks about two bottles of water a day.

Biggest obstacles

While drinking water might not sound too difficult, life happens and daily hurdles can get in the way of drinking enough water.

The hosts had to monitor their intake of beverages like coffee, soda and juice that contain more sugar and calories, and can cause dehydration.

“When you’re trying to hit a certain level, you absolutely have no time to drink anything other than water,” Haines said.

Haines was able to stay on top of the challenge throughout the month by using three different 17-ounce water bottles throughout the day.

“I had a water bottle that I carry in my bag to go, and then I have a water bottle [at home and at work],” she said.

“I’m not that organized,” Strahan told GMA. “I would just drink and drink and drink.”

Biggest benefits

Strahan said that after just two weeks of drinking more water, he felt like his sleep had improved.

Having sleep and more energy is important for the former NFL athlete, who is constantly on the move.

“I would have a problem with the jet lag [and] the cramps and all those things you usually get from being compressed from the pressure on the plane,” he said. “So I drink a lot of water with a lot of my traveling.”

Water is also one of the best skincare solutions.

“My skin felt a bit brighter and tighter!” Palmer said.

The end results

Haines was able to stick to 90 ounces of water a day, while Palmer drank around 60 ounces each day.

“I’m very proud of the intake that I did have, because it was more than I had before,” Palmer said.

Strahan felt like reaching 125 ounces of water each day was a breeze.

For anyone who ever decides to take on the hydration challenge themselves, Haines and Palmer said a good trick is to “jazz up your water.”

“I put a bunch of ice in there and for whatever reason, it makes me feel like I made myself a drink,” Palmer said.

Haines added some lemon to her water. “It makes it feel like a cocktail, [even though] it’s so not.”

“It’s good to see the luminance come through with these two!” Strahan said. “Your teeth are whiter, your smiles are brighter.”

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