I may be making a bold statement, but I feel like I’m not alone in the fact that losing weight is definitely not my forte. I feel like at this point, I’ve tried everything. I got a gym membership, ate healthy and even attempted Insanity. However, nothing seemed to be working.

Staying fit and healthy in college seems to be tough for a lot of people. If you’re anything like me, figuring out how, when, and where to start is the biggest roadblock. To attempt to make it easier for both you and me, I’ve decided to write about healthy tips for college students. Each week, consult my column for a new tip on staying healthy while also staying realistic. I’ve discovered that a lot of “healthy recipes” and “eating healthier” tips are almost impossible for college students. I mean, who actually has a mini blender in their dorm room? Not to worry, I’ve (hopefully) found ways around this fiasco and have decided to share them with fellow Collegian readers, such as yourself.

First things first, staying hydrated is of utmost importance, and probably the easiest way to lose weight. Everyone says to drink eight to ten glasses of water every day. However, between classes, studying, and everything else us college students have to endure, counting water bottles and keeping track of ounces can be a pain. But, with two simple plastic water bottles (purchased at Walmart) and a Sharpie, this task can suddenly become very easy.

After purchasing two of the same size plastic water bottles, mark intervals by the hour. Depending on your schedule in the morning, your times may vary. Each bottle should have four times marked evenly (the last being at the bottom, marking your finish time). For example, the first bottle could have 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, and finish at noon. The next bottle will then have 2PM, 3PM, 4PM, and finish at five. This means that at 9:00 AM, you should have drunk to the corresponding line. That bottle should be empty by noon.

This is a simple way to get your needed two liters of water daily. Take the bottles with you everywhere, and even set a goal for yourself. Having goals when trying to lose weight will also make it easier. When you have something to work towards, your motivation increases so much more.

Keeping this water cold can also help. Drinking cold water will help keep you full. If your bottles are marked with the times I suggested, try eating dinner after your second bottle is empty. This will mean that you just drank a cold “glass” of water and you won’t eat as much at dinner.

This water bottle tip will also save you some cash. Instead of buying the Deer Park or Pure Life cases of water, filling these bottles with tap water will save you loads.

Getting the right amount of water every day is a great start to weight loss. This alone will help the pounds fly off. However, eating healthy and exercising is, of course, key as well.

Stay tuned for the next healthy tip and in the meantime, try this tip. Hopefully it works for you the way it works for me.