I Tried A 14-Day Water Fast. Here's What I Learned.
I recently completed a 14-day water fast that taught me so much about willpower, my unhealthy eating habits and addiction to sugar. By the end of my fast, I had a fresh perspective and clear connection to my body. There is a deep sense of clarity that comes when you can eliminate everything to make room for a mental, physical and spiritual reset.
After deciding to do a 14-day fast, I had to mentally prepare myself to endure two weeks of drinking just water. I had to intermittent fast the weeks leading up to the fast, which meant I had one meal a day in addition to juices and smoothies. That's when I learned sugar would be the hardest thing to give up. I had to exercise my willpower and practice some serious delayed gratification, but I'd say it paid off by the end of the two weeks.
I was the most motivated in the first week. I had developed a morning routine: I woke up, drank a glass of lukewarm water with pink Himalayan salt and did my daily meditation. By week two, hunger really started to kick in. I was craving anything with icing or fried. But the improvements I was noticing in a lot of the physical changes reaffirmed I was making a right decision by sticking to it. My skin was clearer from detoxing and the required sunbathing for my daily dose of vitamin D. I had increased energy and focus since my body was no longer working to break down food. And I was able to become more present and aware in my spiritual practices.
It was very challenging and the responses I got from those around me were often to voice concern or worry. Nonetheless, it was deeply transformative. Now, I get a lot of people asking me how they too can fast and get the best results.
Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of intensive fasting.
Disclaimer: This is the writer's personal experience. Please consult your healthcare physician before making any major diet changes.
1. Do Your Research
Getty Images
When I first told my friends and family that I was going to do a water fast, they were worried about how dangerous it would be. They were concerned that I'd at some point need a doctor's attention or, worse, die. Because I had done my research, watching countless YouTube videos and reading various medical articles on the subject, I wasn't fearful about not eating. I was very much aware of the risks like light-headedness, not getting enough nutrients, and a faint pulse. All of which, I experienced over the course of my fast. Along with my body's natural, and oftentimes involuntary, colon-cleansing episodes.
2. Have a Plan of Action
That said, you're going to need a clear plan of action. Have you stocked up on enough water? Do you have pink Himalayan salt to replenish the body with electrolytes first thing in the morning, and to protect the stomach for when you introduce food into your diet? Do you have a doctor or health practitioner on speed-dial should you feel like something is wrong? Have you figured out "the why" that's going to be the determining factor in whether or not you successfully accomplish your goal?
3. Set Intentions
This is the most crucial part of water fasting. Water fasting is not something you should do to quickly lose weight. However, I lost upward on 20 pounds by the end of the two weeks, one pound on some days and three pounds on another. But when I set out to do this fast, it was to challenge myself but it has always had deep ties in my spiritual growth. I'd started by doing the Daniel's fast for 21 days in January with my church in high school, and by college I'd made a habit of abstaining from eating certain things and enjoying certain luxuries for weeks at a time for my spiritual development. In this way, water fasting was somewhat of a natural evolution. My intentions were to exercise my willpower, to reaffirm that I could do anything I put my mind to and allow my body the time it needed to naturally detox and cleanse itself. Our bodies are mostly water, and so intentional water fasting was like a spiritual baptism for me.
4. Consult with a Holistic Health Practitioner
This isn't something I felt I needed to schedule a doctor's visit so I took a more holistic route. It's very, very important that energy circulates during this time. I learned that some people went to see chiropractors or massage therapists throughout their fasts; I went to see my acupuncturist. She alerted me of my faint pulse and suggested I add vitamin and nutrients to my fasting regimen. She definitely helped me in the second week to sort through the emotional detox I was experiencing along with the mental and physical shifts.
5. Listen to Your Body
Getty Images
The greatest thing that came from this experience was learning to listen to my body. The clarity to know when and what to eat when coming out of your fast is different individual and different for everyone. Over the course of two weeks, I'd learned how to listen for when my body was thirsty, when it needed rest, when it needed movement, and so, I was able to transition back into eating much more quickly than anticipated. I hadn't known just how much salt and sugar there was in the foods I was eating until I took a break from them.
It's amazing how your appetite can change in 14 days and you can learn how to create more intention and consciousness around what you eat. Gaining a little bit of clarity is a good place to start.
Did you know that xoNecole has a new podcast? Join founder Necole Kane, and co-hosts Sheriden Chanel and Amer Woods, for conversations over cocktails each and every week by subscribing to xoNecole Happy Hour podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
Is Alkaline Water Worth Its Price Tag?
I Tried A 3-Day Juice Cleanse & This Is How It Went
This 10-Day Detox Taught Me A Major Key About Winning
How Fasting Has Helped Me Align My Spirit & My Goals
Originally published March 14, 2019
- My 3-Day Juice Cleanse Review - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Health Benefits Of 8 "Unhealthy" Foods - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- WATER FASTING: My 2 Week Experience & The Re-Feeding ... ›
- Can a 7 or 14 day water fast kill me? - Quora ›
- 14 Day Water-Only Fast | Cédric Waldburger ›
- Just finished 14 day water fast. This was my experience : fasting ›
- What are all the benefits when you do 14-day water fast? - Quora ›
- 14 DAYS WITHOUT EATING | Results & Experience - YouTube ›
- Fasting: Day 14 | Personal Excellence ›
- 14 DAY WATER FASTING BENEFITS - YouTube ›
- I fasted for 11 days, here is what happened – It's Your Turn ›
- How a 22 Day Water Fast Changed My Life – Karin Nielsen – Medium ›
DeJanae Evins is a certified cannabis educator, consultant and the creator of GreenGoddessGlow, a digital resource at the intersection of cannabis and wellness encouraging mindful cannabis self-care practices. Evins is also a freelance health and wellness writer often discussing topics around sexual health and women's empowerment. Since learning about the Plant Queendom and the many ways we can use plant medicine to heal ourselves both individually and on a global scale, Evins has been vocal in both the cannabis and wellness communities about integrating cannabis in her approach to holistic health. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @dejanaetanye.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
The Rise Of Tyla And The Importance Of Capitalizing On The Moment
For years, we watched Black female artists be forced to unfairly stagger their way through the music industry. Sometimes, they hit their stride--like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, and Rihanna--never truly succumbing to the doubts of those around them. Other times, they rose to stardom very quickly, only to fall suddenly overnight with a whisper. However, more often times than not, they found themselves stuck in a strange limbo, one where they had enough to become discovered but not enough to be able to see their careers come to fruition.
Nevertheless, it appears that this narrative is now coming full circle. Contemplate the works of artists like Coco Jones, Victoria Monét, and especially the South African prodigy Tyla. With the release of her first single just four years ago, Tyla finds herself at the peak of her career--showing that although she may stumble, it was only inevitable that she'd find her footing. With her recent Grammy and upcoming debut album, Tyla is a living example of the importance of capitalizing on created opportunities and living in the now. Here's what you can learn from her rise to stardom.
Manifest and Create Your Opportunities
Contrary to popular belief, Tyla's ascent to fame did not happen suddenly. Rather, it took her four years of arduous struggle to become famous. Tyla, who was born and raised in Johannesburg, started sharing original music and covers on Instagram while she was a senior in high school. A few months later, she began pitching her songs to several music industry heavyweights in hopes of getting a break. Consequently, Tyla manifested an opportunity to be discovered by her first manager, Garth von Giehn, who set up Tyla's first recording sessions. Tyla used to commute to the studio every weekend during her last year of school.
She released "Getting Late," her debut track, which she had recorded with Kooldrink, following her high school graduation. The dance tune with a falsetto and pop and African influences marked the start of the sensation's musical career and helped her become extremely well-known in her own country. Because of the success of this song, Tyla finally inked a record deal with Epic Records in 2021.
Tyla didn't only think hypothetically when she started creating possibilities for herself; instead, she realized how important it was to put yourself out there and turn into her own biggest advocate and fan. She developed a portfolio that demonstrated her abilities and persuaded people that she was worthy of investment due to her persistent approach to consistently producing songs and covers.
To ensure you have the same opportunities, visualize your objectives and make a six- to twelve-month strategy to achieve one or two of your goals. Then, start small every day and work towards your plan until it is completed. Regularly send leaders in your industry resumes, art, music, or whatever it is you're selling. The worst-case scenario is that they decline. When you create your plan, make sure you're creating a sturdy foundation that will guarantee your success.
Tyla wins her first Grammy
Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Invest In Yourself: Taking a Break from University
Tyla not only taught us the value of pursuing and realizing one's aspirations, but she also stressed the value of making an investment in oneself. Tyla studied engineering at university when she first started her profession. However, the singer made the decision to put her degree on hold for a year in order to focus entirely on her music career after going through a really stressful period. Afterward, she continued to gain recognition, finally releasing the music video for "Getting Late" two years later.
This resulted in the South African sensation receiving nominations and awards, a record deal, and acclaim throughout the pandemic.
Tyla's ascent to popularity teaches us how to invest in ourselves as well as how to take our time in making and carrying out our ideas. Tyla had to balance her time between her music and engineering education when she initially started her career. However, Tyla chose to take a year off from school and devote all of her attention to her music career after feeling an unimaginable amount of stress from the major. At this point, she started to witness the fruits of her labor.
In the end, she made a video during the pandemic, which eventually led to a record label deal and domestic success.
Seize the Moment: Capitializing on "Pop Stardom"
Tyla kept taking advantage of her fame and prosperity for around three years. In contrast to several contemporary artists, she persistently and deliberately dropped singles, seizing the opportunity whenever it presented itself and only bringing forth new ones after it had passed. Tyla released two further songs in October 2021 and November 2022, "Overdue" and "To Last," respectively, after her initial single.
In addition, she made her stage debut in 2023 at the Dolce & Gabanna after-party in Milan, solidifying her status as a global performer. The singer's single "Been Thinking" got her the first chart spot of her career on the Billboard R&B airplay. Later, she traveled with Chris Brown on his "Under the Influence Tour" and released a single with Nigerian vocalist Ayra Starr.
Utilize Social Media to Control Your Narrative: Rise to Fame Through TikTok
Even though she was well-known before her TikTok dance, her long-lasting international popularity didn't come until the release of her single "Water" in July 2023. When every TikTok dancer persisted in making their own dance variant to the song or perfecting the already-created "Water" dance, it was difficult to ignore the song's enticing harmony, given how captivating it was.
@fallontonight @Tyla makes her Tonight Show debut with “Water” 💦 #FallonTonight #Tyla #Water #TylaWater
In addition, a number of musicians added their own features or covered the song to prolong its popularity. Whatever the case, Tyla's rise to fame began in the summer of 2023. The song became so well-known by the end of the summer that it peaked at number 10 on billboards in the US, UK, and Australia.
Thanks to TikTok, Tyla became the first South African to reach the Billboard Top 100 in 55 years. By embedding herself in history, it'll be hard to forget the artist for a while.
Tyla demonstrates to us the value of using social media to promote oneself through this. Building your social media network might be a great approach to generating passive money if you're looking for a second job or to market your writing, music, art, or other interests. In addition, it's an inexpensive approach to sell yourself and display your skills without having to break the bank.
This makes it possible for people to sell their brands independently and for others to market your goods on your behalf. When used properly, social media is the ideal platform for seizing the moment since it guarantees that your moment will be highlighted and shared often.
Tyla shows off her platinum plaque for "Water."
Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Epic Records
Network, Network, Network: Gap Collaboration
Tyla is one of the many faces of Gap, which unveiled its spring collection earlier this month. It was no surprise that the "Water" singer was chosen by the Gap to promote their business, as their Spring 2024 range is a celebration of dance, fashion, and music, all woven into linen. The charismatic and talented South African singer lends her charm and abilities to the campaign.
Tyla fits in nicely with Gap's mission to support musiciansthat are genuine and unique. In addition, the singer teamed up with the other summertime favorites Jungle's "Back on 74" dancers in an attempt to reap the rewards of their moment of fame to ensure their long-term success in the business.
Not only does the singer collaborate with clothing brands like Gap, but her upcoming debut album features collaborations with artists like Becky G, Tems, Gunna, Skillibeing, Kelvin Momo, and Travis Scott. Allowing her to capitalize on multiple audiences and fandoms with her newest singles.
This partnership demonstrates how crucial networking is to achieving one's objectives. Learning to capitalize on the moment requires networking to market one's brand, even if it can be awkward and irritating at times. You may start to open doors to new possibilities and promote the sharing of ideas and best practices by developing professional connections. As a result, networking may help you advance professionally, flourish personally, and eventually succeed in your desired industry.
Practice Self-Care: The Cancellation of World Tour
Lastly, Tyla's ascension to prominence has taught us the value of taking care of oneself and slowing down. Tyla had announced her global tour and the release of her debut album earlier this year. She did, however, also declare earlier this month that she would have to postpone her Coachella performance and her worldwide tour because of a nagging ailment.
The news took many aback since she had been giving so many performances and announcements that nobody could have predicted the artist would be going through such hardships. However, it is crucial to be reluctant to prolong one's harm in the face of fame. Most artists are so focused on seizing the moment that they neglect to calm down and let their moments unfold into whatever they may naturally become, which leads to them penning themselves into a corner.
By postponing the global tour and canceling other performances altogether, the performer is allowing herself more time to hone her stage act and presentation when the tour finally happens, as well as an opportunity for fans to pause and recognize her talent beyond the hit song "Water."
This teaches us the importance of taking moments to slow down and be in the now. Sometimes, when we work hard for something, we often forget to take a moment and appreciate the fruits of our labor. Whether it be an injury that makes us stop and take stock or simply a mindful mental health day, it is imperative to practice self-care on our journeys to success.
Tyla's self-titled debut album is available on all platforms on March 22.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images