I’ll be honest — I wish that I had a better (and by “better,” what I mean is more consistent) relationship with water. As I’ve shared a few times before, the main reason why I don’t consume as much of it as I should is because it’s just so…boring. More specifically, to me, it tastes like wet air.
That doesn’t mean I’m not fully aware that I need it in my system, though. And that is why I’ve found a fairly good workaround: either sparkling water or mineral water; to me, they just seem more “exciting”…although, as I will explain different article on bloating, I have had to accept that any kind of carbonation can create a bit more of a tummy bulge than I would like for time to time. Man, you live long enough and you really do come to fully accept that very few things come without at least a couple of “cons.”
Anyway, as I’ve been doing some stair climbing in order to get my body where I want it to be in time for the summer season, believe it or not, something that I’m considering doing is going on a water fast. Not so much for weight reasons but for detox purposes. Because the more research that I’ve done on water fasting, as of late, it really does seem like a quick and effective way to benefit your body, on a few different levels.
Here's what I mean.
What Water Does for Your Body Overall
GiphyI’m pretty sure that you grew up hearing somewhere that your body is made up of somewhere around 60 percent water. However, what you may not have known (or didn’t remember) is that your brain and heart reportedly consist of 73 percent water, while your lungs are made up of 83 percent water. Since water keeps you hydrated and it has oxygen in it (which is something that your organs need in order to function properly), that’s enough of a reason to prioritize water consumption on a daily basis (and yes, I am definitely preaching to the choir here).
Okay, but what are some other things that water does for you?
- Water lubricates your joints
- Water helps your body to produce saliva and mucus
- Water improves the quality of your skin and hair
- Water regulates your body temperature
- Water helps you to digest your food better
- Water helps to prevent migraines
- Water helps to make diabetes more manageable
- Water increases your energy levels
- Water helps to maintain your blood pressure
- Water makes your period cramps more bearable
- Water helps you to lose and/or manage your weight
- Water helps to prevent urinary tract infections
- Water can help you get over a hangover quicker
- Water keeps natural lubrication going
- Water increases longevity
And gee, this is just 15 reasons why it’s important to drink no less than 11 cups (cups are smaller than a glass, if you’re thinking about the whole “eight glasses a day” thing) of water daily if you are a woman and 15 cups if you are a man.
That said, if you’re someone like me and you know that you’re not hitting the “cups mark” each and every day, it might be a given that a water fast is something that you should give a shot. Yeah, but what if you’re someone who does enjoy water and you actually do make sure that you keep a bottle of it around with you at all times?
When it comes to going on a water fast, is it something that even you should consider doing as well? My short answer is “yes;” however, check out the next section of this to see why I say so.
What a Water Fast Can Ultimately Do for Your System
GiphyI’m pretty sure you know what a fast is, but just to be on the safe side, it’s when a person intentionally decides to go without food and/or drink for a certain period of time. Some people fast for religious or spiritual reasons. Some people do it as a form of detox. Some people do it to address some health issues that they may have. There is also what is known as intermittent fasting (which you can read about here) — but that’s kind of another topic for another time.
Anyway, when it comes to water fasting, specifically, it’s when you make the decision to consume nothing but water for a period of time, usually somewhere between 24-72 hours. And how can doing that help you out as far as your health is concerned? Good question.
Studies have proven that a water fast can help to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve heart health
- Treat hypertension
- Fight obesity
- Help to balance your hormones
- Fight against free radicals
- Lower your cancer risk
- Improve your quality of sleep
- Revive your body’s cells
- Decrease stress levels
Goodness, so with all of these great things that can happen to you if you do decide to go on a water fast, are there any challenges to keep in mind? That’s a good question, too. First, if you do happen to have any health issues, you should run your desire to go on a water fast by your doctor first, just to make sure that it doesn’t end up doing you more harm than good.
Something else? Make sure that your fasts last no longer than 72 hours. Your body needs food for fuel, so going beyond three days could prove to be problematic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are currently dealing with an eating disorder (or have in the past), or you’re under 18 or over 65, a water fast is actually not something that you should be doing.
Another thing? If you’re considering a water fast in order to lose weight, while you probably will shed some pounds, a lot of it will probably be water weight, so make sure not to overdo the fast just because you’re seeing what appears to be overnight results. Also, as wild as it may (initially) sound, a water fast can actually dehydrate you. That’s because you don’t just need water but also electrolytes in order for your system to remain hydrated, and ones like potassium, sodium, and magnesium come from food.
However, if after taking in all of what I just said, you believe that you are “in the clear” to do a water fast, I’ve got a few tips for making the process easier and most beneficial for you.
5 Things to Keep in Mind When Doing a Water Fast
GiphySo, what if you think that you are more than ready to attempt your first water fast? Here are a few things that you should definitely keep in mind:
1. Eat less 2-3 days before going on the fast. One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to fasting (no matter what kind of fast it is) is not “pre-gaming” for it. By eating lighter and smaller meals (ones that preferably don’t consist of processed foods, dairy, caffeine, or alcohol) 2-3 days before your fast, your body will already have been somewhat prepared for going without food totally.
2. Consider drinking some mineral water. Remember that when you are on a water fast, you’re not taking in any nutrients from food, and that is why you might want to consider consuming mineral water. It gets its name because it has minerals in it like magnesium, potassium, and calcium that can do things like improve your bone health, reduce heart disease, treat constipation, and even help to lower your blood pressure. Mineral water is one way to get some nutrients into your system without “cheating” when it comes to your water fast.
3. Don’t overdo it with the exercising; meditate instead. Again, food provides fuel that gives you energy. This means that if you’re not eating, your system may be moving at a slower pace, and if that is indeed the case, you shouldn’t overextend it. Bottom line: If you are someone who has a consistent workout routine, chill out on that a bit while you are fasting. Instead, opt for something like yoga or meditation, so that you can keep your system calm while you are going without sustenance.
4. Pay attention to potential side effects. Since water fasting tends to send your body through certain metabolic changes, you could experience headaches (even migraines), nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and even feelings of disorientation during your fast. These are not indications to further push yourself. That said, if it’s already been 24 hours, you should pat yourself on the back and consider breaking the fast. If it’s been less time, at the very least, snack on some fruit or try ginger or peppermint tea to see if the side effects subside.
Remember, a fast is supposed to improve your health; if that isn’t happening, don’t try to be a superwoman out here. Do what makes you feel better.
5. Ease back into eating. Just like you had to ease into water fasting, it’s wise to ease out of it as well. Bone broth, fruits, and veggies that contain lots of water (like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, zucchini, and peaches) can help your body adjust to being on food again once your fast is done.
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At the end of the day, anything that cleanses you out — mind, body, and spirit — is something worth considering at the very least. And since that is the aim of most fasts, and also since water is healing in so many ways, a water fast might just be what the doctor ordered.
I mean, pun intended (you still should consider trying it, though).
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So, we handpicked one hundred It Girls who embody that palpable It Factor moving through us as young Black women, the kind of motion lighting up the world both IRL and across the internet.
It Girl 100 became xoNecole’s most successful program, with the hashtag organically reaching more than forty million impressions on Instagram in just twenty-four hours. Yes, it caught on like wildfire because we celebrated some of the most brilliant and influential GenZennial women of color setting trends and shaping culture. But more than that, it resonated because the women we celebrated felt seen.
Many were already known in their industries for keeping this generation fly and lit, but rarely received recognition or flowers. It Girl 100 became a safe space to be uplifted, and for us as Black women to bask in what felt like an era of our brilliance, beauty, and boundless influence on full display.
And then, almost overnight, it was as if the rug was pulled from under us as Black women, as the It Girls of the world.
Our much-needed, much-deserved season of ease and soft living quickly metamorphosed into a time of self-preservation and survival. Our motion and economic progression seemed strategically slowed, our light under siege.
The air feels heavier now. The headlines colder. Our Black girl magic is being picked apart and politicized for simply existing.
With that climate shift, as we prepare to launch our second annual It Girl 100 honoree list, our team has had to dig deep on the purpose and intention behind this year’s list. Knowing the spirit of It Girl 100 is about motion, sauce, strides, and progression, how do we celebrate amid uncertainty and collective grief when the juice feels like it is being squeezed out of us?
As we wrestled with that question, we were reminded that this tension isn’t new. Black women have always had to find joy in the midst of struggle, to create light even in the darkest corners. We have carried the weight of scrutiny for generations, expected to be strong, to serve, to smile through the sting. But this moment feels different. It feels deeply personal.
We are living at the intersection of liberation and backlash. We are learning to take off our capes, to say no when we are tired, to embrace softness without apology.
And somehow, the world has found new ways to punish us for it.
In lifestyle, women like Kayla Nicole and Ayesha Curry have been ridiculed for daring to choose themselves. Tracee Ellis Ross was labeled bitter for speaking her truth about love. Meghan Markle, still, cannot breathe without critique.
In politics, Kamala Harris, Letitia James, and Jasmine Crockett are dragged through the mud for standing tall in rooms not built for them.
In sports, Angel Reese, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend have been reminded that even excellence will not shield you from racism or judgment.
In business, visionaries like Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye and Melissa Butler are fighting to keep their dreams alive in an economy that too often forgets us first.
Even our icons, Beyoncé, Serena, and SZA, have faced criticism simply for evolving beyond the boxes society tried to keep them in.
From everyday women to cultural phenoms, the pattern is the same. Our light is being tested.
And yet, somehow, through it all, we are still showing up as that girl, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Because while the world debates our worth, we keep raising our value. And that proof is all around us.
This year alone, Naomi Osaka returned from motherhood and mental health challenges to reach the semifinals of the US Open. A’ja Wilson claimed another MVP, reminding us that beauty and dominance can coexist. Brandy and Monica are snatching our edges on tour. Kahlana Barfield Brown sold out her new line in the face of a retailer that had been canceled. And Melissa Butler’s company, The Lip Bar, is projecting a forty percent surge in sales.
We are no longer defining strength by how much pain we can endure. We are defining it by the unbreakable light we continue to radiate.
We are the women walking our daily steps and also continuing to run solid businesses. We are growing in love, taking solo trips, laughing until it hurts, raising babies and ideas, drinking our green juice, and praying our peace back into existence.
We are rediscovering the joy of rest and realizing that softness is not weakness, it is strategy.
And through it all, we continue to lift one another. Emma Grede is creating seats at the table. Valeisha Butterfield has started a fund for jobless Black women. Arian Simone is leading in media with fearless conviction. We are pouring into each other in ways the world rarely sees but always feels.
So yes, we are in the midst of societal warfare. Yes, we are being tested. Yes, we are facing economic strain, political targeting, and public scrutiny. But even war cannot dim a light that is divinely ours.
And we are still shining.
And we are still softening.
And we are still creating.
And we are still It.
That is the quiet magic of Black womanhood, our ability to hold both truth and triumph in the same breath, to say yes, and to life’s contradictions.
It is no coincidence that this year, as SheaMoisture embraces the message “Yes, And,” they stand beside us as partners in celebrating this class of It Girls. Because that phrase, those two simple words, capture the very essence of this moment.
Yes, we are tired. And we are still rising.
Yes, we are questioned. And we are the answer.
Yes, we are bruised. And we are still beautiful.
This year’s It Girl 100 is more than a list. It is a love letter to every Black woman who dares to live out loud in a world that would rather she whisper. This year’s class is living proof of “Yes, And,” women who are finding ways to thrive and to heal, to build and to rest, to lead and to love, all at once.
It is proof that our joy is not naive, our success not accidental. It is the reminder that our light has never needed permission.
So without further ado, we celebrate the It Girl 100 Class of 2025–2026.
We celebrate the millions of us who keep doing it with grace, grit, and glory.
Because despite it all, we still shine.
Because we are still her.
Because we are still IT, girl.
Meet all 100 women shaping culture in the It Girl 100 Class of 2025. View the complete list of honorees here.
Featured image by xoStaff
Apparently, there was a Thanksgiving episode that featured all of the friends having dinner together. And y’all, there was simply no way that I was going to mention the latter without shouting out the original (amen?).
Okay, so with that out of the way — Friendsgiving. Something that I appreciate about twists to holidays like this is that it’s a reminder that there is no one way to celebrate special occasions. And so, if, for whatever the reason, you will not or cannot be with family during the holiday season, there are certainly other alternatives at your disposal.
That being said, if the thought of spending time with friends this Thanksgiving is something that you’d like to do, yet you’re not sure how to host it in a way that will make Friendsgiving a fan favorite for your entire circle — I’ve got 10 suggestions that can make the planning process easy as pumpkin (or sweet potato) pie.
1. Position Chrysanthemums or Orchids for Your Table Décor
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Let’s start with décor first. Listen, aside from cleaning up your place, you don’t have to be over the top. If you put together a really nice centerpiece or put a flower at each table setting, honestly, you’re all good. And if you’re someone who is big on details and symbolism, my recommendation would be to go with some chrysanthemums and/or orchids.
When it comes to chrysanthemums, not only are they a peak fall flower, they represent things like friendship and happiness. And orchids? They tend to bloom during the fall and spring seasons and, not only are they about luxury, certain orchid colors also symbolize friendship (for the record, yellow roses symbolize friendship too). Perfect.
2. Incorporate Scents That Cultivate Gratitude
Speaking of cultivating a warm and inviting space, you can never go wrong with scented soy candles — or at least having an essential oil diffuser in a few spots. Some scents that actually help to bring in the spirit of gratitude include vanilla, jasmine, ginger, cedarwood and frankincense.
3. Use Upscale Paper Products to Dine With
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Let’s be real — a lot more of us would probably host events in our home if it wasn’t for the mess that is left behind in our kitchen once the festivities are over. Wanna avoid that? Use paper plates. No, I don’t mean the cheap Styrofoam ones. SMDH. These days, there are paper (and plastic) plate brands that will low-key blow your mind when it comes to how bougie they look. Some that are worth considering are located here, here and here.
4. Handwrite Thank-You Notes (Use Them As Place Settings)
If you’re like Tiffany (from the HBO series Insecure — what a time) was at that memorable dinner party when all hell broke loose between Lawrence and Issa and you’re pretty anal — I mean, particular — LOL — about place settings, it’s a nice touch to pick up some blank thank-you cards that you can write a personalized “I’m thankful for you because…” message in. Place each one where you’d like each friend to sit. They won’t see it coming and it’s a really nice touch.
5. Have Everyone Bring Their Favorite Homemade Dish
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Okay, and what if what has you on the fence about hosting is you don’t feel like doing a ton of cooking? Chile, this is where the concept of having a potluck comes in. Get everyone to bring the dish that they claim they cook the best and make sure to let them know how many individuals you plan on coming (so that they will make enough). You can even make a game out of it by having everyone anonymously vote for the first, second and third best dishes out of the bunch. Take it up a notch by having a prize for each winner.
6. Take a Warm Drink and Dessert Poll Beforehand
You know what isn’t discussed enough about dinner parties? Folks bringing desserts that other people don’t even like. SMDH. You can avoid this from becoming an issue at your Friendsgiving by sending an email (most people prefer that to group chats; let’s be real — and make sure to BCC everyone as well) asking everyone to share what their top three favorite desserts and warm drinks are. Then pick the top 2-3 out of the bunch. That way, you won’t have a ton of (for instance) coffee cake or apple cider lying around that no one even wanted in the first place.
7. Create a Signature Friendsgiving Mocktail and Cocktail
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Speaking of drinks, another way to make your Friendsgiving memorable is to come up with a signature mocktail (for those who don’t consume alcohol) and cocktail. For the mocktail, you can also poll your friends about their favorite mocktail or fruits and come up with a mixture of your own. For the cocktail — although National Friendship Day is actually in August, I did peep that there are certain drinks that have been created in its honor. Some of them are located here for you to do a bit of tweaking on (if you’d like).
8. Ask Everyone to Share Their “Favorite Friend Quality” of Another
You know how it’s customary for everyone to go around and share what they are truly thankful for before having dinner? Well, to continue along with the Friendsgiving theme, have each person share what their favorite friend quality is about the person to their right. If folks are just meeting each other for the first time, instead they can share what they value the most in friendship overall, along with a story of how it was displayed to them personally over the past 12 months.
9. Send Each of Your Guests Home with a Fresh Gratitude Journal
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Wanna send folks home with a nice parting gift? It would be so on-trend to give each of them a gratitude journal. Listen, we are in some crazy times right through here (at least in the States) and so, encouraging your friends to set some time aside, regularly, to think about and then outwardly express what they are grateful for? That helps to keep stress down, keep things in perspective and it reminds us all to maintain a positive mindset as much as possible.
10. Watch a Nostalgic Movie
While everyone is enjoying dessert and drinks, how about watching a movie that brings back fond memories? A list of some of the most popular movies to come out previous Thanksgiving weekends is located here and a list of some favorite Black holiday-themed films can be found here. It’s a way to wind down and share some laughs before everyone heads home.
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Friendsgiving. What a wonderful way to celebrate your friends while also observing Thanksgiving in a way that is totally on your terms. And now that you know how to put it together, what are you waiting for? Hit your friends up and let them know that, whether it’s on actual Thanksgiving Day or a few days before or after, you’ve got a special dinner in mind.
One that has a good time with amazing friends written ALL over it.
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