I find that I do best when I isolate as much as possible. Food is such an integral part of the human experience that it’s impossible not to have to exert willpower on a daily basis when it comes to socializing. I ask my family to not eat around me or mention food, or to even cook things that have powerful smells. It helps a lot, especially in the first week. I have my own specific challenges, however, specifically a sugar addiction, so the first 21 days are awful for me.
As far as whether I do a “clean” water fast or not? I say, whatever gets the job done. I think the mild elitism around water only is a bit much. Any fasting, even “dirty” fasting, is far better than continuing to have a poor diet. Just keep in mind that not all artifical sweeteners are the same and that things like coffee, tea, and mio(sucralose based falvorant) are generally fine. It can make it more difficult for you if you associate sweet things with food and psyche yourself out, making the urge to break your fast worse.
Hope this helps.