Does Coffee Break a Fast?
Intermittent fasting has been proven to be one of the most effective methods of losing weight. Intermittent fasting popularly known as IF is cycling between fasting and eating windows.
Research has also proven that IF has some other health benefits apart from weight loss. Intermittent fasting has resulted in the improvement of symptoms associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and Alzheimers.
During the fasting windows, one is not allowed to eat, and because of this many people new to intermittent fasting wonder if it is okay to have their morning cup of coffee.
Relax! You can have your coffee during your fasting window. Here are some types of coffee that won’t break your fast
Types of coffee
- Black coffee
Black coffee will not break your fast! This is because black coffee contains very few calories one cup of black coffee has 5 calories and this is so insignificant that it will not break your fast.
Black coffee has also been shown to be an appetite suppressant, this is great news! You will be able to last longer without eating and even stick to your fast
Only make sure that your coffee is black with no added sugar, milk, or cream
2. Bulletproof coffee
I always start my day with a cup of bulletproof coffee. Bulletproof coffee was created by Davy Asprey and this has revolutionized how morning coffee is made. It is so famous that coffee joints like Starbucks have added it to their menu.
And no! This will not make you bulletproof, but it will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and focused.
Bulletproof coffee is a blend of coffee, MCT oils and butter. It has been shown to induce a ketogenic state which is also known as a fast mimicking state, so you can have a cup of bulletproof coffee during your fasting window.
The butter and MCT oil in the coffee will leave you satiated for longer and this will go a long way in helping you stick to your fasting plan.
The goal of fasting is to lower insulin levels. The fat in the coffee has a very low glycemic index and because of this, very little insulin will be produced.
Other Benefits of Having Coffee When Fasting
Coffee has so many other benefits which may bolster the effects of fasting that have been proven by science. Here are some of those benefits
- Coffee has been proven to reduce inflammation. Inflammation causes one to feel weak tired and lethargic, therefore a cup of coffee may leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
- Coffee improves autophagy. This is the process where the body gets rid of unwanted cells and proteins so that new healthy cells can regenerate
- Coffee improves metabolism. Did you know that coffee will result in an increased metabolism? You will burn fat faster resulting in greater weight loss.
- Improved brain health. Caffeine increases the production of ketones which are an excellent fuel source for your brain.
Ingredients Will Break Your Fast if You Add Them to Your Coffee
Black coffee and bullet coffee will not break your fast, but if you add these ingredients then that will break your fast
- Cream
- Sugar
- Syrup
- Milk
- Cocoa
Bottom Line
Intermittent fasting if done correctly will result in significant weight loss and improved health. Including coffee during the fasting window is great news for many coffee lovers.
Coffee if taken correctly will not break your fast. Ensure that you stick to black unsweetened coffee or bulletproof coffee.
Steer clear of other additives like cream, milk and sugar.