That first cup of coffee upon waking. That mid-morning cup of joe. So good and so needed. But the real question is: can you drink coffee while intermittent fasting?
A simple question, and yet, the internet is full of confusing answers. In this post, I explain how you can enjoy your coffee when you’re fasting, so you don’t break your fast.
It’s important that you plan your fasting periods and eating windows, so you don’t feel deprived. This way, you know exactly what to expect.
Need a little help? Check out this post: Intermittent Fasting Schedule for Women to learn about fasting and eating windows.
First, you should consult a licensed medical physician before you jump into intermittent fasting. IF isn’t for everyone, and therefore, it’s something to discuss with a licensed professional.
The purpose of this post is to give share insights on how coffee can break your fast; it is not to provide any professional/medical advice.
Can You Drink Black Coffee While Fasting?
Yes. You can, and should, drink black coffee while fasting. Drinking black coffee is the only way to ensure you don’t break your fast, especially if you are still in your fasting window.
If you’re not a fan of black coffee, you can consider flavored coffee or a few drops of liquid stevia to sweeten it.
Can You have Cream in Coffee While Intermittent Fasting?
Adding cream to your coffee will break your fast. The only way to ensure your fast is intact is by consuming zero-calorie drinks.
Some experts note that there is a 40-calorie threshold before your fast is broken, but if you’re working hard at intermittent fasting, why jinx it?
What Else Can you Drink While Fasting?
While fasting, you should only consume 0-calorie drinks. Therefore, this excludes all foods.
I cover this in-depth, including the best ways to break your fast, inside my eBook, Intermittent Fasting For Women.
Inside you’ll find a complete guide to intermittent fasting, food lists, and a meal plan to jumpstart your fasting journey.
Intermittent Fasting for Women
If you want to dive deeper, I've created a book with everything you need to know about intermittent fasting & a 1-week meal plan so you know exactly what to eat during your eating windows. Check out my Intermittent Fasting Guide here.
Zero Calorie Drinks for Intermittent Fasting Fasting
I know it can feel restrictive to stick to water-only during your fasting window. For this reason, I have a list of zero-calorie drinks you can enjoy during intermittent fasting:
- La Croix Sparkling Water (any flavor)
- Zevia Zero-Calorie Drinks (any flavor)
- Vitamin Water (any)
- Propel Powder Packets (electrolytes & flavor)
- Green Tea (hot or iced)
- Fiji Water (my favorite, cold)
Whether it’s water, tea, black coffee, or sparkling water, the best way to keep your fast is to sip on something you enjoy.
Ready to break your fast? Check out my list of intermittent fasting recipes here.
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