If you discovered the world of intermittent fasting, you’ve likely found that it’s not only a huge time saver, but it’s also a way to change your eating routine to effortless lose fat and improve immunity through autophagy.
But what happens when it comes to coffee? Can you have coffee while fasting or will it through your entire day off?
We break it down in today’s blog hen it comes to the favorite meal of the day
Does Coffee Break a Fast?
Let’s get straight to the question.
Does coffee alone break a fast? As a staple of any meal plan template – fortunately the answer is unequivocally no. In fact, in some cases – it may help.
That said – that’s not the main problem. The main issue with most people is the things they add to their coffee.
So, if that’s you – let’s take a look at the various types of coffee variations and their impact on fasting.
What Effects Do Coffee Variations Have on a Fast?
No matter which way you take your coffee – will it affect or break your fast? Let’s find out.
Types of Coffee
Black Coffee
Your’e completely fine. As discussed before, coffee has many positive benefits for fasting and fat loss and you’re in the clear here.
Verdict: Approved ✅
Bullet Proof Coffee
Bulletproof coffee is a concoction invented by Dave Asprey of Bulletproof Exec. The drink is typically coffee + MCT oil and grass-fed butter.
Strictly speaking, you’re consuming calories so you’re breaking a fast, but in practical terms – there’s no effect on your actual body. Autophagy should not be interrupted by the consumption of fat, and while you may not lose as much fat as you would with black coffee – you’re likely good here.
Verdict: Approved ✅
Coffee with Collagen
Collagen is a protein that can inhibit autophagy. If your goal is fat loss, you’re probably fine, but you’re going to get the full benefits of fasting – you likely have better options here.
Verdict: Approved for Fat Loss ✅ Avoid for Autophagy ❌
Coffee with Heavy Cream
Coffee with heavy cream may slow down fat burning (so avoid if you’re trying to aggressively lose weight), but should not stop the autophagy.
Verdict: Approved ✅
Coffee with Cream + Sugar
Generic cream and sugar from your local shop is a fast breaker for sure. First of all, the sugar is a quick-no. Then, “cream” – without knowing it’s origin often contains sugars or is processed in ways that can activate insulin levels and spike your glucose. Avoid this combo.
Verdict: Avoid ❌
Coffee with Soy Milk
Stop – stop drinking soy milk.
Verdict: Don’t ❌
Coffee with Sweeteners
If you’re looking at having coffee with sweeteners, here’s how these stack up based on the type of sweetener you may end up choosing.
Coffee with MonkFruit
Monk fruit can be expensive, but it won’t break your fast. You’re good to go.
Verdict: Approved ✅
Coffee with Stevia
Stevia in many situations actually lowers glucose and insulin responses – so your fast is in fine shape if you add stevia to the mix.
Verdict: Approved ✅
Coffee with Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners in your coffee won’t interfere with fasting, but you may not want to make them a regular part of your diet for other health reasons.
Verdict: Approved ✅ – but choose wisely
Consensus
The verdict is in – as long as you’re not adding any weird junk to your coffee – you’re generally safe. Obviously, as you add more and more things to your coffee – there’s a greater chance that you’ll break your fast, but if you stick to the basics and don’t dump glasses full of cream into your coffee, you’ll be just fine.
