Many people who try intermittent fasting say they don’t drink coffee because it makes them jittery or anxious. Can you really have caffeine during intermittent fasting?
Caffeine is found naturally in plants such as coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, kola nuts, guarana berries, cola nuts, etc. Caffeine has become a staple part of our daily lives. In fact, it is estimated that over 90% of Americans consume caffeine every day.
There are two types of caffeine – natural and synthetic. Natural caffeine comes from the plant Camellia sinensis, whereas synthetic caffeine is produced synthetically.
The difference between these two forms of caffeine is that natural caffeine is absorbed slowly into the body, whereas synthetic caffeine enters the bloodstream faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultimately, drinking coffee during a 24/7 fast is up to personal choice. If you don’t like coffee, don’t drink it, but if you do like coffee, we think it’s fine. Caffeine helps people feel less hungry and provides energy.
However, if you don’t like coffee and don’t currently drink it – or are trying to kick the habit – there’s no real reason to start now.
You can get most of the same health benefits by eating well and exercising regularly, that way, you’ll lose weight and improve your general health without needing to consume coffee.
So what about the taste? Coffee contains lots of sugar, so you could end up consuming too much, just keep some plain water around to dilute it, or try black tea.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day for women and 300 mg per day for men. A typical 8 oz. serving of brewed coffee contains approximately 90 mg of caffeine.
Coffee is one of those things that people love to hate. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a nice cup of java every now and again, but there are some things about coffee that just don’t sit well with us.
For example, we know that too much caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety, headaches, heart palpitations, and even stomach upset. And let’s face it, most of us aren’t into the idea of being awake all day without feeling tired.
You’ve heard about how drinking water helps keep you hydrated. Well, there’s another reason why it is recommended to drink plenty of H2O while you’re trying to lose weight.
You see, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what you can and cannot consume while you’re following an intermittent fasting diet plan. And one thing people often forget to mention is that you can drink water while you’re in a “fasted state.”
That’s because the term “fasting,” as it pertains to intermittent fasting, doesn’t mean you have to completely abstain from food. In fact, you could eat just enough to maintain your blood sugar level while still keeping yourself in a state of nutritional ketosis.
This is where your body will start to burn stored fat for fuel rather than carbs, and it’s a great way to kick-start your metabolism.
Intermittent fasting isn’t just about cutting calories; it’s about changing the way your brain thinks about food. When you don’t eat for longer periods of time, your body itself goes into a starvation state.
Your insulin levels naturally decrease, causing your body to start burning fat stores instead of carbohydrates. So when you do finally decide to break your fast, you’ll feel fuller faster than ever before.
While you’re in a fasted state, you can enjoy a glass of water or unsweetened tea. If you want to add some flavor, try adding a little lemon juice or a splash of stevia. Just make sure you’re not consuming any additional calories during those “fasting hours.”
Intermittent Fasting Vs Coffee Consumption
The thing about coffee is that it contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. When you consume caffeine, it increases blood flow throughout your body and gets your brain working faster, which makes sense given how many times we hear about people needing to wake up early because they drank too much caffeine late at night.
This increase in blood flow helps speed up metabolism, which is why caffeine is often used to treat obesity. However, it does come at a price.
Drinking coffee during the daytime can lead to increased insulin levels, which can contribute to weight gain. On the flip side, drinking coffee during the nighttime slows down digestion and leads to lower energy levels, which can make it harder to lose weight.
And while coffee isn’t necessarily bad for you, it certainly doesn’t help either. If you want to avoid getting too much caffeine, try switching out your usual cup of Joe for water, tea, or herbal infusions. You might find that you prefer the taste better.
What Can You Put In Your Coffee That Won’t Break Your Fast?
When people think about breaking they’re fast, most people think about food. You know, like breakfast foods, snacks, lunch, dinner, etc. And while those are great ideas, there are some things you can drink that don’t count against your daily calorie intake.
Here are some beverages that can go into your morning cup without counting toward your daily caloric limit.
- Coffee — Black, please.
- Tea — Any type of tea counts as long as it doesn’t contain milk or sugar.
- Water — Yes, water counts too.
- Juice — Fruit juice is fine, but avoid juices that are sweetened with added sugars. Also, choose unsweetened varieties over artificially flavored ones.
- Milk — If you want dairy, opt for skim or low-fat milk.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to shed pounds, then you need to be mindful of what you’re eating. While you may love your favorite foods, if they aren’t helping you reach your goals, it might be time to reevaluate them.
And if you really want to take control of your health, consider incorporating intermittent fasting into your lifestyle. It’s a simple yet effective strategy that will help you achieve optimal wellness.
