Can I drink coffee with oat milk while fasting? The answer is not clear cut, as opinions differ significantly and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, fasting can provide some notable health benefits, such as enhancing autophagy, improving fat burning and caloric deficit, and balancing hormones, as well as aiding mental clarity and providing a boost to focus.
The concept of fasting focuses on time-restricted eating, meaning that you will abstain from food for extended periods each day. For many people, this means they will choose to fast during the day—and only break their fast with dinner. It is also common to go on extended fasting protocols every few weeks, of between 24-36 hours.
When it comes to dietary elements such as coffee, the type of milk you use could be important. Oat milk is becoming increasingly popular, due to its low calorie and fat content, as well as its high level of soluble fiber, minerals, and vitamins. It also contains fewer allergens than many other types of milk, including almond milk, which makes it an attractive option.
Recent research has suggested that fasting, in combination with both herb-based diet and cardio exercises, can offer impressive metabolic effects. When fasting, many people reach for coffee with milk to provide a metabolic boost if needed. But does combining coffee and oat milk with fasting work?
The truth is there is no right answer here. According to some experts, even when fasting, you should avoid coffee with milk because it contains calories and fat, which could halt the process of autophagy and prevent your body from undergoing fasting-related metabolic issues. Others say that if you consume small amounts of coffee with oat milk, then your body will still remain in a fasted state.
To understand more, it is essential to consider the differences between this type of milk and other varieties. Although oat milk overall contains fewer calories than other types of milk, it is higher in carbohydrates and proteins. Additionally, depending on the brand or type of oat milk chosen, sugar content may also be higher. For example, Barista Blend Oatly contains 8g of sugar, far greater than unsweetened almond milk, which contains 0g.
Therefore, for those who are considering having coffee with oat milk while fasting, it is important to consider the amount of fat and carbohydrates contained within the milk. While a small amount of oat milk may be suitable for some people, if combined with coffee or other caffeinated drinks, then it could break your fasted state and potentially derail progress.
Coffee and Oat Milk Benefits
However, if you feel like you need the extra boost of energy, then having oat milk alongside coffee could be beneficial. Oat milk is beneficial in its own right, as the high fiber content can support digestive health, as well as promote heart health due to the addition of sterols. Additionally, some studies have suggested that oat milk can be effective in helping to maintain blood sugar levels, while also providing a creamy, indulgent flavor.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that combining coffee with oat milk could also provide some appetite-suppressing benefits. While it is unclear to what extent these can be realized, anecdotally, some people have suggested that combining coffee with oat milk could help to reduce food cravings and ultimately reduce the amount of food consumed throughout the day.
Coffee itself is also known for its appetite-suppressing benefits, and therefore having oat milk in your coffee could help to increase the results. While these benefits should not be relied upon, or assumed, having a cup of coffee with oat milk is likely to have few side effects, provided you are sure to stick to a low-sugar, unsweetened variety of oat milk.
Practical Application
When thinking practically, deciding whether to drink coffee with oat milk while fasting could be based on your personal goals and objectives. The key is to experiment and see what works best for you. Starting slowly with just a small amount of oat milk can be beneficial, and it is worth considering creating a longer-term plan, with phases of fasting intermingled with shorter phases of re-feeding. This can be beneficial, as it can provide you with the resources to remain on track with your health and fitness objectives.
When fasting, the goal is to reduce the amount of food consumed, and this includes all types of beverages, including coffee. If you are using a time-restricted eating plan, then incorporating a small amount of oat milk in your coffee could be acceptable and beneficial. You could also use fasting mini-breaks as a chance to have coffee and oat milk. By doing this, you can still experience the positives of fasting, without restricting your beverage options.
Calorie Breakdown of Coffee and Oat Milk
When looking at the calorie breakdown of coffee and oat milk, it is essential to understand that not all coffees and oat milks are equal. For example, an 8-ounce serving of original Barista Blend Oatly contains 120 calories, 19g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, and 3g of sugar.
On the other hand, an 8-ounce serving of unsweetened almond milk contains just 39 calories, 2g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Of course, when approaching coffee consumption and oat milk consumption, it is essential to keep your consumption in check and understand the number of calories you are taking in. However, as we have already mentioned, many experts suggest that having coffee with oat milk while fasting could be suitable, as long as it is consumed in moderation.
Breaking a Fast with Coffee and Oat Milk
A further option to consider could be breaking your fast with coffee and oat milk. Many people opt to break their fast with a cup of coffee, and in some cases, adding oat milk can provide an additional level of comfort. By breaking your fast with coffee and oat milk, you can still enjoy the benefits, without having to worry about breaking your fasted state.
Furthermore, depending on the time of day, it could be beneficial to have coffee with oat milk when breaking a fast—as it can help to provide a tasty selection of nutrients. This could be beneficial for those that don’t have time for breakfast, or those who feel like their metabolic system could do with a break from food.
Making an Informed Choice
Ultimately, it is essential to understand the differences between this type of milk and other varieties before making a decision. Although oat milk can offer various benefits, it is necessary to be mindful of the total number of calories and carbohydrates taken in. Using unsweetened oat milk can also be beneficial, as this can help to reduce the amount of sugar taken in.
Ultimately, only you can decide what is suitable for you, and it is essential to experiment and find out which type of food works best when combined with fasting protocols. Therefore, if you feel like coffee and oat milk provides the boost in energy you need, then it could be beneficial to opt for this option, although it is worth being mindful of the type of oat milk you use and the amount consumed overall.
