As the science behind fasting has captured the imagination of the public, many health enthusiasts have asked the question whether ‘black coffee’ remains legal during intermittent fasting. While coffee doesn’t make you put on weight, many dieticians don’t suggest drinking too much of it, as it can be quite dehydrating and can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Intermitted fasting needs to be followed religiously to achieve maximum benefits. Cutting any kind of ‘loophole’ can affect the overall results you get. When it comes to drinking coffees, the question arises whether it’s permissible to drink caffeine during intermittent fasting or not? This is a tricky question and the available data differs on the matter.
One study suggests that it’s ok for an individual to drink coffee without milk or cream during the fasted state, as long as one keeps his or her caffeine intake in reasonable limits. This can include black coffee, green tea, espresso and yerba mate. However, if you are highly sensitive to caffeine, then you may consider cutting down on the intake, as it can disrupt your hunger level and prompt you to consume something calorie dense.
The experts that have weighed in on the matter have a mixed opinion. While some suggest that drinking black coffee is ok, as it doesn’t contain too many calories, many do not recommend drinking it during intermittent fasting, as it affects your ability to stay in the fasting state. Since caffeine is a stimulant, it can also raise your hunger levels and increase cravings. This is why some experts suggest having decaffeinated alternatives, such as decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, can increase your hydration, while still giving you a bit of flavour and taste that you may require while fasting.
Regardless of the opinion of the experts, one should always pay attention to his or her own body and see what works best for him or her. If drinking black coffee makes you feel bloated and uncomfortable, then probably you should avoid drinking it. On the other hand, if you find yourself fine after drinking it during intermittent fasting, then it might be a suitable alternative for you.
Can black coffee replace breakfast?
As black coffee has low calorie content, some people may be tempted to consume it instead of having a normal breakfast during intermittent fasting, but this is something experts generally do not recommend. Some studies suggest that consuming a breakfast that is rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats may help to increase the fullness, which can lead to increased satiety and better fasting results. On the other hand, replacing breakfast with black coffee will not give all these essential nutrients, making it an unsuitable option for an intermittent fasting meal.
Does black coffee slow down weight loss?
It is a common misconception that drinking black coffee slows down weight loss. In reality, this is not the case and one can still enjoy a cup of black coffee without any worries about slowing down the weight loss process. As long as the individual sticks to a healthy diet and a robust workout plan, consuming black coffee will not affect their weight loss progress in any negative way. Furthermore, drinking black coffee can provide a boost of energy and concentration that might be beneficial in terms of motivating the individual to undertake physical activity on a consistent basis.
Does black coffee increase cortisol levels?
It is true that drinking too much coffee can increase cortisol levels, by triggering the body’s flight or fight response. Cortisol is known as a stress hormone, that helps in increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation. This is why it is important to avoid drinking excessive amounts of coffee, as that can lead to higher cortisol levels and long-term health problems. However, if your coffee intake is limited, then it will not have any dramatic effect on your cortisol levels.
Does black coffee help in improving focus?
Coffee can indeed help to improve focus and mental alertness, as it contains caffeine, which is known to act as a stimulant to the body. The caffeine present in black coffee is enough to give your body the much needed boost and improve the mental focus and alertness that is needed while fasting.
