Bulletproof coffee and intermittent fasting – the two have always popped up in the same conversations in recent years. Bulletproof coffee is a high-fat drink made with grass-fed butter and MCT oil, designed to provide energy and satiety. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, is an eating pattern where you fast for 14 to 16 hours a day, followed by a period of eating. Both are said to have health benefits and while they’re often used separately, some combine them both to reap the benefits. But is it safe to do?
Studies have suggested that bulletproof coffee could be beneficial if you’re fasting, as it contains nutrition and prevents hunger during the fasting period. Dr. Robert Lustig, a professor of endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco and the author of the book “Fat Chance”, suggests that high-fat drinks like bulletproof coffee can curb hunger, making it easier to stick to a fasting schedule. It’s important to note that he recommends consuming the drink with fat and protein, rather than plain butter or in a smoothie.
Experts also say that having a few cups of bulletproof coffee throughout the day and using modified fasting protocols, such as extending the eating window, are helpful in making the process easier. In essence, drinking a cup of bulletproof coffee each day can help you adjust to fasting. Additionally, depending on the ingredients in your drink, the calories can remain low enough for you to be in a state of fasting.
However, not everyone will benefit from drinking bulletproof coffee during intermittent fasting. People who are overweight or obese may not receive the same benefits from drinking bulletproof coffee as people with lower bodyweight. Additionally, some nutritionists suggest that if you’re fasting for 16 hours, you should only drink 3 to 4 cups of coffee in the morning, not multiple cups throughout the day. This is because coffee can increase cortisol levels, which can disrupt your sleep. Furthermore, if you’re replacing whole foods with bulletproof coffee while fasting, this could also be an issue.
While drinking bulletproof coffee while intermittent fasting is generally seen as being beneficial, there are both pros and cons to consider. If you decide to try it, make sure to use quality ingredients, drink in moderation and monitor your health closely to figure out what works best for your body.
Reaping the benefits
Using intermittent fasting and bulletproof coffee together can provide a number of potential health benefits. Fasting can help you lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your metabolic health. It can also lead to increased focus and productivity. Additionally, as mentioned before, combining intermittent fasting with bulletproof coffee can keep you full for a longer period of time, potentially decreasing your overall caloric intake.
If you’re consuming fat-based drinks like bulletproof coffee during your fast, the calories can help sustain your energy levels and help prevent the metabolic slowdown that can accompany weight loss. Studies have also shown that fat-based drinks are more effective at providing lasting energy than a high-carb drink. Additionally, bulletproof coffee can provide you with important nutrients like MCT oil, polyphenols and healthy fats which can provide numerous health benefits.
It’s also important to note that when you’re fasting, your body is unable to store food as effectively, making it easier to absorb nutrients from drinks like bulletproof coffee. Furthermore, when combined with intermittent fasting, bulletproof coffee can also help to boost your body’s production of ketones, which can provide you with an energy boost, increased focus and improved brain function.
Side effects of consuming bulletproof coffee
While the combination of intermittent fasting and bulletproof coffee can provide numerous health benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that drinking too much of this type of beverage can also have some negative side effects. It’s important to be mindful of your caffeine intake when drinking bulletproof coffee, as too much of it can lead to increased heart rate, irritability and insomnia. Additionally, if you’re using too much fat or oil in your coffee, this can also lead to negative side effects like gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea.
Furthermore, if you’re consuming butter or cream in your bulletproof coffee, this can lead to an increase in your cholesterol levels. This is why it’s important to moderate the amount of fat in your coffee and supplement it with lean proteins as well. Additionally, as mentioned before, drinking multiple cups of coffee throughout the day can also potentially disrupt your sleep or cause other problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although drinking bulletproof coffee while intermittent fasting can provide numerous health benefits, it’s important to be mindful of your caffeine and fat intake. To get the most out of the combination, supplement it with lean proteins, consume it in moderation, and monitor your health closely. By following these steps, you can reap the potential health benefits of the combination while minimizing the risk of any negative side effects.
