Can Coffee Be Enjoyed with Almond Milk While Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to burn fat, control food cravings, and optimize one’s overall health. This type of fasting often includes eating cycles on and off throughout the day in order to create a calorie deficit, allowing the body to utilize fat stores as an energy source instead of carbohydrates. For those wishing to enjoy coffee while intermittent fasting, the use of almond milk is sometimes recommended as a non-dairy creamer option.
Almond milk is made from pulverized and soaked almonds in water to form a milky consistency that provides a variety of benefits and can bring added flavor to coffee. It can be used as a substitute for regular milk or cream. It is a low calorie and lactose free option that is also sodium and cholesterol free, providing a nutritious choice for those wanting to enhance their coffee experience. In addition, almond milk contains essential vitamins and minerals that can provide sustained energy and improve digestion.
Many experts suggest that coffee, with a small amount of almond milk, may be a suitable option for those wishing to adhere to the guidelines of intermittent fasting. Since almond milk is rapidly absorbed by the gut, it will not trigger an insulin response and is low in calories making it an acceptable choice that can be added to coffee without compromising one’s fasting window.
It is important to note, however, that some almond milks have added sugar for flavoring. When selecting an almond milk for intermittent fasting, it is important that it does not contain added sugar or other additives like thickeners and preservatives. Once added to coffee, the basic coffee-almond milk mix is calorie free and can keep you satiated and focused.
For those hoping to drink coffee with almond milk while intermittent fasting, it is advised to drink black coffee if possible and consider adding almond butter to broaden one’s fats array. There are also some coffee recipes that don’t use almond milk such as Bulletproof coffee and golden coffee, which have become popular during intermittent fasting. These alternatives offer antioxidant properties, and additional flavors and will keep you satiated.
Although coffee itself is calorie free, it has a diuretic effect which can make one feel less satiated. If you wish to drink coffee while intermittent fasting, consider having it with almond milk and ensure you’re drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
Nutrients of Almond Milk
Almond milk provides a plethora of essential nutrients that can support the body’s healthy functioning. Its nutrient profile contains high amounts of essential fatty acids, vitamin E and a range of minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Vitamin E can help to reduce inflammation and is known for its role in protecting the skin from radicals. In addition, magnesium is an essential mineral that helps with muscular contractions and nerve stimuli. Magnesium is also known to improve the quality of sleep and reduce stress levels in the body. Lastly, phosphorus plays a role in cell membrane integrity and can be found in the macronutrient section with its companion potassium helping to balance electrolytes and optimize bodily functions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Drinking Coffee with Almond Milk
Drinking coffee with almond milk while intermittent fasting can provide a few advantages, including additional flavors, boosting cognitive performance and supporting weight loss goals. Almond milk is also known to have fewer allergens than dairy milk and due to its antioxidant properties, it can help to reduce inflammation.
On the downside, there can be a few disadvantages to drinking coffee with almond milk. Some types of almond milk contain a higher concentration of calories and saturated fats than other plant-based milks, making it harder to regulate calorie intake while intermittent fasting. Additionally, almond milk does not naturally contain any protein, making it a lesser choice for nutrition when compared to dairy-based creamers.
Pros and Cons of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has been praised for its potential to reduce body fat and improve general health. Some of the major benefits of this type of fasting are the reduction in appetite and improved digestive functioning, which can lead to simpler digestion. It can also provide more energy, due to the fat loss, and promote a sense of wellbeing.
However, those engaging in intermittent fasting should be aware of some potential drawbacks. It can be difficult to adjust to a new eating pattern and too much fasting can bring on feelings of extreme hunger, irritability and fatigue. Additionally, some people may choose unhealthy diet options during their non-fasting period and overindulge.
Nutritional Resources for Intermittent Fasting
For those wishing to practice intermittent fasting in a safe and nutritious way, there are helpful resources available. For example, a nutritionist can help with the planning and creating of a meal plan tailored to your individual needs. Additionally, there are many online programs, books, and websites with resources as well as a variety of recipes that support intermittent fasting.
These resources not only provide helpful guidance for intermittent fasting but advice for how to practice it in a way that provides maximum health benefits. Combining these resources with the right nutrition plan can help to foster effective body composition goals, supporting health and wellbeing.
Almond Milk Alternatives
There are a variety of different plant-based milks available on the market if almond milk is not suited to one’s lifestyle. Soy milk, which is made from soybeans, is a popular alternative and boasts a high protein count – as much as 8 grams per serving. Rice milk is another option that is low in fat and calories, due to its lack of lactose and cholesterol. Coconut milk is high in dietary fiber and Vitamin-C, and provides B-vitamins often lacking in the diet.
However, those looking for a direct substitute for cow’s milk should opt for oat or hemp milks, as these are the closest to the original in a taste and consistency sense. Oat milk is a great non-dairy option due to its creamy texture and its ability to not curdle when mixed with coffee. Hemp milk is dense in proteins and contains 9 essential amino acids that have benefits for skin, hair and nails.
Final Thoughts on Intermittent Fasting with Coffee and Almond Milk
Intermittent fasting is a great way to improve health, lose weight and optimize one’s overall wellbeing. Those who are looking to combine intermittent fasting with coffee often substitute plain milk with almond milk as a healthier alternative. Almond milk is a flavorful low calorie option that provides essential vitamins and minerals and can be added to coffee without compromising one’s fasting window.
For those wishing to enjoy coffee with almond milk during intermittent fasting, it is important to pick an almond milk that does not contain added sugar or other additives. It is also advised to drink black coffee and consider adding almond butter to broaden one’s fats array. Lastly, it is important to stay hydrated, as coffee can effect one’s body’s hydration level. By following these guidelines, one can enjoy coffee while maintaining their intermittent fasting protocol.
