Coffee and cream are popular beverage choices for most of us for our morning, evening, or any other time during a day. But can we drink coffee with cream when we are undergoing intermittent fasting? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. While most forms of intermittent fasting allow drinks with no calories, cream added to coffee may contain some calories.
Intermittent fasting is a whopping trend these days, as numerous studies and reviews have shown that it has many positive effects on the body, such as improved body composition, and decreases in fat mass, weight, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. But it is important to note that not all forms of intermittent fasting offer the same type of nutrition.
Calorie restriction is by far the most popular form of intermittent fasting, with the most common protocol being the 5:2 diet. This diet requires eating around 500-600 calories on two fasting days and eating normally on the other five days. It is during these two days that you need to be mindful of what and how much you consume. So, can you drink coffee with cream during these two-fasting days?
The answer depends on how much cream you add to the coffee, as cream does contain calories. According to Healthline, creamy, full-fat milk adds about 50 and above calories per serving, while 2 tablespoons of half-and-half add up to around 20-25 calories. Replacing full-fat milk with lighter options such as skim milk, oat milk, or almond milk can help reduce the portion of calories consumed.
At the same time, if you rely too much on calorie-free drinks and supplements to hit your fasting targets, chances are you will miss out on some key nutrients found in whole foods. For example, although apple cider vinegar has some potential health benefits, it should not be used to satisfy your hunger cravings and should be used only in small quantities.
Caffeine Consumption during Intermittent Fasting
Caffeine can also be consumed during intermittent fasting, as it does not contain any calories. Despite this, there are some experts that disagree as to how much caffeine you can take in during a fasting window. Healthline suggests that it is safe to consume less than 50 milligrams of caffeine per day, equivalent to about a cup of coffee. This may varying depending on the individual and their tolerance level.
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee can help suppress hunger and provide energy during a fast, but it’s important to focus on staying mindful and practice portion control instead of relying on them solely. It is also important to note that research regarding the effects of caffeine on intermittent fasting is limited, and further research is required.
Alternative Options
If you do not feel up for drinking coffee or tea during your fasting windows, there are plenty of other options that you can look into. For instance, sparkling water or herbal tea can help keep you hydrated and provide some B-vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Green tea, in particular, is a great alternative as it is packed with antioxidants, including EGCG, which can help boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. In addition to this, it also contains small amounts of caffeine, making it an ideal beverage to have during a fast.
Superfoods to Add to Drinks
One of the advantages of consuming drinks during an intermittent fast is that you can add other nutrient-rich foods that are low in calories. For example, adding a teaspoon of coconut oil, regular or apple cider vinegar, or matcha powder to a cup of coffee or tea can help keep you feeling satiated, while providing you with additional benefits. Other superfoods such as chia seeds, moringa, and spirulina can be stirred into coffee, tea, or smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition.
Consult with a Professional
It is always advisable to consult a doctor or a registered dietician before starting any fasting regiment or making changes to your diet. A professional can help you create a tailored plan for your individual needs, so that you can reap the benefits of intermittent fasting without putting your health at risk.
Last Thoughts on Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting can be an effective and convenient way of losing weight and improving overall health. Drinking coffee with cream while fasting is possible but can be tricky, as cream contains some calories, and caffeine consumption may also vary depending on the individual. Moreover, it’s important to be mindful of what and how much we consume, and be sure to include nutrient-rich superfoods into our diet.
