Fasting has been practiced in cultures all around the world for centuries, even to this day. The idea of abstaining from food for several days or even weeks is no longer considered strange. What about coffee? Can you drink coffee with sugar while fasting?
In general, it is suggested to drink coffee black while fasting, because sugar and processed creamers can directly interfere with autophagy, a biological process leading to cellular repair and renewal.
However, not all believe this to be true. In fact, according to some experts, coffee with a small amount of sugar or cream can be beneficial for constipation during fasting. Dr. Marc Bessler, a leading bariatric surgeon, says that coffee with a small amount of cream or sugar is considered “OK” as it will not affect the process of autophagy significantly.
Another physician, Dr. Tom Watson, points out that coffee has natural compounds that can help in weight loss, such as chlorogenic acid and caffeine. He believes that, as long as you do not exceed the suggested dose of one teaspoon of sugar or creamer, you can easily enjoy the benefits of coffee while fasting.
The decision to drink coffee with sugar or cream while fasting is ultimately a personal choice. Some people who have practiced fasting for a long time say that adding sweetness to coffee is not recommended, because it can lead to a binge after fasting. However, Dr. Bessler and Dr. Watson both point out that a small amount of sugar or cream should not be a problem, as long as you do not exceed the recommended dose.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee With Sugar While Fasting
Drinking coffee with sugar while fasting has several potential benefits. First, it can help with mental clarity, especially in moments of fatigue. Secondly, adding sugar to coffee while fasting can help to keep the body’s insulin levels in balance, preventing crashes of energy and mood. This is especially important during an extended fasting period.
Thirdly, sweet coffee can help to manage appetite, and reduce the craving for something sweet after a period of fasting. It is important to note that drinking coffee with sugar while fasting should be accompanied by other healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and consuming mostly whole foods when not fasting.
The Risks of Drinking Coffee With Sugar While Fasting
Adding sugar to coffee means you are adding extra calories that could interfere with your body’s natural repair and renewal process. A teaspoon of sugar can add around 15 calories that, if consumed regularly during a period of fasting, can adversely affect the person’s weight loss goals. The added sugar can also slow down the body’s metabolism and reduce the effectiveness of any kind of fasting.
Also, too much sugar consumption can cause insulin resistance and other hormonal imbalances that could have an impact on the effectiveness of fasting. Drinking coffee with sugar should be avoided, or kept at a minimum, to prevent these risks.
The Ideal Amount of Sugar to Add to Coffee While Fasting
According to medical professionals, it is best not to exceed one teaspoon of sugar. This amount should keep your insulin levels stable while you are fasting. It is also important to consider the type of sugar you are using. Raw sugar, honey, and date sugar are simpler forms according to the glycemic index and can be consumed without causing large spikes in insulin.
Syrups and artificial sweeteners are also able to be consumed during fasting, but it is best to check with a medical professional as there can be conflicting opinions. Overall, it is best to limit sugar to one teaspoon or less if you are drinking coffee while fasting.
Making a Healthy Coffee While Fasting
If you decide to drink coffee with sugar while fasting, make sure you are doing it the healthy way. Start by choosing the highest quality coffee bean you can find. If possible, it should have organic, Fair Trade and/or sustainably sourced labels. Additionally, look for coffee with a high caffeine content, as that will provide better results according to some medical professionals.
In terms of sugar, always make sure you are using a natural product like raw sugar, honey, or date sugar. It is also important to consider the amount of sugar you are using. Stick to one teaspoon or less if you do not want to interfere too much with the autophagy process.
Different Beverages That Can Be Drunk While Fasting
Coffee is a classic drink when it comes to fasting, but it is not the only one. Tea is another great option, particularly herbal teas. These types of tea are generally caffeine-free and can offer a variety of health benefits. Also, they are usually lower in calories than coffee and therefore can help maintain a healthy weight while fasting.
Another option is apple cider vinegar. This type of vinegar is high in acetic acid, which can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve digestion, and boost metabolism. Apple cider vinegar is usually used as a condiment, but it can also be consumed in small doses during fasting with the help of some honey or stevia.
Finally, there is water. The most basic and the most important of all drinks. While fasting, it is very important to stay hydrated. Water should be the drink of choice during any type of fasting, but different types of minerals and electrolytes can also be added to help improve its benefits.
