What Is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof Coffee, also known as “butter coffee,” is a beverage made by blending freshly brewed black coffee, organic butter, and high-quality Brain Octane oil. It’s meant to provide a higher percentage of calories from beneficial fats and antioxidants, deeper levels of focus and mental clarity, and reduced cravings for snacks and junk food. While the beverage became popular in recent years, it has existed for much longer.
Does Bulletproof Coffee Break A Fast?
Many people view Bulletproof Coffee as an indulgence that can break a fast and prevent them from attaining the benefits associated with fasting. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. There’s no consensus on whether or not Bulletproof Coffee will break a fast, as it depends on individual factors and the type and duration of fast. Generally, if you’re fasting for religious, spiritual, or health reasons, it’s best to avoid bulletproof coffee during your fast.
Reasons to Avoid Bulletproof Coffee During A Fast
The primary reason to avoid bulletproof coffee during a fast is that it does contain calories. For example, just one cup of Bulletproof Coffee contains about 350-400 calories and a whopping 50g of fat. While this isn’t enough to completely break a fast, it could prevent you from attaining the desired benefits associated with it. Furthermore, while these calories are healthful, they may still kick you out of ketosis, which is necessary for a fat burning state.
In addition, the addition of butter, Brain Octane oil and caffeine can interact with the body in different ways. For instance, caffeine can reduce levels of the hunger suppressing hormone ghrelin, while butter can actually act as an appetite stimulant. Thus, drinking bulletproof coffee can make it more difficult to remain fasted.
The Benefits of Ingesting Bulletproof Coffee
However, ingesting Bulletproof Coffee can still have its benefits, especially if consumed after a fast. For instance, the high fat content in the beverage can provide a prolonged sense of satiety and fullness, reducing food cravings. Furthermore, the Brain Octane oil provides a powerful source of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative compounds, which can help reduce oxidative damage in the body.
In addition, Bulletproof Coffee is a great source of energy, as the combination of coffee and Brain Octane oil provides a slow release of energy throughout the day. This slow release of energy helps avoid the ‘crash’ that often follows a quick coffee rush.
Intelligent Fasting and Bulletproof Coffee
To get the most out of a fast, make sure to look into something called ‘intelligent fasting’. This type of fasting involves consuming certain supplements and compounds to support your body while you are fasting, such as MCT oil, amino acids, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals. Moreover, you may be able to add Bulletproof Coffee to the mix, as long as it fits with your individual goals.
For instance, you may want to consider consuming Bulletproof Coffee during a longer-term fast, such as a 48-hour fast or longer. This will provide beneficial calories, fat and antioxidants to help keep your body running efficiently. However, if you are looking for a very short fast (such as 12-16 hours), it’s best to avoid Bulletproof Coffee as it may break the fast.
Intermittent Fasting and Bulletproof Coffee
Intermittent fasting is a great way to eat healthier, lose weight, and increase cognitive functioning. Often combined with ketogenic or low-carb diets, intermittent fasting typically entails eating a meal every 8-12 hours, followed by a 12-48 hour fast. During these fasts, Bulletproof Coffee can be consumed as long as it fits with your individual goals and you stay within the calorie range that you’re aiming for.
The Bottom Line on Bulletproof Coffee and Fasting
At this point, there’s no definitive answer as to whether or not Bulletproof Coffee will break a fast. Ultimately, it depends on individual factors, the type and duration of the fast, and your personal goals. Therefore, if you are fasting for spiritual, religious, or health reasons, it’s best to avoid Bulletproof Coffee until you’ve completed your fast.
Recommended Drinking Strategies
If you are avoiding drinking bulletproof coffee during a fast, you might consider drinking some kind of decaffeinated beverage. Decaf coffee, for instance, provides all the amazing health properties of regular coffee, without the potential stimulatory effects. Alternatively, you could try herbal teas, water, or bone broth.
Adding High-Fat Foods During A Fast
When ending a fast, it’s important to make sure you don’t gulp down copious amounts of food in a single sitting. Doing so can be highly detrimental to your digestion and undermine your efforts. Instead, look to slowly re-introduce high-fat sources, such as butter, coconut oil, olive oil, fatty fish, and more. This will help you slowly break into a longer fasted state and reduce any potential digestive distress.
Practical Fasting Tips
There are a few practical tips to keep in mind when performing a fast. Firstly, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the fast. Secondly, depending on your individual goals, consider supplementing with certain compounds during your fast, such as electrolytes. Finally, try to get plenty of rest and make sure to monitor your hunger levels, as this will give you a better idea of when your body needs food.
