Fasting is a lifestyle choice for spiritual, religious or dietary reasons. It involves abstaining from food and sometimes water for a set period of time. This can make life significantly more difficult for coffee drinkers – a caffeine fix isn’t generally seen as an acceptable compromise for fasting. But, coffees which are naturally low in calories, fat, and sugar can be a great, and tasty, treat for when you’re fasting without breaking any rules.
Dietician Dr. Marjorie Nolan Cohn recommends a black iced Americano while fasting as it only contains starches and proteins, as well as being low in calories. Cold brewed coffee is a great way to make a black Americano – grinding coffee and soaking it in cold water can bring out sweetness and an elegant aroma that is perfect for lifting your spirits during long fasts.
Drinking coffee during fasting can also help to maintain an even level of alertness throughout the day. Coffee with low-fat milk or even coconut cream is a great way to make sure you remain energized and focused during periods of fasting. Unlike regular milk, low fat and non-dairy milks such as almond or coconut milk can provide a more concentrated form of energy without being too heavy.
Lightly sweetened coffees provide a great way to get a little treat without compromising the religious or spiritual aspect of fasting. For a sweeter and more enjoyable taste, iced caffé latte, caffé macchiato or cold brew coffee with low-fat milk are mentioned by a holistic nutritionist, Lucida Fenton. These drinks won’t break your fast as long as they’re low-fat and low-sugar.
Coffee can also be part of a healthy intermittent fasting regimen. Many health enthusiasts tailor custom fasting regimens to their health goals – and while maintaining such a plan fasting can become taxing and exhausting. Among other strategies, including dietary changes and exercise, many health bloggers stress the importance of careful planning and including caffeinated drinks in fasting regimes. For example, fasting for 16 hours with two to eight ounces of low-sugar, low-fat coffee consumed in between meals.
Alternative Coffee Drinks
Getting creative in the kitchen or local cafe helps those fasting maintain a healthy and delicious menu. For example, many cafes serve sparkling fruit-infused cold brews that are composed of cold-brewed coffee, natural fruit juice, and seltzer. This type of drink is a great way to get a little sweetness and energy while still keeping the amount of calories and sugar low. Starbucks also offers some great sugar-free syrups that can be added to coffee. These syrups have zero sugar, no calories, and no artificial sweeteners, making them a great option for anyone who is fasting.
The simple act of adding ice to your coffee can also help to reduce the consumption of calories and sugar. As the drink gets colder, the sweeteners will become more concentrated which helps to satisfy the craving for sweetness without breaking any rules for fasting. Ice can also help to liven up an iced coffee, giving it a refreshing kick.
Creating your own signature drink is also something to consider. For example, a coffee lover might opt for a peppermint-infused iced coffee. A bit of peppermint extract in your coffee, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a splash of almond milk can add a unique flavor and make it more interesting while still sticking to the rules of dietary fasting. This could give fasting the much needed boost of energy or satisfaction it requires.
Coffee Alternatives to Consider
If coffee isn’t an option, there are plenty of other drinks which can provide the energy boost and stimulation needed while fasting. Many health experts and nutritionists recommend herbal infusions to get the most out of fasting while also avoiding processed sugars and caffeine. Chamomile, ginger and peppermint are some of the most popular herbal teas and promote better digestion, relaxation, improved immunity and overall health. Adding some fresh lemon juice to any herbal tea can give your drink an extra boost of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Dandelion root tea is also beneficial for breaking a fast. It’s often used as a detoxifier, which can help to ease the transition from fasting to eating again. Dandelion root tea is also known for its natural diuretic properties which can help to reduce bloating. Plus, dandelion root tea can provide a great energy boost without any of the negative side effects of caffeine or processed sugars.
Many of us crave something to sip while fasting, especially during long periods. Coconut water is naturally sweet and low on calories and it supports the body’s hydration during fasting. Coconut water also contains a significant amount of electrolytes and minerals, which can help to replenish the body and make fasting easier.
Using Coffee to Break Fasting Gradually
Coffee can also be used to break a fast, but in moderation. During a fast, the body has adapted to using fat as a source of energy, so the sudden consumption of sugar or high-carb foods can cause health issues. Therefore, a cup of black coffee is a great way to reintroduce carbohydrates into your diet without causing any spikes in blood sugar levels. It is important to not overdo coffee after a fast as it might lead to increased feelings of fatigue. A small, carefully chosen cup of coffee can be a welcome change in diet without disrupting your fasting regimen.
Reintroducing Caffeine Into Your Fasting Diet
Caffeine can increase stress hormones in the body, so it is important to reintroduce it carefully and slowly. Many health experts recommend having no more than 12 ounces of coffee or espresso in a 24-hour period and at least four hours between coffee and your last meal. Fasting is a great time to replace coffee with tea, as the latter has a milder effect on the stomach and body. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants and is naturally low in calories, making it a great choice while fasting.
Coffee is not a necessary part of fasting, but when incorporated into a healthy fasting lifestyle in moderation, it can provide a tasty treat without breaking the rules. Drinking black coffee or cold brew with a splash of low-fat milk or almond milk, teas and even sparkling drinks flavored with natural fruit juices are great choices for enhancing the fasting experience.
It Starts with Planning
When it comes to fasting and coffee, the key is in planning. Think ahead of what might work best to keep the body energized and fuelled during the fasting period. Also, think in advance and be mindful of the choices that will break the fast, in order to fully enjoy the intended benefits of fasting. Coffee drinkers should also be aware of the recommended amount of caffeine and be prepared to reduce the amount and switch to caffeine-free beverages once in a while.
Fasting can be an individual and personal journey, and something that people approach with varying levels of discipline, intensity, and dedication. It is important to know the rules of fasting, as well as the limitations, in order to make the most out of the experience. Knowing when and how to drink coffee is one small piece of the puzzle, and can make all the difference when it comes to reaping the benefits of fasting while still enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.
Being Mindful of Coffee Intake
As coffee is a natural source of caffeine, it can be difficult to keep track of how much coffee we are drinking while fasting. Caffeine has varying effects on the body and it’s best to make sure the amount of coffee is not too high, in order to avoid disrupting the fasting process.
Fasting can be an incredible way to reset and enhance your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Paying attention to ingredients and the quantity of coffee you are drinking will ensure your fasting experience is a successful one.
Being Hydrated During Fasting
It is important to stay hydrated while fasting, and coffee can be a great tool for achieving this. Sipping on coldBrewed coffee throughout the day can help to keep dehydration at bay. If water starts to seem bland, adding a bit of fruit or flavoured syrups to it can help to make it a more enjoyable experience.
Fasting can be a challenging and rewarding experience, with coffee providing the right balance of energy, sweetness, and pleasure. For those looking to get a good shot of energy while fasting, cold brew Americano, light Americano, caffé macchiato, or caffé latte can be a great way to give yourself a healthy treat while still adhering to the rules of fasting.
Consulting With Your Doctor
Fasting is a highly individual practice and it is important to talk to a doctor before changing any lifestyle or dietary habits. A doctor can determine if fasting is suitable for an individual and advise on how to ensure the process is both safe and beneficial.
Moreover, it is important to stay informed and educated on the subject of fasting and coffee consumption. When it comes to these two topics, it is best to be mindful and conscious of the choices one makes in order to ensure optimal health and a successful dietary regimen.
