Does coffee break intermittent fasting?

by Chris B.
(Maine)



QUESTION:

Hey, Coffee Detective

My girlfriend got me going on intermittent fasting. Not a weight loss thing, but more of a health thing.

I’m really feeling the benefits and mostly have no trouble with not eating for the time periods we’ve set.

But one of the rules is that I have to stick to water only during the hours I’m fasting.

The thing is, I really, really, really miss my morning coffee!

Do you know if it’s OK to drink coffee as part of an intermittent fast?

Hoping you’ll say yes…

Chris B.


ANSWER:

Chris, hi

Funny you should ask. A friend and I were talking about this just this morning.

He has recently started intermittent fasting, and asked me the exact same thing.

So… there are all kinds of intermittent fasting routines. Most of them are pretty consistent when it comes to food, but not so much when you’re talking about fluids.

But I’d say that unless your diet specifically excludes coffee, you’re good to go.

With the proviso that you stick to black coffee only.

From a dietary perspective, it’s all good news.

Calories – In a full cup of coffee there are maybe 4 or 5 calories. Pretty much nothing.

Carbohydrates – Coffee is carb-free. Nothing. Nada.

Fat – Zero fat.

So... no worries from a fasting point of view.

And there’s more on the good news front. Drinking coffee can actually help you with your fast! Coffee works as an appetite suppressant.

So… you can enjoy your coffee guilt-free, and even take comfort in knowing it’s helping you stick to your diet.

Enjoy your coffee… and your fast!

Best wishes,

Nick

Comments for Does coffee break intermittent fasting?

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Coffee and Stomach
by: Oak

Well, Coffee detective,
As a coffee lover for 35 years, I totally agree with your idea about the calory of coffee. However, I am not sure whether drinking a strong black coffee on your empty stomach is still a good idea or not even though I am still doing it every morning. I read heavily about coffee VS health, and most of the recommendations are not positive about my doubt. But I could not resist its too charming taste on empty stomach, so I do it anyway.. But still, your heads up should be sent out to your reader, I guess.
ps) before I decide to take your training in AWAI,
I decide to investigate your website, and I like it very much ^*^ Merry Christmas ^*^
Yay! So glad coffee is ok with intermittent fasts!
by: DHK

I recently downloaded an app to help with intermittent fasting. It sets the timer, so you know how long it is until you next eat!

But.. it says nothing about coffee and fasting, and I wanted to know.

So thanks for the question and the answer!

And I love that coffee also suppresses the appetite naturally. Didn't know that. But great news.

Good thing I like my coffee black!

Thanks

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