Can I Drink Bouillon While Intermittent Fasting?
Written by Andrew Brewer. ⚕️Reviewed and fact checked by our medical team.
Boullion has almost zero calories per serving, and many people use it to make fasting easier. However, since it does contain calories, it will technically break your fast.
Drinking broth made from bouillion is an excellent way to break a fast. Broth is delicious, and sipping on something hot and salty during your eating window can be comforting and help you replenish your body with electrolytes.
Reintroducing foods to your body after a fast can be tricky. Especially after a prolonged fast, you should take it easy and reintroduce foods slowly. Staying hydrated is essential, and drinking boullion can help with that.
Key Takeaways
- Drinking bouillon while intermittent fasting is a matter of personal preference and depends on your fasting goals and plan.
- Bouillon can be a comforting and hydrating option during your eating window, but it does contain some calories that may not be suitable for everyone’s fasting plan.
- It’s important to be cautious about drinking bouillon that contains artificial flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners.
- Staying hydrated is crucial during intermittent fasting, and there are various non-caloric liquids like water, black coffee, unsweetened tea, and diluted apple cider vinegar that can help with that.
- Making your own broth or adding salt to your water are easy and healthy ways to incorporate some flavor and electrolytes into your fasting routine.
Your Intermittent Fasting Goals
People fast for various reasons and lengths of time. Some common intermittent fasting goals are to lose weight, normalize insulin resistance, and promote autophagy.
Intermittent Fasting to Lose Weight
If all you’re trying to do is lose weight, then having a cup of bouillion broth isn’t going to ruin your fasting plan. Most bouillion is under five calories per serving.
Be careful about drinking bouillion that has more calories. Some of it is packed with sweeteners and fats and can be closer to 50 calories per serving.
Normalizing Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels
Intermittent fasting normalizes your blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. There haven’t been enough studies to determine whether drinking bouillion stops that process, but many people avoid drinking anything with calories.
Intermittent Fasting to Promote Autophagy
People who use intermittent fasting apps to promote autophagy avoid bouillion broth because it has to be digested. Autophagy happens when your gut gets to rest, and even bouillion has to be broken down and absorbed by the body.
Other Liquids to Drink While Fasting
Staying hydrated is one of the most important considerations during intermittent fasting. As your body starts to burn fat, it will release salts, which attract fluids, which explains why you are so thirsty while intermittent fasting.
Besides water, the most common thing people drink is black coffee and unsweetened tea. Green tea is an excellent choice because it naturally helps insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar.
Sparkling water is fine as long as it doesn’t have any sugars added, and mineral water is another popular choice.
Diluted apple cider vinegar won’t break your fast and can even help to improve your glucose levels when you drink it right before your fasting window ends.
Again, it depends on your fasting goals and diet, but some people even add a tablespoon of heavy cream to their coffee. If you’re on a 5:2 fasting plan that allows up to 500 calories a day on your fasting days, then keto coffee is another excellent choice.
Since every fasting plan is different, you must decide what is acceptable for you.
Make Your Own Broth
It’s easy to make your own bone broth or vegetable stock by simmering a pot of vegetables and bones, adding salt, and then straining off the solids. You can use all types of vegetables and keep your broth vegetarian, or use a bone if you want.
To preserve a large batch, freeze your broth in ice cube trays. You can drink broth at any temperature, but drinking a hot, salty liquid can be very comforting.
Another simple option is to add salt to your water. Himalayan pink salt is popular with many people who use intermittent fasting.
The Bottom Line
The jury is still out in many cases when it comes to drinking bouillion, and it largely depends on your goals and how strictly you want to adhere to your fasting plan.
If you decide to drink bouillion during your fast, be cautious about drinking bouillion that is packed with artificial flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners.
FAQ
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Can I drink bouillon while intermittent fasting?
Yes, drinking bouillon while intermittent fasting is allowed as it contains few calories.
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Does bouillon breakfast?
No, drinking bouillon does not breakfast as it has low calories and minimal impact on insulin levels.
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What is a bouillon?
Bouillon is a clear broth made from simmering meat, vegetables, and herbs in water.
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Is bouillon healthy?
Bouillon can be a healthy option as it is low in calories and fat and can help with hydration and electrolyte balance.
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Can I drink bouillon during a fast longer than 24 hours?
Yes, you can drink bouillon during a fast longer than 24 hours if you choose a low-sodium, low-calorie option.
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Can I drink bouillon every day?
Drinking bouillon every day can be a healthy addition to your diet as long as it fits within your daily calorie and sodium requirements.
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What are the benefits of drinking bouillon?
Drinking bouillon can help with hydration, and electrolyte balance, and provide some vitamins and minerals.
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What are the drawbacks of drinking bouillon?
Bouillon can be high in sodium, which may concern individuals with high blood pressure or other health conditions. It may also not be as satisfying as whole-food meals, which could lead to hunger and cravings.