What Can You Drink During Intermittent Fasting?

One of the largest deterrents of intermittent fasting is the fear of the fasting window. Intermittent fasting can be quite difficult, especially for those who struggle with late-night snacking. The fear that once the fasting window starts you have to sit there and let your hunger take you over is what turns people off of intermittent fasting.

While you won’t be able to eat foods while intermittent fasting, perhaps some drinks will help satiate the hunger throughout your fasting window. Oftentimes, hunger is just your body warning you that you may be thirsty or even dehydrated. So, when fasting, it’s important to respond to your body’s hunger alarms with drinks of water or tea.

You’d be surprised at what is acceptable to drink when intermittent fasting. We’ll take a look at some of the acceptable drinks to have throughout your intermittent fasting window. These drinks won’t break your fast and ruin the progress you’ve made.

Key Takeaways

• Sticking to low-calorie, low-carb drinks during the fasting window is crucial for maintaining ketosis and achieving the desired results from intermittent fasting.
• Water is a must-have during intermittent fasting, as it helps keep the body hydrated and functioning properly.
• Tea, coffee, and bone broth are other acceptable drinks that can be consumed during intermittent fasting to help curb hunger and replenish lost nutrients.
• When breaking the fast, it’s important to start with gentle drinks like smoothies to avoid shocking the body and to ease back into eating.

Stick to Low Calorie, Low Carb Drinks

The goal of your intermittent fasting window is to achieve ketosis and maintain it for as long as possible. When you put anything – food or drink- that breaks 50 grams of carbohydrates, you break your fast. Luckily, there are many drinks out there that won’t break your intermittent fast. Here are some drinks that are okay to have throughout your intermittent fasting window.

Water

This is a must when it comes to intermittent fasting. Not only is it acceptable to have while fasting, but it’s also essentially required. Water contains no carbohydrates so it won’t be able to break your fast, no matter how much you have. Even carbonated water contains net 0 carbohydrates so it’s safe and recommended to drink while intermittent fasting.

Intermittent fasting does take a toll on your body and that comes in the form of dehydration. Some people might find themselves susceptible to dehydration while they’re intermittent fasting, so water is necessary to keep your body functioning. The less you eat, the more water you should drink to make up for the lower nutrient intake.

Tea

You shouldn’t drink any tea that’s filled with honey, sugar, or milk as this will negate the point of intermittent fasting. Your tea should remain basic without any flavor additives. Plain tea is a perfect drink for anyone who needs to stay hydrated but wants something with flavor to help curb hunger. The flavor of the tea is a fantastic way to trick your mind into thinking you’re eating.

Coffee

The same idea should be applied to coffee – adding sugar, creamer, or milk will completely negate the benefits of your fast. Keep your coffee black and it’ll be okay to drink while fasting. It’s low in carbs so it won’t break your fast, though some people might put a little bit of milk in so that the fat can tend to their body’s hunger levels. This shouldn’t be relied on, however.

Broth

Specifically, bone broth is a fantastic drink to help maintain your body as it loses nutrients. It’s full of nutrients that can help replenish after a window of only drinking water. For anyone trying out a much more difficult form of intermittent fasting, having bone broth is a must. Replenish key nutrients like electrolytes that were lost during the long fasting window.

Breaking Your Fast With Drinks

When it comes time to end your fast, what you start to eat will be a massive factor in the success of the process. If you stuff yourself with harmful calories and strenuous foods, your body could go into shock, especially with more strenuous intermittent fasting plans. One thing that’s recommended is to keep everything gentle. That includes what you drink when you start your eating window.

Certain Smoothies

One of the best things you can have when breaking your fast for the day is a smoothie. They’re a fantastic way to get certain nutrients back into your body without overloading your system. Fruits, veggies, and even supplements make for the perfect fast-breaking smoothies!

Don’t forget to check our recommended intermittent fasting apps to make your intermittent fasting journey easier.

FAQ

• Can I drink water during intermittent fasting?

Yes, you can drink water during intermittent fasting. It is encouraged to stay hydrated during the fasting period.

• Can I drink coffee or tea during intermittent fasting?

Yes, you can drink coffee or tea without sugar or milk during intermittent fasting. Black coffee, green tea, and herbal tea are good options.

• Can I drink alcohol during intermittent fasting?

It’s best to avoid alcohol during intermittent fasting as it can disrupt your body’s natural processes and may make you more likely to break your fast.

• Can I drink diet soda during intermittent fasting?

Drinking diet soda during intermittent fasting is not recommended as it contains artificial sweeteners that can stimulate insulin production and make it harder for you to stay fast.

• Can I drink bone broth during intermittent fasting?

Yes, bone broth is a good option to drink during intermittent fasting. It is low in calories and can help you stay hydrated while providing nutrients and minerals.

• Can I drink apple cider vinegar during intermittent fasting?

Yes, you can drink apple cider vinegar during intermittent fasting. It may help you feel more satiated and reduce cravings.

• Can I drink protein shakes during intermittent fasting?

It’s best to avoid protein shakes during intermittent fasting as they can disrupt your fasting state and trigger an insulin response.

• Can I drink milk during intermittent fasting?

It’s best to avoid milk during intermittent fasting as it contains lactose, which can spike insulin levels and break your fast.

• Can I drink coconut water during intermittent fasting?

It’s best to avoid coconut water during intermittent fasting as it contains natural sugars that can break your fast.

• Can I drink lemon water during intermittent fasting?

Yes, you can drink lemon water during intermittent fasting. It can help with digestion and hydration and is low in calories.