Can I Drink Beetroot Juice During Intermittent Fasting?
Written by Andrew Brewer. ⚕️Reviewed and fact checked by our medical team.
Any beverage that has nutrients in it can break your fast. If you’re using intermittent fasting as a weight loss method, you must avoid all food and drinks with sugars and carbohydrates while in your fasting window.
Intermittent fasting is an approach to weight loss that encourages your body to burn fat. By fasting for periods longer than 12 hours, you can facilitate the fat-burning process.
Other health benefits include reduced disease risk and anti-aging effects. It can be challenging to stick with intermittent fasting, but it promotes a longer life full of energy and vitality.
Key Takeaways
- Intermittent fasting is a weight loss technique that involves fasting for periods longer than 12 hours to encourage the body to burn fat.
- Beverages with significant calorie or nutrient content, including beetroot juice, can break a fast and may not be suitable for individuals who adhere strictly to a no-calorie or no-nutrient intake during their fasting window.
- When breaking a fast, it is important to consume nutrient-dense meals or smoothies to avoid throwing off glucose and insulin levels.
- Berries can help improve blood sugar control and can be added to smoothies to prevent blood sugar spikes after a fast.
- Before starting any new dietary regimen, including intermittent fasting, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
Break Your Fast With Beet Juice Smoothies
If you’ve been fasting for at least 16 hours, a smoothie packed with fiber and nutrients is one of the best ways to break your fast. It’s easy for your body to digest quickly and won’t tear up your system as some foods do after a long fasting window.
Avoid foods packed with sugars and refined carbohydrates when breaking your fast, as it can throw off your glucose and insulin levels. Your first meal should be packed with nutrients when you break a fast.
Anything with refined sugar will cause your blood sugar levels to spike. The sugars in juices don’t do this because they are in a form that is easier for your liver to process.
Add berries to your smoothie if you’re concerned about your blood sugar spiking after a fast. Berries improve blood sugar control.
Best Smoothie Recipes for Intermittent Fasting
Here are five smoothie recipes that you can use to break your intermittent fast, including a delicious smoothie with beets.
Most of these recipes call for salt. Your body releases salts during the fat-burning process, which attracts liquids in the bloodstream and can make you thirsty. It’s important to replenish your body with salt and electrolytes.
You can use any kind of salt, but sea salt can help boost your immune system and promote digestion. It’s the perfect type of salt to use when following an intermittent fasting app.
Can’t Beet This Avocado Smoothie
Peel and chop 1 cup of raw beets, blending until smooth. Then add:
1 cup coconut milk
1 ripe avocado
1 Tablespoon honey
Dash of salt
Blend until smooth, and pour into a drinking glass.
Gotcha Matcha Mint Smoothie
Blend all ingredients until smooth:
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup yogurt
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon dried mint or ¼ cup fresh mint
½ teaspoon matcha powder
1 Tablespoon honey
Dash of salt
Optional: add ½ banana
Coffee and Spice Smoothie
½ cup coconut milk (you can also substitute oat or almond milk)
½ cup strong brewed coffee
½ banana
1 cup yogurt
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
2 Tablespoons peanut butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash of salt
Blueberries and Cream Smoothie
½ cup almond milk
½ cup yogurt
1 banana
½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 Tablespoon honey
Optional: add ½ cup of baby spinach
You can substitute the almond milk with heavy cream if you’re on a keto diet.
Green Madness Smoothie
1 cup chopped kale
1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
½ avocado
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 cup coconut water
Optional: ice to bring to desired consistency
Enjoy Delicious Smoothies During Intermittent Fasting
Wait for your fasting window to be over before you start drinking your smoothie. In the meantime, have fun planning your next smoothie using your favorite fruit.
One of the best things about intermittent fasting as a weight loss technique is that you aren’t limited to what you can eat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients in your smoothie. You’ll be surprised at the wonderful flavor combinations.
FAQ
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Can I drink beetroot juice during intermittent fasting?
Yes, you can drink beetroot juice during intermittent fasting.
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Will drinking beetroot juice break my fast?
Drinking beetroot juice will break your fast if you consume it with added sugars or other ingredients that contain calories. However, drinking pure beetroot juice without any added ingredients is unlikely to break your fast.
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Can drinking beetroot juice enhance my intermittent fasting benefits?
Beetroot juice is a good source of nitrates that have been shown to improve athletic performance and lower blood pressure. It can also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, which are benefits that can complement intermittent fasting.
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When is the best time to drink beetroot juice during intermittent fasting?
The best time to drink beetroot juice during intermittent fasting is before or after your eating window. This will ensure that you do not break your fast and that you get the benefits of beetroot juice without interfering with your fasting schedule.
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How much beetroot juice can I drink during intermittent fasting?
It is recommended to drink no more than 8 ounces of beetroot juice per day. However, the amount of beetroot juice you can drink during intermittent fasting depends on your individual goals, dietary needs, and tolerance.
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Can I add other ingredients to my beetroot juice during intermittent fasting?
Adding other ingredients to your beetroot juice can break your fast if they contain calories. It is best to drink pure beetroot juice during intermittent fasting to avoid breaking your fast.
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Are there any side effects of drinking beetroot juice during intermittent fasting?
Drinking large amounts of beetroot juice can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and kidney problems. It is important to drink beetroot juice in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any concerns or medical conditions.