Intermittent Fasting & Coffee: Does Coffee Break a Fast?

Last Updated on November 19, 2022 by Lori Geurin

Intermittent fasting has become a popular wellness trend in recent years, and for good reason. The health benefits are numerous and well-documented. But one of the most common questions is does black coffee break a fast. Let’s take a look at what the research says about this topic.

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What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. People fast for weight loss, improved mental clarity, or other health benefits.

There are several different types of intermittent fasting, but one of the most common is 16:8, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating only during an 8-hour window.

RELATED: 16/8 Intermittent Fasting: How to Boost Your Metabolism and Lose Weight

Beginner’s Guide to Intermittent Fasting Video

Here’s a quick video I made that gives you everything you need to know to start IF today.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Research suggests that intermittent fasting can have various health benefits, including:

• Weight loss[*]
• Belly fat loss[*]
• Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress[*]
• Improved brain function[*]
• Increased longevity[*]
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease[*]
• Cellular repair[*]
• Increased human growth hormone (HGH)[*]
• Reduced cholesterol[*]
• Lowered blood sugar and increased insulin sensitivity [*]

What is a fasting window?

The fasting window is the period during which you are not eating. For example, if you are following a 16:8 intermittent fasting plan, your fasting window would be 16 hours long.

Does black coffee break a fast?

Coffee consumption is a normal part of many morning routines, and it’s often consumed during a fasting window. But does coffee break a fast?

The short answer is no; black coffee will not break your fast. If you like to drink black coffee, it can help you reach your desired intermittent fasting goals.

How?

Coffee can help you feel more alert and focused, which can be helpful when you’re trying to stick to a fasting protocol. Additionally, coffee can help to boost your metabolism and increase fat burning.[*]

RELATED: What To Eat After Intermittent Fasting: 13 Best Foods To Break a Fast

Black Coffee and Autophagy

Autophagy is the process by which your body breaks down and recycles damaged cells. It’s useful for cellular repair, and is linked to increased longevity.

Fasting is one of the best ways to promote autophagy. Coffee has caffeine which can also help to promote autophagy, making it a great choice to drink during a fasting window.[*]

Does black coffee break ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which your body uses fat for fuel rather than carbohydrates. Some people follow a ketogenic diet to reach health goals such as weight loss.

Black coffee will not break ketosis. Coffee can help you reach and maintain a state of ketosis.[*]

Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee During Intermittent Fasting

Black coffee is high in antioxidants, has many health benefits, and is an excellent choice to drink during your fasting period.

Coffee can help you feel more alert and focused, boost metabolism, and promote autophagy. Additionally, black coffee will not break ketosis. So if you’re looking for a healthy beverage to drink during your fasting window, black coffee is a great option.

Common Questions about Intermittent Fasting and Drinking Coffee

Now that we’ve answered the question, Does black coffee break a fast? let’s take a look at some other common questions about intermittent fasting and drinking coffee.

Can I have cream and sugar in my coffee while fasting?

Coffee by itself is a great way to start your day during intermittent fasting. However, many people enjoy their coffee with cream or sugar.

While black coffee is perfectly fine to have while fasting, adding cream or your coffee can break your fast. This is because a splash of milk and cream contains calories and fat, which will be digested by your body and may kick you out of fasting mode.

Does half and half in coffee break a fast?

Yes, adding half and half to your coffee will break your fast. Half and half has calories and fat, which are digested by your body and might force you out of fasting mode.

Does almond milk break a fast?

Yes, adding almond milk to your coffee will break your fast as it contains calories and fat.

Does coconut oil break a fast?

Coconut oil is a healthy fat that has a variety of health benefits. Some people believe it can help with weight loss, but no scientific evidence supports this claim.

Coconut oil is also thought to be beneficial for heart health and cognitive function. So, does coconut oil break a fast? The answer is yes. Coconut oil is a source of fat and will therefore break a fast.

Does MCT oil break a fast?

MCT oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat.

MCTs are believed to be a more efficient energy source and may help boost metabolism.[*]

So, does MCT oil break a fast? The answer is yes. MCT oil is a source of fat and will therefore break your fast.

Does coffee with milk break a fast?

Yes, coffee with milk will break your fast. Milk is a source of calories and fat, which will be digested by your body and may kick you out of fasting mode.

If you want to enjoy coffee with milk, it’s best to wait until after you’ve broken your fast.

What is the best coffee for intermittent fasting?

The best coffee for intermittent fasting is black coffee. Black coffee is a calorie-free beverage that can help you feel more alert and focused. Additionally, black coffee can boost your metabolism and promote autophagy.

Will bulletproof coffee break my fast?

Yes, bulletproof coffee will break your fast. Bulletproof coffee is a high-fat coffee drink that includes butter or coconut oil. You can enjoy bulletproof coffee after you’ve broken your fast but it’s best to avoid it during your fasting period.

Can I drink flavored coffee?

Drinking coffee made with flavored coffee beans is sometimes okay while fasting. However, it’s essential to choose a coffee that doesn’t have added sugar or other sweeteners.

Other Fast-Friendly Drinks

Here are some other drinks you can enjoy while fasting:

Water

Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and can also help to keep you hydrated during your fast.

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is a great way to stay hydrated and avoid feeling thirsty during your fast. Just be sure to choose sparkling water without added sugar or other sweeteners.

Tea

Tea is a great beverage to drink while fasting. Black tea, green tea, and herbal tea are all calorie-free and can help to boost your metabolism.

Unsweetened Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is a great way to stay hydrated during your fast. Just be sure to choose an herbal tea that doesn’t have added sugar or other sweeteners.

Learn more about intermittent fasting and tea.

Final Thoughts: If I drink coffee will it break my fast?

If you like to drink coffee in the morning when fasting, make sure it’s black coffee, without added milk, cream, sugar, or other calorie-containing mixers. If you’re not sure what to drink when fasting, water is always your best bet. And, if you’re looking for something a little more exciting than water, unsweetened tea or sparkling water are also great options.

I hope this article has helped to clear up any confusion you may have had about coffee and fasting. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Happy fasting!

What do you drink when you’re fasting? Comment below!

Next up, Intermittent Fasting Results for Women: How to Lose Weight and Feel Great