I have been practicing IF for a long time and had some problems with drinking my morning coffee. So, I was long looking for ways how to maintain my fast making it until 12. I am sharing my solution to this. Please, feel free to advise and share your methods.
Drinking coffee will not break your fast if you drink black coffee without any additives (sugar, honey, or milk). The reason is black coffee contains low calories (almost 3 calories) and this amount is insignificant to affect your intermittent fasting endeavors.
But sometimes I like adding some almond milk, Himalayan salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa for as I don't like drinking my coffee flat.
I also try to avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach to ameliorate the following outcomes:
1. Digestion disorder
2. Acidity and heartburn
3. Low serotonin levels, anxiety, and depression
4. Dehydration
5. Increased cortisol levels and insomnia
Also, I noticed high stress, anxiety levels after drinking my coffee on an empty stomach right after I wake up. So, this is what I do.
* If you are on 14-16 hours of fasting period start your morning with a glass of water. You can even add lemon to your water to make it not only tasty but also beneficial for your immune system. By doing this, you can shut the hunger for some time before the first sip of the coffee. In addition, you will effectively solve diuretic side effects (making you want to urinate frequently) and possible dehydration.
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* Another simple solution is keeping yourself busy after the first spike of cortisol. Consider doing light exercises, short walks with your four-legged friend, or taking a refreshing shower. Physical activity is tightly connected with serotonin production and stress reduction. Can you see how you shrank that one hour before your most-desired cup?
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* But if you are not practicing any type of diet including intermittent fasting, consider having a nutritious breakfast or at least a light snack before disturbing your empty stomach with coffee. This can help you bypass possible digestive disorders.
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* Based on the above-mentioned sleeping schedule, you should drink your coffee from 9 to 11.30. But keep the moderate amount of 2-3 cups a day to avoid the probable harmful outcomes. Moderate coffee consumption is effective for preventing acidity and heartburn.
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* Also, you are maybe well aware that you should avoid drinking coffee after 2 p.m. or 10 hours before sleep. You will fall asleep (though after maybe a long awake hours), yet your sleep will not be sound. By avoiding afternoon coffee you evade insomnia and unnecessary high cortisol levels.
So, depending on the time you drink your coffee you can reduce or increase its beneficial impacts.
Please, share your view and experience with drinking your morning coffee while intermittent fasting.
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I just drink it black. Choose a nice dark roast and a french press.
If bitterness and acidity is an issue, simply make a cold brew and prepare it before going to bed.
If you can’t handle coffee for various health related issues, you do not HAVE to drink it. You can do just fine with hot water with a piece of lemon or ginger, or a cup of green or black tea.
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I’m glad you found a way that works for you!
I guess I’m lucky — a cup of black coffee doesn’t disturb an empty stomach for me. I’m right with you on avoiding the afternoon coffee, though!
(I recently learned that caffeine metabolism varies a lot person-to-person. That’s one reason some people can drink coffee after diner and still sleep — their bodies just clear out the caffeine much more quickly. I’m the opposite of that — any coffee past noon and I’m up all night!)
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A black cofee is ok, but dont drink it right after waking up. It’s better to wait 1 or 2 hours before taking it.
Also, if you get other health issues, you can just dilute your black coffee in plenty of water. This will avoid most symptoms
Or as an alternative drink a full cup of water before drinking cofee
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There’s also mushroom coffee that add alkaline to the normally acidic black coffee. Gives it a nice herbal note if you don’t like coffee too bitter tasting. Add a tablespoon of MCT oil to mellow it out a bit more and you’re good. I’ve only tried the four-stigmatic brand off mushroom coffees.
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I gave up my morning coffee. This way I don’t have to question if the creamer breaks my fast or not. I also don’t have to put up with the inconsistent amounts of creamer the Dunkin Donuts employees puts in my coffee, even though I specified the exact amount…. 😡
So yea, best for me is to just not drink coffee during my fast anymore.