Beverages on Intermittent Fasting for weight loss diet

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Beverages on Intermittent Fasting for weight loss diet
It has been observed that if one consumes too many liquid calories during the fasting period, the complete effort is of no use. Let us find out what beverage one should safely consume while doing intermittent fasting. Photo by Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash

Beverages on Intermittent Fasting for weight loss diet

What works and what doesn’t!

Intermittent fasting, also known as IF is a way of eating that is known to give wonderful health and weight loss results if practiced with low carb and high protein diets. My daughter is an ardent IF fan and every now and then she keeps asking me about what are the best beverages on Intermittent Fasting for weight loss diet.

If I have to give a one-liner then the best reply is that it depends on the kind of fasting you are doing. There are various fasting and eating schedules which you can find out from here…. but one question that confuses almost everyone following any intermittent schedule is what kind of beverages one can have during fasting. Today I thought of discussing what can be the beverages while being on an Intermittent Fasting for weight loss diet.

There are different rules which people follow while on an intermittent fasting diet but the one basic thumb rule is, ‘Zero calorie beverages’. Umm! Now that is kind of really cruel but the safest bet as it is the best to avoid any drinks that have any calories while fasting. According to this statement, if you are aiming to lose weight through IF, it is good not to consume any carbs, proteins, sugar, or fats in any form. Consumption of any of these while fasting for weight loss for medical reasons can hinder benefits. Intermittent fasting is used to reduce insulin resistance in order to keep blood sugar levels under control. It has been observed that if one consumes too many liquid calories during the fasting period, the complete effort is of no use.

Let us find out what beverage one should safely consume while doing intermittent fasting.

Black coffee without sugar

Black coffee without sugar is one calorie-free beverage that one can enjoy during the fasting period. Remember no addition of sugar, creamer, or even milk should be done. Black coffee in itself is a zero-calorie beverage but adding sugar or milk adds calories to it. If you find it difficult to have black coffee just like that, then you can add spices like cinnamon to it.

Remember not to have more than one cup pf black coffee while the fasting period is on as too much caffeine on an empty stomach can cause anxiety, acidity, and jitters.

Black Tea

One can have brewed black tea as it is also a calorie-free beverage which is okay to have while fasting. The best way to have it is by simply brewing it from tea bags or leaves. A big NO to adding sugar, creamer, milk, and bottled iced teas. Adding honey, cream, milk or creamers is okay while you are into the eating window.

The good news is that tea being lower in caffeine content than coffee, can be had more than one cup during fasts.

Zero calorie soda

If you think that those tempting zero calorie diet sodas sold in tempting cans can be consumed while you are doing intermittent fasting, then the answer is NO. Please stay away from those funny-tasting sodas as they are potent enough to make you crave food and sugars.

Research says that consuming too many artificial sweeteners in the form of diet sodas can increase food cravings and appetite.

Alcohol

Seriously, were you really thinking about it! NO, alcohol must never be had while doing IF.  Not only that alcohol is a source of mega calories, but also it can kill you eventually if had empty stomach. Give it any name, cocktail, or anything but still, it will always be a negative choice.

Water

For those doing intermittent fasting, water is the only answer to the question….. as it is naturally calorie-free. Being zero-calorie, there is no need to control it. Laughing, are you? Yes you must because there are many interesting ways to consume water as a zero-calorie drink during fasting.

  • Enjoy flavored water, by adding a slice of your favorite fruit wedge to it. You can make a bottle full of flavored water and keep sipping as and when required.
  • Another way is to add a tsp of fresh lime juice to get a glass of fresh ‘Nimbu Paani’. Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt and it will keep you hydrated well.
  • Frankly speaking, I would love to have a tumbler of club soda with a dash of lime and black salt with a few crushed mint leaves. Try it as the best beverage while on Intermittent Fasting for weight loss diet.
  • Carbonated water can be had just like water, as long as it is naturally flavored and calorie-free.
  • Another of my personal choice is adding a few Holy basil leaves /Tulsi in a tumbler of water and keep having all through the fasting period.
  • Green tea can be had hot or cold with some lemon splashed in it to keep you feeling good.
  • A cup of Green coffee too will not hurt at all.

So that was my take, if you have any more ideas or doubts we need to discuss them here…. waiting for comments here.

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