Intermittent fasting has become a popular way to lose weight and improve overall health. However, many people wonder if they can still enjoy their morning cup of coffee with a splash of almond milk while fasting.
The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the amount of almond milk consumed and the type of fasting being practiced.
In this article, we will explore the effects of almond milk on intermittent fasting and provide some helpful tips for those who want to enjoy their coffee without breaking their fast.
So, grab your cup of joe and let’s dive in!
Can You Drink Coffee With Almond Milk During Intermittent Fasting?
The short answer is yes, you can drink coffee with almond milk during intermittent fasting. However, it’s important to keep in mind that any calories consumed during the fasting period can potentially break the fast.
One cup of unsweetened almond milk contains 39 calories, 2.6g of fat, 1.4g of protein, and 1.4g of carbohydrates. If you’re aiming for under 1g of both protein and carbs during your fasting period, then you’ll want to limit your almond milk intake to no more than 1/3 cup.
If you’re adding almond milk to black coffee, you can typically be safe with up to 1/3 cup of unsweetened almond milk. However, if you’re making a latte using almond milk, this typically requires at least 1/2-1 cup of almond milk and will likely break your fast.
It’s also important to note that all varieties of cow’s milk contain lactose, which is a naturally occurring sugar. Milk alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk are free of lactose but not of carbohydrates. So, while black coffee with zero sugar is best, a small splash of unsweetened almond milk shouldn’t harm your fast.
Understanding Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is a popular eating pattern that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. During the fasting period, no food or calorie-containing beverages are consumed. The goal of intermittent fasting is to promote weight loss, improve metabolic health, and increase longevity.
While there are different types of intermittent fasting, the most common type involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. This is known as the 16/8 method. During the fasting period, only water, black coffee, or tea without any additives are allowed.
The reason why intermittent fasting works is that it puts the body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. This results in weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity.
However, any calories consumed during the fasting period can potentially break the fast and halt the benefits of intermittent fasting. This includes adding sugar or cream to coffee or tea.
If you’re looking to add some flavor to your coffee or tea during the fasting period, unsweetened almond milk can be a good option. Almond milk has the least amount of calories and zero sugar compared to other milk alternatives like soy, oat, rice, and coconut milk.
To stay within the guidelines of intermittent fasting, limit your almond milk intake to no more than 1/3 cup when adding it to black coffee or tea. If you’re making a latte using almond milk, it’s best to avoid it altogether during the fasting period.
Almond Milk And Intermittent Fasting: The Debate
There is some debate as to whether almond milk should be consumed during intermittent fasting. Technically, almond milk does break a fast because it contains calories. In traditional fasting, anything containing calories breaks a fast. However, the intermittent fasting method has been adapted over the years with various modifications. Some experts say it’s okay to consume certain caloric foods in small quantities to help you stick to an intermittent fasting plan.
For example, integrative physician Amy Shah, M.D., allows the consumption of 30 to 40 calories from sources that won’t spike blood sugar, like coffee or tea with a splash of unsweetened almond milk. This approach is sometimes referred to as “dirty fasting.” However, stricter eating plans should avoid consuming milk during fasting periods.
It’s important to note that almond milk has fewer calories and zero sugar compared to other popular milk alternatives like soy, oat, rice, and coconut milk. Almond milk is low in carbs and calories, hence up to 0.5 cup/120 ml of almond milk could be a good option for “open intermittent fasting.”
How Much Almond Milk Can You Drink During Intermittent Fasting?
When it comes to almond milk, the key is moderation. As mentioned earlier, one cup of unsweetened almond milk contains 39 calories, 2.6g of fat, 1.4g of protein, and 1.4g of carbohydrates. To ensure you’re not consuming too many calories or breaking your fast, it’s recommended to stick to no more than 1/3 cup of unsweetened almond milk during your fasting period.
If you’re using almond milk in your coffee, aim for no more than 1/3 cup to stay within your fasting goals. This amount should be enough to add a creamy texture to your coffee without adding too many calories or breaking your fast.
It’s important to note that while almond milk is a healthier alternative to cow’s milk, it still contains calories and carbohydrates. Therefore, if you’re following a stricter eating plan, it’s best to avoid consuming any milk during your fasting period.
Types Of Intermittent Fasting And Almond Milk Consumption
Intermittent fasting is a popular way of eating that involves periods of food abstinence followed by periods of eating. There are several types of intermittent fasting, each with its own guidelines and rules for what can be consumed during the fasting period.
The most common type of intermittent fasting is the 16/8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. During the fasting period, only calorie-free beverages are allowed, such as water, black coffee, and tea. Adding a small splash of unsweetened almond milk to your coffee or tea is generally considered acceptable and won’t break your fast.
Another type of intermittent fasting is the 5:2 method, which involves eating normally for five days and restricting calories to 500-600 for two non-consecutive days. On the fasting days, only calorie-free beverages are allowed, but a small amount of unsweetened almond milk in your coffee or tea is generally considered acceptable.
The alternate-day fasting method involves alternating between days of normal eating and days of calorie restriction. On the fasting days, only calorie-free beverages are allowed, but a small amount of unsweetened almond milk in your coffee or tea is generally considered acceptable.
Tips For Enjoying Coffee With Almond Milk While Intermittent Fasting
If you’re looking to enjoy your coffee with almond milk while intermittent fasting, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Stick to unsweetened and plain almond milk: Almond milk with added sugar or fortified with extra protein should be avoided during your fasting period.
2. Limit your intake: If you’re aiming for a strict fast, limit your almond milk intake to no more than 1/3 cup during your fasting period.
3. Avoid lattes: Lattes typically require at least 1/2-1 cup of almond milk, which will likely break your fast. Stick to adding almond milk to black coffee instead.
4. Use a measuring cup: To ensure that you’re not consuming too much almond milk, use a measuring cup to measure out the exact amount you’re adding to your coffee.
5. Consider “dirty fasting”: Some experts allow the consumption of small amounts of low-calorie foods like coffee or tea with a splash of unsweetened almond milk during the fasting period. This is known as “dirty fasting” and can help you stick to your intermittent fasting plan while still enjoying some of the benefits of fasting.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your coffee with almond milk while still maintaining the benefits of intermittent fasting.
