Ah, the beloved morning coffee. Whether you’re a black coffee enthusiast or someone who loves to spruce up their cup of joe with a creamy addition, there’s no denying that coffee is a staple for many people’s mornings. But if you’re someone who practices intermittent fasting, you might be wondering: does coffee with creamer break a fast? Let’s dive into this question and explore the world of coffee creamers and fasting.
The Short Answer: Does Coffee with Creamer Break a Fast?
The short answer is, it depends. As a general rule of thumb, any food or drink that contains calories can break a fast. This means that if you add any type of coffee creamer to your morning cup of joe, you are technically breaking your fast. However, the extent to which your fast is broken can vary depending on the type and quantity of creamer you use.
The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Before we dive into the specifics of coffee creamers and fasting, let’s briefly touch on the benefits of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as a way to support overall health and potentially aid in weight loss. The idea behind intermittent fasting is to cycle between periods of eating and periods of fasting, with the goal of extending the amount of time your body spends in a fasted state.
Some of the potential benefits of intermittent fasting include improved metabolic health, increased insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose levels, and potential weight loss. It’s important to note that intermittent fasting isn’t a magic bullet, and individual results may vary. But for many people, it can be a great way to support their overall health and eating patterns.
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
One popular addition to morning coffee for those looking to jump start their keto diet is something called bulletproof coffee. This is a specific recipe that was popularized by entrepreneur Dave Asprey, and it typically consists of black coffee blended with grass-fed butter and MCT oil. The idea behind bulletproof coffee is that the combination of healthy fats and caffeine can support brain function, increase energy levels, and potentially help you enter a fat-burning state.
The original bulletproof coffee recipe does not contain any coffee creamer, but some people choose to add cream or other ingredients to customize their coffee drinks. So, where do coffee creamers fit into the picture?
Coffee Creamers and Fasting
As we mentioned earlier, any food or drink that contains calories can break a fast. This means that if you add traditional coffee creamers, like heavy cream or regular milk product, to your coffee, you are technically breaking your fast. These types of creamers contain calories and can cause an insulin response, which can potentially take you out of a fasted state.
However, there are some coffee creamers that are specifically marketed as “fasting-friendly.” These creamers typically contain fewer calories and artificial sweeteners or natural sweeteners, like monk fruit or stevia, instead of added sugar. Some popular zero-calorie coffee creamer options include Califia Farms almond milk creamer, Laird Superfood creamers, and Prymal sugar-free coffee creamer.
Aside: If you end up buying too much almond milk, might I recommend you use it to make my Vegan Almond Milk Crepes? You’re welcome.
It’s worth noting that there is some debate around whether or not zero-calorie coffee creamers break a fast. Some people believe that even the presence of artificial sweeteners can cause an insulin response and take you out of a fasted state, while others argue that the calorie-free nature of these creamers means they won’t impact your fasting period.
If you’re someone who follows intermittent fasting for religious purposes or for the potential health benefits, it’s important to take a cautious approach when it comes to coffee creamers. The goal of intermittent fasting is to spend as much time as possible in a fasted state, so any food or drink that takes you out of that state should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether.
If you’re someone who loves the creamy texture of coffee but wants to maintain a fasted state, there are a few options to consider. One is to simply drink your coffee black, as black coffee has zero calories and won’t impact your fasting period. Another option is to use a small amount of heavy whipping cream or coconut milk, as these options contain healthy fats and minimal carbs. Finally, some people choose to use moderate amounts of regular milk, oat milk, or soy milk in their coffee, as these options contain fewer calories than traditional creamers.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to coffee creamers and fasting, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. As a general rule, any food or drink that contains calories can break a fast, so traditional coffee creamers should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether. However, there are some zero-calorie coffee creamer options on the market that may be a good choice for those who want to maintain a fasted state while still enjoying their morning coffee.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual goals, preferences, and dietary restrictions. As with any diet or eating pattern, it’s important to listen to your body and make choices that support your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet (aka the keto diet), trying to support weight loss, or simply looking to improve your overall health, incorporating intermittent fasting and making smart choices when it comes to your morning coffee can be a great option. So brew up a cup of coffee, experiment with different creamer options, and enjoy the benefits of intermittent fasting!
And if you’re looking for tips and tricks for brewing coffee, be sure and check out my post on brewing regular coffee with an espresso maker!