Coffee is my happy morning ritual. But does my morning cup of joe with a splash of creamer break my fast? It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves before, especially during longer fasting periods.
The answer is… it depends! Generally speaking, if your coffee comes with added calories, like milk or creamer, it can actually break the fast. This can be a real bummer if you’re looking to reap the benefits of fasting without compromising your morning ritual.
Creamer made with dairy or sugar adds calories, and therefore does indeed break a fast. However, if you use unsweetened plant-based milks with no additives, such as almond milk or coconut cream, these are generally okay for fasting.
To stay on the safe side and make sure your coffee does not break your fast, it’s best to stick to black coffee.
Thankfully, there are some alternatives that won’t compromise your fast!
Creamer Choices That Won’t Break a Fast
1. Unsweetened Nut Milks
Almond and cashew milks are a great non-dairy option for those looking to avoid breaking their fast. Many brands offer unsweetened versions with no added calories, making them the perfect choice for fasting without compromising your coffee ritual.
2. Coconut Creamer
Coconut creamers don’t have added sugar or calories and have a naturally sweet, nutty flavor. They make the perfect addition to your morning cup of Joe!
3. Black Coffee
The simplest solution? Skip the creamer altogether and just enjoy black coffee with no added sugars or calories. This will mean that you can still reap the benefits of fasting without sacrificing your caffeine fix.
4. Butter
Believe it or not, butter can be a great addition to your coffee. It adds richness and flavor without having any added sugar or calories. Try adding some grass-fed butter to get the most health benefits!
5. MCT Oil
Medium-chain fatty acids, or MCTs, are a type of fat that is easily digested and converted into energy. Adding some MCT oil to your coffee can give you an extra jolt of energy without breaking the fast.
6. Keto Friendly Creamers
If you’re looking for a more traditional creamer alternative, there are some keto friendly options on the market. These creamers often contain stevia and other natural sweeteners without any added sugars or calories.
7. Low Calorie Flavoring
If you’re looking for a bit of flavor but want to keep it low calorie, there are some options out there. Try adding a few drops of all-natural flavorings like vanilla extract or almond extract. These add no calories but can still give your coffee an extra kick.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is an ancient practice used for spiritual cleansing or to increase wellness levels. In modern times, fasting has become increasingly popular for its health benefits. Proponents of the practice swear by it for weight loss, mental clarity and other health benefits.
The goal of fasting is to reduce your intake of food and increase your intake of water. Depending on how long a fast lasts, you can also drink calorie-free beverages like black coffee, tea or sparkling water.
There are different types of fasting, ranging from intermittent fasting (eating within a certain window of time) to full 24-hour fasts.
Depending on your goals and lifestyle you can decide which type of fasting works best for you. There is no right or wrong way to fast so experiment and find out what works best for you.
How To Eliminate Bitter Coffee Without the Creamer?
If you’re looking for a way to make your coffee taste less bitter without adding creamer, there are a few tricks you can use. Here are some tips:
- Use filtered or spring water when brewing. This will help eliminate any off-flavors that might be coming from your tap water.
- Grind your coffee beans right before brewing. This helps retain flavor and freshness.
- Add a pinch of salt to the grounds when you’re brewing. The salt helps balance out the bitter flavors in the coffee while also enhancing other flavors.
- Try a light-medium roast or even a decaf coffee. The lighter roasts are less bitter and the decaf still has some caffeine but without the bitterness.
- Experiment with different brewing methods like pour-over or French press to find one that you prefer. Different brewing methods can give you different results when it comes to flavor, so try a few until you find one that works for you.
- Add some spices, like cardamom or cinnamon, to the grounds when brewing. These can help reduce the bitterness while adding a great flavor to your cup of coffee.
No matter your fasting regimen, the main goal is to limit calorie intake while still getting all of the essential nutrients and hydration needed. This means that beverages like coffee with creamer may not always be suitable.
Dairy-based products contain trace amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates which makes them calorie dense. Therefore, consuming coffee with creamer does not qualify as a dietary fasting practice.
If you’re craving a hot cup of java that doesn’t break the fast, try using plant-based milk or almond milk instead.
These types of non-dairy creamer alternatives are much lighter and often come with added health benefits like protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D.
Happy sipping!