Half and Half Intermittent Fasting: What You Need to Know
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves going without food for a certain period of time, and research has shown that it can offer some serious health benefits. But is it possible to drink coffee while intermittent fasting? Can you add half and half to your coffee while still reaping the benefits of IF? Read on to find out.
Half and Half During Intermittent Fasting
We can have half & half in our coffee while we are intermittent fasting if it does not push us out of fat-burning mode. People who do “dirty fasting” may drink coffee containing half and half, but they aim to consume under 50 calories during the intermittent fast.
Half and half will break your fast. If you need something in your coffee, opt for heavy whipping cream, which is primarily dairy fat with very low lactose. It’s easy to assume that since half and half isn’t flavored, adding a little to your coffee won’t do any harm. However, even a small amount can disrupt your fast and hinder the benefits of intermittent fasting.
Studies have shown that consuming as little as 10 g of glucose or 10 g of fructose can cause a noticeable rise in both glucose and ketones after drinking coffee with Half and Half. For reference, a tablespoon of half and half is about 20 calories.
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF) has some serious benefits. It can improve overall health, help you lose weight, improve your insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and much more.
As a general rule of thumb, if you drink something with less than 50 calories, then your body will remain in the fasted state. So, your coffee with a splash of heavy whipping cream should be fine, but adding a tablespoon of half and half will likely push you over the limit.
Tips for Intermittent Fasting
- Drink plenty of water during your fasting window.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Eat nutrient-dense foods.
- Avoid snacking and grazing.
- Exercise regularly.
If you’re looking to reap the full benefits of intermittent fasting, it’s important to avoid foods and beverages that can break your fast. This includes half and half, which is high in proteins, carbs, and calories. If you need something in your coffee, opt for heavy whipping cream, which is low in calories and lactose.
Conclusion
Half and half can break your fast and inhibit the benefits of intermittent fasting. So, if you’re looking to reap the full benefits of IF, it’s best to avoid adding half and half to your coffee. Instead, opt for heavy whipping cream, which is high in fat and low in carbs and calories.
Is it permissible to consume coffee with half and half while fasting?
It is possible that adding a bit of half and half to your coffee during a fast could interfere with your goals. While it may not contain any flavoring, it does add calories, fat, and sugar which could disrupt your fast.
Is it possible to add cream to coffee while following an intermittent fasting plan?
It is permissible to add a small amount of creamer to your coffee during a fast and it won’t ruin the fast, but it may hinder your body’s ability to burn fat.
What items can I add to my coffee that will not interfere with my fast?
Many people add small amounts of nutmeg, cocoa, cinnamon, almond milk, Himalayan sea salt, or coconut oil to their coffee to prevent breaking a fast.
Which is a better option for intermittent fasting: heavy cream or half and half?
Heavy cream has fewer net carbohydrates than half and half, more fat and less protein.
If you’re interested in learning more about intermittent fasting and its benefits, check out Fasting Books. They offer a variety of books that can help guide you on your fasting journey. Click here to learn more.
