Is It Okay To Drink Coffee While Doing An Intermittent Fast?

There are many popular diet trends out there. From Keto and Paleo to low carb and calorie counters, those looking to shed a few pounds can find a diet that works for their specific lifestyle choices. One of the most popular diets this year has been intermittent fasting, which focuses on directing when you eat rather than what or how much you eat (via Heathline).

According to John Hopkins Medicine, our bodies aren't meant to be on a 24-hour cycle where we are eating at all hours of the day, specifically through the night when we are mostly sedentary (i.e. binging a Netflix show with a bag of chips). Studies have proved that limiting our food intake to certain hours can help reverse things like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

There are a few ways to do an intermittent fast. Most people opt for an eight-hour schedule where eating is permitted, with the other 16 hours consisting of fasting. This usually means passing on breakfast — but is everything off limits?

One big caveat to intermittent fasting is that you have to wait until a certain hour in the morning to begin eating. For caffeine addicts who need a morning cup of joe to get their day started, this may seem like an impossible task. The good news is, coffee won't break your fast as long as you keep it black (via Healthline).

Not only does black coffee not break your fast, it may actually enhance it. According to Healthline, drinking a cup of plain coffee in the morning before you eat can help with brain function, reduce risk of heart disease, and lower inflammation and blood sugar. But what if the idea of black coffee is hard to swallow? While it is not scientifically proven, many have said that remaining under 75 calories during your fasting period won't ruin the fast. If you need to add a little something to your cup, opt for one teaspoon of heavy cream or coconut oil. Unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye to your iced vanilla latte — unless you can wait until noon!