Can You Drink Coffee While Intermittent Fasting?

Black coffee, tea, and water are allowed while intermittent fasting, but not coffee with added sugar, cream, or additive that contains calories.

Intermittent fasting alternates between periods of fasting and eating. The approach is based on the concept that human bodies were designed to eat for short periods of time followed by hours, or even days, of fasting.

In intermittent fasting, there are usually no food or caloric restrictions in terms of what to eat or drink, and only restrictions on when to eat and drink. Healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are recommended for maximum benefits. 

• During the fasting period, non-caloric beverages such as black coffee, tea, and water are permitted. 
• Coffee with added sugar or cream or any additive that contains calories would break a fast and would not be considered appropriate for the fasting period.

In intermittent fasting, the food or calories are usually not restricted, but there are restrictions on WHEN to eat. For example, eating may be limited to an 8-hour window during the day, with 16 hours of fasting in between. 

3 intermittent fasting methods

Popular methods of intermittent fasting include: 

• 16/8 daily regimen: of 8 hours of eating followed by 16 hours of fasting
• 5/2 method: eat only 500-600 calories for 2 non-consecutive days, and 5 days of normal eating per week
• “Eat-Stop-Eat” method: two 24-hour fasts per week on non-consecutive days

It can take two to four weeks for the body to acclimate to intermittent fasting. 

Fasting for periods longer than 24 hours is generally not recommended because it might be dangerous. 

Some research has shown benefits of intermittent fasting such as: 

• Weight loss
• Fat burning
• Obesity prevention
• Improved blood pressure and resting heart rate
• Increased endurance
• Improved memory

Tell your doctor before starting an intermittent fasting plan because it is not advised for everyone. 

Intermittent fasting is not recommended for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children and teens under age 18
• People who have a history of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• People with diabetes or blood sugar problems
• People who use medications that must be taken with food