1. Water
Water is essential for preventing dehydration and curbing hunger pangs during the fasting period. Because water is a zero-calorie drink, it does not break your fast. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
You may also try mineral water to counter the effects of mineral imbalance such as weakness, headaches, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.
Interestingly, drinking plenty of water can also help you lose pounds. We explore how.
According to a review published in Frontiers in Nutrition, increased hydration can aid weight loss by:
- Increasing fat burning.
- Boosting metabolism.
- Increasing the production of heat in the body in a process known as thermogenesis.
Another common question people often ask is “Can I drink lemon water during intermittent fasting?” Of course, you can.
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. A glass of lemon water contains nearly 6 calories. Drinking lemon water also increases feelings of fullness, which can help to curb hunger during fasting.
2. Coffee
Coffee does not break a fast.
It contains caffeine, which increases alertness and helps curb appetite. Besides, caffeine also boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.
Therefore, drinking coffee is a great idea to control hunger and burn more fat while you are fasting.
However, there’s a catch. You are not allowed to add cream, milk, or sugar to it. Also, make sure not to drink more than the recommended “fewer than six cups per day”.
3. Tea
Tea is also a great option while you’re fasting. You may want to try green tea, as green tea compounds “catechins” have powerful antioxidant properties and can help burn calories.
But, same as with coffee, you should avoid putting in cream, milk, or sugar into it.
Drinking tea without sugar is not everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended), but we promise, it gets better with time.
As limiting sugar is advised for the general benefit of your health, avoiding sugar in tea can become a great new habit of yours.
If you’re, let’s say, a 3-spoon per cup person, try minimizing the usage of sugar with one spoon a cup/per week.
As you’ll start noticing the real flavor of the tea instead of sugar, you’ll see how easy it is to avoid it.
Also, make your tea interesting. Try a loose leaf tea instead of tea bags, as it often has a better nutritional value and more flavor.
Make yourself a sugarless iced tea, infuse it with mint and lemon and you’ll see what good of a drink it can be.
4. Bone Broth
Everyone has gone crazy about the bone broth. Its popularity is growing every day, as it is really good for your health.
Combining broth drinking with intermittent fasting reduces inflammation and slows down the aging process. It also leaves you with glowing skin, better hair and nails, as it is full of collagen.
Amazingly, it does not break a fast, but it does leave you feeling fuller.
It doesn’t matter if your goal is to lose weight or to generally improve your health – bone broth is a must in your diet.
It’s cheap and simple to make, yet it can be as good for you as expensive supplements and cosmetics.
Check out these bone broth recipes, to get ready for your fast.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar contains mostly water and acids such as acetic acid and malic acid. 15 ml (one tablespoon) of apple cider vinegar contains approximately 3 calories.
Thus, taking it does not break a fast and can actually help with weight loss.
One animal study suggests that acetic acid suppresses fat deposition in the body. Likewise, another study found that acetic acid boosts metabolism and fat burning.
For best results, add 1-2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to water and drink it before you hit the sack.
6. Stevia
Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener. It is great for those who love the sweet taste but do not want to break their fast.
That said, some brands of stevia contain glucose and sugar alcohols. Thus, make sure to read the label before you opt for it.
Besides, the sweet taste of stevia may trigger hunger in some people. You may want to avoid it if you are one of those people.
7. Almond milk
Almond milk contains low amounts of carbs and few calories.
a cup of almond milk contains only 39 calories. It is a rich source of vitamin E and minerals.
Thus, you may drink up to 100 ml of almond milk during fasting to increase the feelings of fullness. However, you should avoid almond milk products that contain added sugar.
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