The sound, the aroma, the experience. There is no doubt many who are initially intimidated by the thought of fasting have more concern about giving up coffee than food in the morning. They are relieved to hear that coffee is ok and that seals the deal for the majority of people in choosing a fasting regimen that forgoes eating breakfast. Many people say “Hey, if I can keep my coffee I am good to go till lunch.”
It is so interesting that most people are naturally less hungry in the morning. If you ask 100 people if they would rather skip breakfast or dinner you will probably only get 4 or 5 that will pick dinner.
Caffeine is natural appetite suppressant and pairs very well with a morning routine without food. If we want to find the easiest way to prolong our food free interval we need to discuss the path of least resistance.
A Fasting Breakfast
Most people eat breakfast not because they are hungry but because they want to be healthy and have been repeatedly told that eating breakfast is necessary in order to be healthy. This has created a breakfast culture which is somewhat at odds with most people’s lived experience of hunger.
It is interesting to consider the concept of an instinct. Instincts are something a creature just knows to do. Lions hunt antelopes because it’s what they know to do innately.
Many people are naturally inclined to refrain from eating in the morning. Common weekend routines often include eating a brunch and then a dinner. Some people are practicing a small bit of fasting without even realizing it.
Continuation of the overnight fast through the “breakfast” hours is an instinctual and natural lifestyle for many people. You are asleep most of the time anyway!
Many people find the morning fasted state to be a calm, relaxed and focused time. Apart from any “dieting” practice, embracing a routine fasted interval just feels good. Fasting mornings can become a pleasant and enjoyable lifestyle.
What About Cream and Sugar?
I really encourage people to get away from sugar and artificial sweeteners in coffee. I am not saying that you can never have it ever again in your life but it should be the exception. I have a little bit more leniency with cream. Does a bit of creamer in your coffee really ruin things? Well, technically if you are “eating” creamer you are no longer fasting. So yes, it does stop the fasted interval and that can have metabolic implications in the body.
Does that mean you will not have results, feel better, or lose weight? I always tell people I am not trying to make things more difficult than they need to be. If creamer is the dealmaker for you and that helps you comply with everything else that is a fine place to start. No stress! If it works I am all for it. It’s just that if it is not working we know where to tighten the screw. What you are doing by putting creamer in the coffee is turning your fasting into a tiny itty bitty little low carb breakfast …and that might be just fine for your needs.
That said, black coffee is my best recommendation.
What if I don’t like coffee?
It’s ok! Coffee is not required for fasting! Tea and water are great. Staying hydrated is important and helpful in and of itself. Many people fast just fine without coffee.
If it helps, use it. If you don’t like it, no problem.
What if I don’t tolerate caffeine?
Anxiety, insomnia and elevated blood pressure are among the reasons you may want to avoid too much caffeine.
Decaf and some teas give less caffeine. Herbal tea and water are your best bet if you must stay caffeine free.