Beverages to avoid during fasting
This includes sugary drinks like juice or soda, dairy drinks like milk, and alcohol, Dais notes. Some experts also recommend avoiding diet sodas, even though they are calorie-free, because artificial sweeteners can trigger an insulin response.
Safe Drinks: Coffee
Black coffee is calorie-free, making it an acceptable choice during fasting. However, avoid adding sugar, cream, or milk, as these can increase calories and disrupt your fast.“If you want to flavor your coffee while fasting, try using calorie-free spices like cinnamon,” Dais suggests. “Save your coffee for your eating window.”
Safe Drinks: Tea
Like coffee, natural tea is calorie-free and is safe to drink during fasting as long as it is brewed from a bag, leaf, or flake. Be wary of bottled iced tea, as it is often sweetened. Choose unsweetened varieties that are free of added sugar and calories. As with coffee, save ingredients like honey, milk, or cream for your non-fasting days.
Safe Drinks: Water and Seltzer
Natural water is calorie-free and perfectly fine to drink during fasting, says Dais. Staying hydrated with water is not only healthy, but can also help fill your stomach and curb hunger during fasting.
