Half and half isn’t flavored. Because of that, you probably think adding a little to your coffee won’t hurt so much. You might even think a little quantity can’t cause you to deviate from your fast. Will half and half break a fast? Read on to know.
But then, first things first, do you know what it means to break a fast?
What Does It Mean to Break a Fast?
Fasting simply means going without food for a particular period. It naturally helps restrict calories, which can help you lose weight.
Fasting increases fat burn, reduces inflammation, stimulates cognitive functioning, and may even increase longevity. So, when you decide to go through this process, is half and half something that can cause you to break your fast, or does it not affect fasting?
What Is Half and Half?
Half and half is an equal mixture of parts of whole milk and heavy cream with about 3.25% of fat in whole milk and 36% to 40% fat in heavy cream.
Because half and half contain between 10.5 to 18%, it is fine in any recipe you use it for. A lot of people love to use it in their coffee.
SEE: Win a Free Month of Coffee or an iPad
Will Half and Half Break a Fast?
Strictly speaking, yes, it will. Half and half will break your fast because any amount of calories can disrupt your weight loss goal. If you are following a rigid fasting plan, you should avoid anything that contains calories at all costs.
However, if you’re following a flexible fasting diet, you can often take in a percentage of your daily calorie and still maintain your fast.
This means that half and half will break your fast, especially when you take it in large quantities, whereas a small amount of half and half may not break your fast.
One tablespoon of half and half commonly comes in at just a little above 1 gram mixed with about .5 grams of protein and .6 grams of carbs which equals a total of 1.1 grams.
This is barely less than one tablespoon of half and half, which will bring you under one gram of protein and carbs in total.
Also, it is likely not to spike insulin and won’t break your fast. However, if you overstep this amount, you’ll automatically exceed 1g of net protein and carbohydrates.
With that, half and half breaking your fast will be inescapable. Having said that, how much half and half should you not take while fasting?
SEE: Can You Drink Half and Half Cream On Its Own
How Much Half and Half Will Break Your Fast?
Generally, anything below 50 calories will not disrupt your goal. With less than 50 calories, your body remains in a fast state. This means that since one teaspoon of half and half contains about 20 calories, three teaspoons or anything more will definitely break your fast.
What Can You Put In Your Coffee That Won’t Break Your Fast?
Now that you know that half and half may be off the table while you’re in the middle of a fast, is there any way you can flavor your coffee with something that won’t interfere at all?
Yes, there are a few things that many people add to their coffees to avoid breaking their fast. Some of these include:
- Nutmeg
- Himalayan sea salt
- Cocoa
- Coconut oil
- Cinnamon
- Almond milk
One teaspoon of these natural additives is nearly calorie-free. It makes it decent for use during a fasting period.
Additionally, artificial sweeteners, like Stevia, should be avoided as they have been verified to increase sugar cravings and hunger. Also, you should avoid more than a tiny bit of sugar, as it contains 16 calories in a single teaspoon.
SEE: Is Half And Half Lactose-Free?
FAQs
Does heavy cream break a fast?
No, it doesn’t. That is if consumed moderately. 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream contains a small number of net carbs. It is likely not to spike insulin; consequently, it won’t break your fast.
However, if you go beyond one tablespoon and exceed the 1g of net carbs, the heavy whipping cream may break your fast.
What is dirty fasting?
Dirty fasting is simply the opposite of clean fasting. In clean fasting, none or very little food is consumed with only water and beverages, which do not contain calories. Whereas, in dirty fasting, a certain number of calories are allowed during the fast.
Is there a creamer that won’t break your fast?
Yes, there is. If you’re strict about your fasting, The Smart for Life Zero Calorie Coffee Creamer is for you. It is a zero-calorie coffee creamer that won’t break your fast.
Will milk break your fast?
Yes, it will. Due to milk proteins and natural sugars like lactose, milk should be avoided while fasting. That’s because it may cause a spike in your blood sugar levels.
However, if you must add a bit of milk to your coffee or tea, non-dairy milk options will be better for you.
SEE: How Does a Lactose-Free Milk Differ From Regular Milk
Why are you gaining weight on intermittent fasting?
It’s simple. You’re not eating enough on some days, and then you’re eating too much on other days. It will naturally lead to weight gain. So, ensure you eat properly whenever you break your fast.
Conclusion
You can drink coffee while on intermittent fasting. However, you’ll need to be very mindful of the quantity of half and half you want to add in order not to deviate from your goal. If you’re strict on your diet, then you shouldn’t take add half and a half at all.
For some people, drinking coffee makes a fast a little more desirable. Coffee also adds some health benefits to your fast such as a small metabolism increase, appetite suppression, reduced inflammation, and cognitive clearness.
Most importantly, when you’re ready to break your fast, go easy on your digestive system. Eat something nutritious and light like a smoothie.
Thank you for reading.
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