Fasting has become a popular health trend in recent years, with many people incorporating it into their lifestyles as a means of promoting weight loss, improving metabolic health, and even boosting brain function. However, for those who are new to fasting, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out what they can and cannot consume during their fast. While water is a given, there are several other options available that can help keep you hydrated, energized, and focused throughout your fast. In this article, we'll explore some of the best drinks to consume while fasting, as well as some that you should avoid at all costs. So, whether you're a seasoned faster or just starting out, read on to discover what you can drink to make your fasting experience more enjoyable and effective.

Fasting 101

What is fasting?

Fasting is the ancient practice of voluntarily abstaining from food and drink for a set period of time. But don't be fooled by its old-school roots, fasting has recently become one of the most popular wellness trends worldwide. It's not only a tool for weight loss but also for overall physical and mental health.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Here are some of the most exciting benefits of intermittent fasting:

Weight loss

If you're looking to shed a few pounds, intermittent fasting can help you achieve your goals. By limiting your eating window, your body is forced to burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose, leading to weight loss.

Improved metabolism

Intermittent fasting has been shown to boost metabolism, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and better regulation of blood sugar levels.

Increased energy

Believe it or not, fasting can actually boost your energy levels. When your body is in a fasted state, it produces more of a hormone called adrenaline, which helps you feel more alert and focused.

Reduced inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Intermittent fasting can help reduce inflammation in the body, leading to improved overall health.

Improved brain function

Fasting has been shown to have positive effects on brain function, including improved memory, focus, and mental clarity. It may even help prevent age-related cognitive decline.

Types of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is a flexible lifestyle, and there are several types of fasting that you can choose from, depending on your goals and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of intermittent fasting:

Alternate-day fasting

As the name suggests, this type of fasting involves alternating between days of normal eating and days of fasting. On fasting days, you may consume only a small number of calories or nothing at all.

5:2 diet

This type of fasting involves eating normally for five days out of the week and restricting calorie intake to 500-600 calories for the remaining two days.

Periodic fasting

This type of fasting involves longer periods of fasting, typically ranging from 24 hours to several days. During these longer fasts, you may consume only water or other low-calorie beverages.

Modified fasting

This type of fasting allows for some calorie intake during the fasting period, typically in the form of low-calorie foods or beverages such as bone broth, green tea, or bulletproof coffee.

16:8 method

This method involves restricting your daily eating window to 8 hours and fasting for the remaining 16 hours. For example, you might choose to eat only between 12 pm and 8 pm and fast for the rest of the day and night. The 16:8 method is flexible and easy to stick to, making it a great option for beginners or those with busy schedules.

What can I drink while fasting? 

There are plenty of options available that won't break your fast. In fact, drinking the right fluids can even enhance the benefits of fasting. So whether you're a seasoned fasting pro or just starting out, it's essential to know what you can drink to stay hydrated and energized during your fasting period. From water to herbal teas, black coffee, and bone broth, here are some of the most popular and effective drinks to consume during a fast: 

Herbal Tea

Drinking unsweetened herbal tea can also help to keep you hydrated while adding a variety of beneficial antioxidants and nutrients to your diet.

Rosehip Juice

Nadi's Original Rosehip Juice is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this flavorful drink is the perfect way to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and support healthy skin and hair. And with just 8 calories and no added sugars, it's the ideal choice for anyone looking to stay hydrated and energized while fasting.

Black Coffee

Black coffee is another popular drink during fasting periods. It contains caffeine, which can help to boost your metabolism and energy levels, but avoid adding sugar or creamer.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich, flavorful drink that can help to boost your energy levels and provide essential minerals and electrolytes to your body.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to water can help to boost your digestion and metabolism, making it a popular drink during fasting periods.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes, making it an ideal drink to keep you hydrated and replenish essential minerals during a fast.

Vegetable Juice

Drinking fresh, unsweetened vegetable juice can provide essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function correctly.

Lemon Water

Adding fresh lemon juice to water is an excellent way to add flavor and nutrients to your diet while staying hydrated. Lemon is also known to help detoxify the liver and boost your immune system.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a warming, comforting drink that can help to soothe an upset stomach, reduce inflammation, and boost your metabolism. It's also a great source of antioxidants and nutrients.

Green Juice

Drinking fresh, unsweetened green juice is an excellent way to get a boost of vitamins and nutrients during a fast. Green juices typically contain a variety of leafy greens, cucumber, celery, and other low-sugar vegetables.

What drinks should you avoid while fasting? 

While there are plenty of drinks that are allowed during a fast, there are also some that you should avoid to ensure the best results. Here are some of the drinks you should steer clear of while fasting:

Soda

Soda is loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can cause a spike in insulin levels and disrupt your fast. Even diet soda should be avoided because it can still trigger an insulin response.

Fruit Juice

While natural fruit juice can be a healthy option, it's high in sugar and calories, which can disrupt your fast and cause an insulin response. Stick to water or unsweetened herbal tea instead.

Milk

Milk is high in calories and can cause an insulin response, which can break your fast. If you're looking for a dairy-based drink, try unsweetened almond or coconut milk instead.

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause dehydration and disrupt your metabolism, making it a poor choice during a fast. It can also cause a spike in insulin levels and prevent your body from entering into a fasted state.

Sweetened Coffee or Tea

Adding sugar, cream, or sweeteners to coffee or tea can cause a spike in insulin levels and disrupt your fast. Stick to black coffee or unsweetened herbal tea instead.

By avoiding these drinks during your fasting period, you can ensure that your body stays in a fasted state, and you can enjoy the maximum benefits of fasting. Remember to always stay hydrated and choose low-calorie, nutrient-rich drinks to help your body perform at its best.

Final Thoughts 

Fasting can be an excellent way to promote health, increase energy, and achieve your wellness goals. And while it may seem challenging to go without food for a period of time, the good news is that there are plenty of delicious and nutritious drinks that you can enjoy while fasting. From herbal teas to green juices to Nadi's Original Rosehip Juice, there's no shortage of options to choose from. Just remember to avoid sugary drinks and to stay hydrated throughout your fast. By incorporating these drinks into your fasting routine, you can help to ensure that your body stays nourished and energized, so you can achieve your goals and feel your best.