Have you ever had coffee during intermittent fasting? Although it's not a recent idea, fasting for a set period of time is one of the bets that is on the rise for those who want to lose weight - a practice known as intermittent fasting. But, does coffee break intermittent fasting?

Even though it is called a diet, this style of fasting is actually a nutritional strategy characterized by alternating periods of fasting and regular eating in order to improve body composition and overall health.

Thus, the program works because carbohydrates, particularly sugars and refined grains, are quickly transformed into sugar, which we use for energy. In other words, if we don't use up all the stock, we store this sugar in our fat cells as fat.

Also read: Intermittent Fasting: What it is, how to do it, and what the benefits are

Usually 10 to 24 hours of fasting is indicated, which can be done daily or only on some days of the week. The periods when eating is allowed are called feeding windows.

Does coffee break intermittent fasting?

As long as it does not contain sugar or sweetener, black coffee is allowed during intermittent fasting - in fact, the beverage is an ally of the practice. Some people even claim that coffee suppresses appetite, making it easier to stay on the fasting diet in the long term.

One cup (240 ml) of the beverage contains about three calories and very small amounts of protein, fats, and minerals, so the nutrients in one or two cups of black coffee are not enough to initiate a significant metabolic change that would interrupt the fasting state.

Does intermittent fasting lose weight?

All calorie-control diets have a similar impact on weight loss. But to be truly successful, a person must be able to maintain it over the long term.

A giant study published in 2017 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that the intermittent fasting is equally effective for weight loss as daily calorie restriction (the traditional diet). Especially among those with overweight and obesity.

Results vary, however, depending on individual circumstances and the amount of weight the individual wants or needs to lose.

Therefore, the long-term effectiveness of this eating program depends on the person's ability to maintain this healthy, low-calorie style in the future.

The time to become fully accustomed to the diet varies, and it can be quickly accepted by the body, or even not well tolerated. In this case, it is necessary to reformulate the eating practices with the help of a doctor or nutritionist.