Empty But Full: Can You Drink Coffee While Fasting?

Fasting is both a well-practiced tradition for many religious groups around the world, as well as a popular health trend.

While these are performed differently, one common element that everyone fasting may share is making sure they can enjoy their cup of coffee without affecting the meaning and benefits of their fast.

In this blog, we at Mystic Monk Coffee aim to answer the question, "Can you drink coffee while fasting?" On top of that, we also discuss:

• What fasting is
• Whether coffee breaks your fast
• The benefits of black coffee while fasting
• Possible downsides of coffee during a fast
• What coffees and ingredients to avoid while fasting
• The best coffee choices while on a fast

Learn everything you need to know about drinking coffee while fasting, and how to get the best out of both, for your health and for yourself.

What Do We Mean By "Fasting"?

In general, fasting is a self-sustained abstinence from food, drink, or both for a certain amount of time. Sometimes it is practiced as a way to help with weight loss, more recently through the trend of intermittent fasting.

More traditionally, fasting is also practiced across a variety of religions and religious sects. Some groups avoid food and drink throughout the day, while others are restricted from a certain number of meals. Each group will fast in different ways, but all find fasting periods spiritually fulfilling.

In medicine, fasting is also necessary before undergoing surgery that requires general anesthesia. Certain medical tests call for fasting so doctors can get clear and accurate results.

Fasting has a long history and is practiced in many different ways. Because we all love coffee so much, we have to ask: can you drink coffee while fasting?

Does Coffee Break a Fast?

If your fast is more of a religious obligation, drinking coffee or anything indeed breaks a fast. Therefore, going forward, let's assume we are talking intermittent fasting when we discuss drinking coffee while fasting.

If you are fasting in order to absorb very few calories, such as through intermittent fasting, consuming certain types of coffee may not break your fast.

In particular, drinking plain black coffee doesn't necessarily break your fast. This is because:

• It has little to no calories.
• One to two cups of black coffee doesn't affect your metabolism

When fasting for weightloss, the real issue that causes concern in your morning coffee is additives. Adding milk, sugar, cream, or flavored syrups will break your fast and reduce the health benefits you receive from it.

The Advantages of Black Coffee While Fasting

Assuming we are only going to drink black coffee while we fast, research has found several amazing benefits that can help you with your fast, as well as improve your overall health regardless of fasting. Here are some of the key advantages you can enjoy when drinking coffee while fasting:

It helps suppress appetite

According to this article from Scientific American, studies have shown that drinking coffee may moderately suppress your appetite. This may be due to its effects on certain hormones that create feelings of hunger, like ghrelin. One study found increased serotonin levels in its participants, a hormone associated with appetite regulation.

By drinking coffee during your fast, it may actually help to extend your fasting window. A lower appetite means a longer fast, fewer calories consumed per day, and potentially improved weight loss.

It raises alertness

Coffee is also a well-known stimulant that can improve several aspects of your mental capacity. In particular, it helps increase your alertness, focus, and ability to concentrate.

So, by drinking black coffee during your fast, you can improve your cognitive function and mental clarity. It will help replace the lack of energy one may have when going without food for a long period of the day, keeping you active and alert while performing tasks at work or while studying.

It can improve metabolic health

Other research suggests that a modest amount of coffee per day reduces the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, as well as inflammation caused by metabolic syndromes.

Intermittent fasting is also known to help reduce inflammation, so taken together, you may experience relief from the effects of a wide range of symptoms, like high blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

It may prevent neurological health issues

Finally, fasting and drinking black coffee are both known to potentially reduce the risk of mental decline due to neurological diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This study suggests this link, but more research is required to confirm the decrease in risk.

While you may need more information from your doctor, one to three cups a day during your fasting periods provides plenty of benefits for your mind and body. .

Some Drawbacks of Coffee During a Fast

Of course, nothing exists without its cons. And it’s important that you make an informed decision about drinking coffee during a fast. Here's a quick list of some common drawbacks you might experience when drinking coffee on an empty stomach:

• Digestive discomfort: Coffee increases the amount of acid in your stomach, possibly leading to cramps, nausea, and acid reflux.
• Jittery sensation: Without any additional food to absorb the excessive caffeine in your system, you may end up feeling higher levels of anxiety, jitteriness, and sometimes even heart palpitations.
• Difficulty sleeping: Fasting and drinking coffee can both affect your hormone balance, possibly causing the quality of your sleep to decline.
• Dehydration: Coffee is also a natural diuretic, which means it forces your body to expel liquid at a faster rate. This may put you at a greater risk of dehydration while fasting.

Best Coffee Options When Fasting

Fasting can be a challenging experience, but a good cup of coffee can help take the edge off and keep you going through the day. All the better if you work out how to make the best cup possible.

A well-brewed cup of coffee can enhance your fast rather than interfere with it. On the other hand, a hasty brew can make it tougher through its bitterness and lack of flavor. Here are some reliable tips to help you savor your coffee while staying committed to your fast:

Avoid Sweetened Coffee Drinks

The most crucial rule is to keep your coffee black. No sugar. No cream. No fancy flavored syrups.

Even the tiniest additions can pull your body out of a fasting state. A little splash of milk might seem innocent, but it brings in calories and can spark an insulin response, putting an end to your fast.

Try Fresh, High-Quality Beans

If your coffee ends up tasting too harsh or bitter, it’s only natural to want to make it better. Start with top-notch beans, and you won't have the urge to add any calorie-filled coffee additives.

If you’re unsure where to begin, check out our single-origin coffee beans and ground coffee at Mystic Monk Coffee. Each batch is roasted with care, ensuring that brewing it into black coffee becomes something to savor as you fast.

Use the Right Brew Method

Brewing coffee correctly is just as important as the type of coffee you choose. Even your favorite blend will taste completely different based on how you prepare it.

And when you're fasting, you definitely want a cup that's enjoyable on its own. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:

• A French press gives you a full-bodied, rich cup that really brings out those natural oils.
• Pour-over brewing results in a clean, balanced flavor with less bitterness.
• Drip coffee machines are fast and easy to use, but often give you a strong, bitter cup if left in the carafe too long.

If your coffee ends up tasting sharp or overly bitter, it may not be the beans at fault. It could be due to over-extraction, water that’s too hot, or grounds that are too fine. Just a small tweak can result in big improvements.

Span Out Your Cups

Coffee can influence your fasting experience in some pretty subtle ways. For many folks, that morning cup is a lifesaver, curbing hunger and giving focus to the day ahead.

But remember, more isn’t always better. Sipping coffee throughout your entire fasting period can ramp up stress hormones like cortisol, and it might even lead to those dreaded energy crashes later on. Here's the cadence we recommend for your cups during the day:

• One cup in the morning
• A second one, if you really need it, later in the fasting window

Fasting requires you to think about how you navigate your day, including how much coffee you consume.

Enjoy Freshly Roasted Coffee During Your Fast From Mystic Monk Coffee

So, can you drink coffee while fasting? Yes, you certainly can, and there are extra benefits if you do. Suppressed appetite for an easier time fasting, better clarity and focus, and many other potential health benefits for your body.

Of course, to make sure your time fasting is enjoyable, make sure you drink coffee from high-quality sources. And what's better than coffee that's been carefully roasted and blended by artisan craftsmen like ours at Mystic Monk Coffee?

Our coffee is made by Carmelite monks in Wyoming, using the finest-quality beans and the best methods possible. Browse our collection of coffees today and discover the blessing of delicious, well-made coffee.

FAQs About Coffee & Fasting