For a while now, people have used intermittent fasting as a means to shed the extra pounds. And if you are thinking of reducing your waistline, this would be a great idea. You eat for a given period then go hours without having any food.
The interesting thing with fasting is that it not only works for weight loss but religious practices as well. Most religions practice fasting, an example being Christians during the time of lent.
Thus, fasting is possible and can help you maintain your weight and shed what you do not need. Now, can you add tea to your routine, and if so, what are its effects?
Some people have argued that tea can break your fast. Is this true? Tea itself will not interrupt a fast. Adding additives to the tea, such as creamers and sugars, will break your fast. Tea can be helpful during your fast as it stimulates feelings of satiety and gives you a burst of energy. However, its benefits are only present if you take it when plain.
Can you drink tea when fasting?
Having chosen what fasting method works for you, it is now time to understand if you can include tea in this journey. Well, the good news is that you can take beverages during fasting cycles to keep you from passing out.
But here is the thing. The drinks of your choice should be energy-free. These include water, tea, and coffee. Their low-calorie content makes them ideal for use as you steer clear of high-energy foods.
The news keeps getting better. There is no restriction as to how much tea you can have when you are on your fast. Given that you will feel hungry most of the time, you can keep drinking tea to fool the hunger pangs. It makes it much easier to come out on top at the end of the period.
What are the benefits of tea while fasting?
Tea has many benefits to the body as you embrace your weight loss journey.
It makes you feel full, which makes it easier for you to beat the hunger pangs. In the first few days or weeks, your body will have a hard time adjusting to the caloric deficit. As such, you may find yourself battling cravings for unhealthy foods.
Note that the fasting state takes place four hours after your last meal, which means you need to hold on for a long time. If you eat before getting to this phase, you will not get the benefits you deserve.
It also contains catechins which work in maintaining healthy ghrelin levels. This hormone is responsible for hunger, and not having it in check would push you towards cravings.
Tea contains caffeine, which works in blocking your adenosine receptors. That way, adenosine, the hormone that makes you tired and sleepy, can no longer have much effect.
You end up feeling more energetic, which does away with the need to look for energy in foods for a while.
Finally, tea contains antioxidants that work in battling free radicals in your body. In so doing, the drink ensures that you have healthy skin, better gut health, and fewer digestive problems.
Which teas should you not drink while fasting?
This drink keeps getting better and may be the way for you to maintain fasting without falling into temptation. But before you start taking tea, you need to keep some things in mind.
First, you should enjoy the tea when plain. Adding creamers and sugars will only work in adding calories to your diet such that you would break your fast. Even a little milk will set you back and hamper you from seeing good results.
Secondly, not all teas are permissible in fasts. You can only take herbal, black, or green teas, all of which should not have any additives. The same goes for any other drinks which you include in the fast. They should all be free of sugars.
What teas can you drink during fasting?
Not every tea will help you lose weight and be in line with your goals. Some can sabotage your efforts, and careful consideration is of the essence.
Green Tea
This drink comes second after water regarding popularity. It tastes great, is low in calories, and presents a ton of benefits to the consumer. One cup should give you about two calories such that you can drink a lot of green tea without reaching your limit.
Black Tea
People also count on black tea to help them lose the extra pounds. It is rich in antioxidants and slows down cholesterol liver synthesis. Some studies show that this tea has components that can reduce the risk of cancer development.
Plus, it also has anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it is low in caloric content with about two calories for every cup.
Herbal Tea
This tea variation comes from roots and leaves of plants, and can even have seeds, flowers, nuts, and other parts as the main component. It does not contain tea leaves as such, but it offers many benefits to the consumer.
These include reduced anxiety, detoxification, better digestion, improved immune system, and enhanced calmness. It lacks caffeine, which works great for people with caffeine sensitivities. Also, it is low in calories, depending on your choice of brand.
Conclusion
Tea can be helpful during your fast as it stimulates feelings of satiety and gives you a burst of energy. However, its benefits are only present if you take it when plain. Adding additives, such as creamers and sugars, will break your fast.
Thus, when it comes to if tea breaks a fast, it boils down to what you put in it. Here is to healthy fasting!
