What Breaks a Fast During Intermittent Fasting?

Jennifer Kaye Sep 07, 2025
3 People Read
Coffee and computer

When I first learned about intermittent fasting, I started with a 16 hour fast with an eight hour window eating window. Basically I skipped breakfast and ate luncheon dinner. I knew that fasting was good for one’s health and promotes anti-aging, but it didn’t work for me. I couldn’t figure out why I was very consistent in my daily fast, so what happened? Was my body special the answer no I was fasting all wrong.

The culprit paragraph new paragraph

So I was fasting all night and into the morning I fasted right up until lunchtime actually I wasn’t fasting at all… Every morning I had my coffee with half-and-half! That small amount of cream was coming between me and my weight loss goals, a tiny splash of cream!  For years I was fasting with no results. It was when I started researching how fasting could help with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, bloating, joint pain and waking, but I learned my tiny splash of cream was sabotaging my goals!

Experiment to discover what works

Everyone is different. Some people can get the results they want and still have that splash of cream in their coffee or drink a cup of bone broth midday or drink a collagen smoothie etc. I can’t as soon as I tried to clean fast, black coffee and water only for 20 hours. I found the results I was looking for  Test what works for you if you love that 10 AM herbal tea with a touch of honey and lemon try it if you are still getting results from your fast then that can work for you if not, then go back to the clean fast look at everything you do you might be breaking your fast unknowingly. Here is a list of possible fast breakers:

 Mint flavored toothpaste, gum, floss, tea, flavored coffee, half-and-half, milk, or cream, butter, MCT, oil, ghee, or coconut oil, sugar, or honey, artificial, sweeteners, sweeteners, like Stevia, bone broth, coconut water, flavored water, supplements, apple cider vinegar, protein powder, fish, oil, collagen, new paragraph de reader, if you are fasting, but not getting the results, you are after do an audit of your day begin eliminating anything that might be a culprit  Once you start getting results, you can slowly start adding these things in to see if they are breaking your fast. I want you to get the results you’re looking for – you can do it! Don’t give up! To your success,

Jennifer K. 

What Breaks a Fast During Intermittent Fasting?

Introduction

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years as a way to improve health, lose weight, and increase longevity. However, one of the key components of successful intermittent fasting is knowing what breaks a fast. Many people may inadvertently disrupt their fasting period by consuming certain foods or beverages without realizing it. In this article, we will explore what breaks a fast during intermittent fasting and provide guidance on how to maintain the benefits of fasting.

What Breaks a Fast?

1. Caloric intake: Consuming any calories during the fasting period can break a fast. This includes food, beverages, and supplements that contain calories. Even a small amount of calories can disrupt the fasting state. 2. Protein: Consuming protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products, can also break a fast. Protein stimulates the release of insulin, which can interfere with the fasting process. 3. Carbohydrates: Consuming carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, or sugary foods, can raise blood sugar levels and break a fast. Carbohydrates also trigger the release of insulin, which can disrupt the fasting state. 4. Fat: Consuming fats, such as oils, butter, or fatty foods, can also break a fast. While fats do not raise blood sugar levels like carbohydrates, they can still provide calories and interfere with the fasting process. 5. Caffeine: Consuming caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or energy drinks, can stimulate the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which can break a fast. Additionally, adding sugar, milk, or cream to your coffee or tea can also disrupt the fasting state. 6. Alcohol: Consuming alcohol can break a fast due to its caloric content and effect on blood sugar levels. Alcohol also impairs the body's ability to burn fat, which can interfere with the benefits of fasting.

What Does Not Break a Fast?

1. Water: Drinking water is essential during intermittent fasting and does not break a fast. In fact, staying hydrated can help support the fasting process and aid in detoxification. 2. Black coffee: Drinking black coffee without any added sugar, milk, or cream is generally considered acceptable during intermittent fasting. Coffee can help suppress appetite and increase metabolism. 3. Green tea: Drinking green tea is also allowed during intermittent fasting, as long as it does not contain added sugar or milk. Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and can support fat burning. 4. Herbal tea: Drinking herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint tea, is permissible during intermittent fasting. Herbal teas are calorie-free and can help promote relaxation and digestion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of what breaks a fast during intermittent fasting in order to maximize the benefits of this eating pattern. Avoiding caloric intake, protein, carbohydrates, fats, caffeine, and alcohol during the fasting period is crucial for maintaining the fasting state. Instead, focus on consuming water, black coffee, green tea, and herbal tea to support the fasting process. By understanding what breaks a fast and making informed choices, you can make the most of your intermittent fasting regimen and achieve your health and wellness goals.