There are a lot of misconceptions about intermittent fasting (IF), especially regarding what you can and cannot eat while fasting.
IF is not a diet but rather a pattern of eating.
It is a way of structuring your day around periods of fasting and eating.
So can you eat anything while intermittent fasting?
The most important thing to remember is that YES, you can eat anything you want while intermittent fasting, as long as you eat it during your eating window.
Your eating window is the 8-hour period of time when you are allowed to eat.
So, if you are fasting for 16 hours, your eating window would be from 12 pm to 8 pm.
HOWEVER, you should really follow a balanced and healthy diet to maximize the health benefits of the fasting lifestyle.
But let’s start the fasting cycle first.
Within that 8-hour eating window, you can technically eat whatever you want.
There are no restrictions on what you can or cannot eat.
However, a few things to keep in mind will help you get the most out of your intermittent fasting journey.
Intermittent fasting is not a diet, so there are no specific foods that you need to eat while fasting.
However, there are certain types of foods that will help you feel fuller for longer and help to curb any cravings during your fasting period.
Here are a few suggestions:
Protein-rich foods – Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates or fat, so it will help to keep you feeling full throughout the day.
Good protein sources include meat, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, and nuts.
High-fiber foods – Fiber also helps with satiety because it slows down digestion.
Fiber is essential for keeping our digestive system healthy and functioning properly.
It helps to add bulk to our stool and prevents constipation.
In addition, fiber helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Fiber is also beneficial for weight loss, as it helps us to feel fuller for longer and prevents us from overeating.
Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Healthy fats – Healthy fats take longer to digest than other nutrients and can help keep you full and satisfied.
Good sources of healthy fats include avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
Water – Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but it is also important for keeping hunger at bay.
Start your day with a glass of water and drink plenty of fluids.
Coffee and tea – Coffee and tea can also help curb hunger during fasting. Just be sure to avoid adding milk or sugar, which will break your fast.
Black coffee and green tea are both great options.
There are no foods that are off-limits while intermittent fasting; however, there are certain types of foods that you should avoid or limit if possible.
These include:
Processed foods – Processed foods are high in calories but low in nutrients.
They can also lead to blood sugar spikes, which can make it difficult to stick to your intermittent fasting plan.
If possible, try to limit processed foods or save them for your non-fasting days.
Sugary drinks – Drinks like soda or juice can also cause blood sugar spikes and should be avoided during intermittent fasting . This includes DIET SODAS too.
Instead, opt for water or unsweetened coffee or tea.
Alcohol – Alcohol can interfere with weight loss and should be limited while intermittent fasting.
If you do drink alcohol while fasting, try sticking to one drink per day and avoid sugary mixers.
What Is The Best Food To Eat During Intermittent Fasting?
The best food to eat during intermittent fasting will vary depending on your personal preferences and goals.
If you’re trying to lose weight, you might want to focus on high-protein, low-carb meals that will help you feel satisfied without leading to overeating.
You can also up your fiber intake as fiber can make you feel fuller for longer.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to improve your overall health, you might want to focus on nutrient-rich foods that will help support your body during the fasting period.
Ultimately, the best food to eat during intermittent fasting is the food that works best for you.
What Can I Eat And Not Break My Intermittent Fast?
There are no foods you can eat and not break a fast, but there are some liquids that you can drink.
You can drink water, black coffee or tea with no added sugar or milk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and non-sweetened electrolyte water.
Technically anything under 50 calories will ensure you stay within a fasted state.
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating.
It doesn’t specify which foods you should eat but rather when you should eat them.
In this way, it’s a bit different from traditional diets.
There are many different ways to do intermittent fasting, but the most common approach is to fast for 16 hours and eat for 8 hours.
This means that you would eat all of your meals within an 8-hour window, such as from noon to 8 pm.
Then, you would fast for the remaining 16 hours of the day.
During the fasting period, you would not eat or drink any calories.
However, you could still drink water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea.
Intermittent fasting is a great way to improve your overall health and fitness.
It can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and reduce your risk of disease.
Can I Eat Junk During Intermittent Fasting?
You can eat processed food when you break your fast, but it is recommended that you stick to healthy, high-protein, and high-fiber wholefoods foods such as whole grains, nuts, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
However, of course, you can still eat junk food within your eating window.
You just won’t feel great or reap any health benefits by consuming junk.
AVOID JUNK!
Intermittent fasting is not a diet per se, but rather a pattern of eating.
That means that you can still technically enjoy your favorite unhealthy foods as long as you eat them in moderation and at the right times.
For example, if you’re following the 16/8 method of intermittent fasting, you would eat all of your meals within an 8-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours.
That leaves plenty of time for snacking on unhealthy foods.
However, it’s important to remember that intermittent fasting is not a free pass to overeat.
You should still strive to eat healthy, whole foods most of the time and limit your junk food intake to occasional treats.
Or just transition away from junk all together – you’ll thank yourself for it!
What Can I Eat If I Am Hungry During Intermittent Fasting?
You cannot eat anything if you’re hungry during an intermittent fast, but you can drink some beverages that contain no calories, such as unsweetened tea and coffee, water, and lemon juice.
When you break your fast, eat high-fiber foods that will make you feel fuller for longer.
Fiber is an essential nutrient that has a variety of health benefits.
One of the most well-known benefits of fiber is that it can help you feel full.
This is because fiber slows down digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
As a result, you are less likely to feel hungry between meals.
In addition, fiber can also help to reduce the risk of obesity and type II diabetes.
What Are The Rules For Intermittent Fasting?
There are many different ways to do intermittent fasting, but the 16/8 method is one of the most popular.
This involves fasting for 16 hours and eating only during an 8-hour window.
Some people may choose to fast for 24 hours once or twice per week.
If you’re considering giving intermittent fasting a try, you should keep a few things in mind.
- Drink plenty of water
Water is essential for overall health and will also help keep you feeling full while fasting.
Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day, even if you’re not thirsty.
2. Eat healthy foods
When you’re eating, focus on nutrient-dense foods that will give your body the energy it needs.
Fill up on veggies, lean protein, fruit, and whole grains.
Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise is a great way to boost your energy levels and help your body burn more calories.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
4. Listen to your body
If you’re tired or rundown, take a break from intermittent fasting or cut back on the number of days you’re doing it each week.
It’s essential to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs.
5. Don’t skip meals altogether
If you’re going to fast, ensure you’re still eating at least one meal daily.
Skipping meals entirely can lead to unhealthy habits and make it harder to stick to your fasting plan long-term.
6. Don’t overdo it at your meals
Remember that intermittent fasting is about calorie restriction, so don’t go overboard at your meals just because you’re trying to make up for lost time!
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.