I’ve been IF for a few years. IF is Intermittent fasting. I was the first one at my current job to start intermittent fasting. Now it’s a thing with so many. The common question as a tea lover is: “Does tea break a fast?” There is a simple answer. But, does that simple answer, answer all fasting questions? There are many different ways and reasons to fast. It’s not so much does tea break a fast but what teas may break a fast.
The why’s of a fast
No matter what your reason a fast is a purposeful restraining from taking in calories or eating food. There are several reasons for fasting.
Weight loss – While this is something that people do use for weight loss, I’m not a fan. The reason is a weight loss change needs to be a lifestyle change. No one wants to fast forever, it’s not good or healthy unless that fasting is intermittent.
Religious – I’ve been part of the religious community that fasted 3 days every month. Daniels fast, water fasting, and more. Religious fasting can be corporate or individual. The purpose of denying the flesh to increase the spirit, to seek answers, and to get direction.
Health benefits – There are many health benefits to fasting. Sugar, inflammation, heart and brain health, longevity and so much more. While the body is not concentrating on digesting food it can concentrate on other areas of the body.
Mental health – Cleansing the body as well as the mind. The talk of brain fog is real and while you are fasting the brain fog seems to dissipate. Fasting can also increase your clarity and mental alertness.
Medical procedures – Most often any medical procedure, including blood draws require fasting. Some are after midnight or 12-hour fasts. It’s important to follow the directions of these fasts. This allows for a better outcome for the medical procedure.
So why fast?
Fasting is an incredible tool. A tool that is used to (besides religious and medical procedures) stop a process and start a new one. Fasting gives your body and brain rest.
When you fast your organs get a rest. Your body sort of flips a switch and starts to burn fat. Fat that is stored in your body instead of sugar that is stored in the liver. Because of this event, there is some thoughts that the body will:
- Age slower
- Inflammation will decrease
- Blood sugar was normalized
- Mental clarity
I can attest to all these things. Especially the fact that whenever I fast, no matter where in my body I am aching, it stops. From a knuckle to an elbow to my hip. Gone. These results only happen when you fast twelve hours or more without any calories. So a six-hour fast will not get you many results. Increase that six hours to 12 or 24 and you will see some results.
Another fun fact about fasting. You get a ton of work done when you are not worrying about what to eat and preparing it.
What are zero calories and do teas fall under the zero-calorie guideline? What about tea with lemon? Tea with honey? What makes up a calorie and what amount of calories breaks a fast?
What teas do break a fast
Concentrating on teas and herbs in this article. We need first to know that it is macronutrients that will break our fast.
A macronutrient is a food or a chemical element. Both are required for the growth, development, and maintenance of our bodies.
There are seven macronutrients
- Carbohydrates
- Dietary fiber
- Fats
- Minerals
- Proteins
- Vitamins
- Water
Micronutrients – do not break a fast
A micronutrient is a chemical or substance that is needed in small amounts. They help our bodies grow and develop.
There are also seven micronutrients
- Boron
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Iron
- Copper
- Molybdenum
- Chlorine
What teas to use during fasting
While there are some who don’t believe in adding any calories. There are others who believe 50-100 calories will be okay. Who thinks 100 calories is okay? Those who believe in a term called “dirty fasting”. Anyone who talks about intermittent fasting has heard the term dirty fasting. I believe dirty fasting is just a fad and will fade away. It’s just not a fast. If you are taking in calories, raising those sugar levels, and engaging the digestive system you are not fasting.
Loose-leaf teas no matter how you use them are the most acceptable teas to use during fasting periods.
What teas are good to go for your fast?
Green tea – increases metabolism and energy production
The steaming process creates a difference in the flavor between Chinese and Japanese green tea
Black tea – assist with energy and control hunger pain
Fat and strong leaves, slightly curly, dark brown, and shiny in color
Taste soft and sweet, potato and floral aromas intertwined, with a special "cong” flavor
Ginger tea – calms the stomach and can assist in burning fat
An invigorating blend of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and other fragrant spices, this loose leaf blend draws from Ayurvedic principles to energize and awaken your mind and body--all without caffeine! This autumnal tisane brews to a beautiful copper hue and can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Rooibos tea – Supports liver function and fights free radicals that can cause skin aging
Like a scotch or wine 'flight' (or tea sampler) we are introducing our 3 Rooibos Flight to introduce you to a wide range of our custom blended Rooibos. In this package, you get 1/2 oz of our already famous Valerian Root blend of Bedtime Chai the decadent dessert tea blend Tiramisu and one of my all-time favorites, Gingerbread Chai! Buy loose leaf Rooibos tea samples with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Oolong tea – Oolong teas can reduce fat cells as well as help to increase metabolism
Floral and honey aroma with slightly baked fragrance
Peppermint tea – Calms the gut and aid with any IBS discomfort
This caffeine-free herbal tea when mixed with peppermint, produces a delightful brew that contains all the goodness and health benefits of Moringa and Mint.
Chamomile tea – is anti-inflammatory and helps digestion. Calms the soul
If you are working hard to fast, why take in any calories that may break the flow of the fast you have chosen? There are a lot of teas in these categories. I am very sure you will find one that will not only quench your thirst but assist you throughout your fasting.
Tea and Herbal Teas (Micronutrient)
Herbal teas can break your fast! Most herbal teas contain dried fruit pieces that contain sugar. That bit of sugar will spike your insulin and break your fast. There are so many herbs out there that you can drink that will not break your fast. You will have to read labels to know exactly what you are consuming.
What you need to remember when drinking tea, though, is that it should not contain any additives. In other words, you cannot add sugar, milk, cream, or anything else you might think of. Only unsweetened green, black, and herbal teas are allowed on a fast.
Tea does contain caffeine.
Caffeine can upset your fast. Herbal teas do contain micronutrients. Any tea you consume during a fast should be sweetener-free. That includes honey. I’ve never really drunk my tea with a sweetener, so that part is very easy for me. If you do want to drink tea and need it to be a little sweet try adding mint or blackberry leaf. Does wonders. Licorice as well adds a really nice sweet touch without the calories or concern.
Accordingly, in no way does
Knowing your body will also give you indicators on what you can and cannot do on a fast. What is your body sensitive to? How much of anyone ingredient gets is your digestive system going? What stalls your ketosis? These are questions you have to ask yourself and listen to what your body is saying. There are several tests you can do at home to know where you are during your fasting.
Does green tea break a fast?
If you are speaking about a loose leaf of green tea then the answer is no. Matcha tea which is a green tea would break a fast. Not because of the tea but because it is generally taken while eating a piece of sweet candy. Sometimes the candy is eaten before drinking the matcha.
What if you add milk to your tea? If you feel you really have to have that milk in your tea. Then adding 1-2 teaspoons will not raise your calorie count. Your body will still remain fasted. However, this is something I would not choose to do. This is also up for debate between nutrition professionals.
Does tea break intermittent fasting?
No, as long it’s a
Can you drink tea during a 24 hour fast? Yes, the only exception is that of a medical procedure. At times they will tell you no tea. If you are told no tea, then no tea it is. At times you will be required to do a fast with no food or liquids. Doctors order rules here. Take care of yourself!
Does tea with lemon break a fast?
If you are just using the juice of a lemon or allowing the lemon to just infuse the tea then you are good. While it does not break the fast or add any macronutrients, I’d not consider eating the lemon at any point. But vitamin C can help the body with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Do teas with fruits break a fast?
Infused teas do not break a fast as per calories. However, if you are sensitive to fruits and they get your sugar levels going then it’s a no. All fruits and fruit juices contain glucose and fructose. Taking these in during a fast will increase insulin release.
Does mint tea break a fast?
This is probably the most asked question about teas and fasting. Mint tea can contain calories but not a significant amount to hurt or break a fast. So enjoy that tea and those herbs!!!!
Do herbs or spices break a fast?
If you are infusing these I’m going to go with the 50 calories rule and say you are safe. While I tend to stay away from herbs and spices during my fasting periods, that is just a rule I set for myself.
All in all, it’s not so much a tea that breaks the fast but what you may add into the tea. If you abstain from caffeine then teas will not be a good choice. Most if not all teas from the Camellia Sinensis plant contain caffeine.
Are there health benefits to tea and fasting?
Having tea during your fast may be a benefit as well. The health benefits of tea are abounding.
Hunger pains – There is going to be a void when you fast. That void will be food and your body is going to notice. Most of my fasts go pretty smoothly. I mentally prepare for months. But there have been fasts that I would have eaten my shoe. Drinking tea during a fast can help ease those cravings and stomach challenges. The catechins help reduce the hunger craving hormone called ghrelin. Calming that beast will lead to a smoother fasting transition.
Loss of weight – Drinking tea is not a singular weight loss supplement. Green tea can and will increase your metabolism. Increasing your metabolism. A reduction in calories, as well as an increase in activity, can lead to weight loss.
Calmness – L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea. L-theanine can help lower your stress levels. The brewing of a cup of tea can be meditative. That first scent is soothing. There is something about a warm or hot cup of tea.
Autophagy – Authopgary helps clean out the old tissues and cells and maintains muscle mass. It’s also a big factor in slowing down the aging process.
Skin – Fasting, and tea slow your metabolism. Both contribute to anti-aging properties, the skin benefits. By no longer eating the skin has time to breathe!
Conclusion
Are you fasting yet? When I fast, tea is my best friend. Carbs are the enemy. BOY, do I crave carbs. I’m thankful for tea and the health benefits. When the aches leave my body and my mind clears I am every thankful for my fasting and fasted life. So drink your tea. Prepare and heal. Your cup of tea is not a hindrance but an absolute benefit.
In a hurry? But your fasting and you need to know what teas now? So here’s the top tea we recommend – if you want to know why, or see the other reviews, feel free to check them out below. But if you need something now, here’s our top choice:”
3 thoughts on “Worried About The Teas That Will Break Your Fast? Don’t!”
Hello can I drink liquorice and peppermint tea while intermittent fasting?
Hi Helen, I sure did. But I’m not a doctor or an expert in those areas, I’m just an expert with teas.
Some consider the herbs to contain at least one calorie. One calorie is not going to ruin your fast. Just do not add any sort of sweetener (licorice is sweet enough).
Let me know how you are doing with your IF. I still maintain that lifestyle and probably always will.
Hi. I really enjoyed reading your very interesting and enlightening article that focused on tea and intermittent fasting. I am currently doing 16:8 fasting. I do have a question though, can I have Twining fruit tea such as strawberry and mango? Thanking you in advance for your assistance.