Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular diet trend in recent years. Many people use intermittent fasting to lose weight, improve health, and simplify their lifestyles. One question that often comes up is whether you can drink bulletproof coffee during a fast.
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is a high-fat, low-carb coffee drink intended to keep you full and energized. The signature bulletproof coffee recipe includes:
- Brewed black coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons grass-fed, unsalted butter
- 1-2 tablespoons MCT oil or coconut oil
This combination provides a boost of healthy fats that can increase satiety, enhance cognitive function, and provide steady energy levels. Many followers of intermittent fasting routines like to enjoy bulletproof coffee in the morning to help them power through until their eating window opens up.
Does Bulletproof Coffee Break a Fast?
Whether or not bulletproof coffee breaks your fast depends on your specific goals and the type of fast you are doing. Here are some general guidelines:
For calorie restriction:
Yes, bulletproof coffee does break a fast if your primary goal is calorie restriction. Even though bulletproof coffee is low in protein and carbohydrates, it still provides a significant number of calories from fat. Consuming it would end your fasting period.
For ketosis:
No, bulletproof coffee should not break a ketogenic fast. Since bulletproof coffee contains only fat and no carbs or protein, it should not interfere with ketosis. The fats are directly burned for energy without causing an insulin spike.
For autophagy:
Possibly. Autophagy is the process by which cells recycle waste material and repair damage. Some research indicates that autophagy may peak between 16-24 hours of fasting. Consuming bulletproof coffee the morning may technically break your fast and interrupt autophagy before it peaks.
For simplified routine:
No, bulletproof coffee does not have to break your fast if your main goal is to simplify your routine and eat only during a designated window. As long as you consume the bulletproof coffee first thing in the morning, it can be considered part of your “fasting” period.
Should You Have Bulletproof Coffee While Fasting?
Whether or not to add bulletproof coffee to your intermittent fasting routine depends on your goals and preferences:
Potential benefits:
- Increased satiety and reduced appetite during the fast
- Enhanced cognitive function and alertness
- Provides steady energy for morning workouts
- High in healthy fats
- May aid ketosis
- Delicious coffee treat to look forward to
Potential drawbacks:
- Technically breaks a fast if seeking calorie restriction or autophagy
- High in calories (200-500 per cup)
- High amounts of butter and oil may cause digestive issues
- Adds extra steps to your fasting routine
- Should not be consumed past late morning
Ultimately it comes down to experimenting to see if bulletproof coffee aids or interferes with your personal fasting regimen and goals.
Tips for Drinking Bulletproof Coffee While Fasting
If you want to try incorporating bulletproof coffee into your fasts, here are some tips to make it more effective:
- Consume first thing in the morning to keep your body in a fasted state as long as possible.
- Mix up the fats – try MCT, coconut, or avocado oil for variety.
- Measure your ingredients carefully until you know how it affects you.
- Start with 1 tbsp each of butter and oil and increase slowly.
- Use a blender for a frothy, latte-like texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for antioxidants and flavor.
- Pair with 30-60 minutes of exercise for increased energy.
- Drink plenty of water all day long.
Sample Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
Try this basic bulletproof coffee recipe during your fasting period:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp grass-fed, unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp MCT oil or coconut oil
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew coffee using your preferred method (french press, pour over, etc.)
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
- Blend for 20-30 seconds until frothy and creamy.
- Enjoy immediately, ideally on an empty stomach in the morning.
Adjust the amounts of fat to suit your calorie needs and tolerance. This can be a filling, energizing beverage to start your day while fasting.
The Verdict
Having bulletproof coffee during your fasting window is likely fine if your main goals are ketosis or simplifying your routine. However, traditional bulletproof coffee does technically break a true fast, since it contains calories that could end up impacting your weight loss or autophagy goals. Modify your recipe or speak to a healthcare provider to see if a bulletproof coffee fast works for your lifestyle and objectives.