What juice can you drink while fasting?
Fasting has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight, improve health, and simplify eating habits. During a fast, only certain beverages are allowed. Juice is one drink that can be enjoyed during fasts, but not all juices are created equal when it comes to fasting. The best juices for fasting are low in sugar and calories while providing essential nutrients.
Overview of Popular Types of Fasts
There are several different types of fasts, each with their own rules about what can and cannot be consumed:
- Water fast: Only water, coffee, and tea (without milk or sugar) are allowed during a water fast. Fruit or vegetable juices are not permitted.
- Juice fast: Fruit and vegetable juices are encouraged during juice fasts while foods and other beverages are restricted.
- Intermittent fasting: No foods or beverages with calories are consumed during the fasting window. Water, coffee, and tea are okay during fasts.
- Alternate day fasting: On fasting days, juices may be permitted in moderation depending on the plan. On non-fasting days, no restrictions apply.
The primary beverages allowed on most fasts are plain water, unsweetened coffee, and unsweetened tea. What about juice? Here is a detailed look at whether juice can be consumed during fasting.
Can You Drink Juice While Fasting?
Juice is often considered an acceptable beverage during certain types of fasts. However, it depends on the specific fasting regimen:
- Juice fasts: All juices are permitted.
- Intermittent fasting and alternate day fasting: Juices with calories break the fast, so they are typically avoided during the fasting periods.
- Water fasts: Fruit and vegetable juices are restricted completely.
On fasting plans that allow juices, it is important to choose low-sugar, low-calorie options to get the most benefits. Juices high in sugar and calories can spike blood sugar and insulin levels, which can inhibit ketosis and fat burning.
Best Juices for Fasting
If your fast allows juices, these are some of the best options:
Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juices provide minimal sugar and calories along with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some good vegetable juices for fasting include:
- Cucumber juice
- Tomato juice
- Carrot juice
- Beet juice
- Celery juice
- Spinach juice
- Kale juice
- Broccoli juice
Aim for juices made from at least 80% non-starchy vegetables to keep sugar and calories low.
Green Juices
Green juices are made by combining leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard, collard greens, parsley, cilantro, and more. Green juices pack a nutritional punch without excess sugar.
Lemon Water
Although not a true juice, lemon water is a tangy, refreshing beverage that provides some nutrients. It is made by squeezing fresh lemon juice into water. Some lemon slices may also be added.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissue in water for several hours, which releases beneficial nutrients. It can be enjoyed plain or with added seasoning.
Juices to Avoid While Fasting
These juices are higher in sugar and calories so they are not the best options for fasting:
- Fruit juices like orange, apple, grape, cranberry, etc.
- Coconut water
- Sweetened juice blends or bottled juices
- Juice cleanses or detox drinks with added sweeteners
Some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of low-sugar fruit juices like lemon, lime, or tomato juice. But it is best to minimize fruit juices as much as possible when fasting to prevent insulin spikes.
Benefits of Drinking Juice While Fasting
Here are some potential benefits of incorporating low-sugar, low-calorie juices into a fast:
- Hydration – Juices can provide hydration, electrolytes, and minerals.
- Nutrition – Juices supply antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients from fruits and veggies.
- Energy – The natural sugars in juices can help maintain energy levels.
- Satiety – Juices provide flavor and volume which supports satiety during fasts.
- Health promotion – Vegetable juices may boost immunity, heart health, digestion, and more.
- Variety – Juices add variety to plain water for greater adherence to fasts.
Tips for Drinking Juice While Fasting
Here are some tips to get the most out of juices during a fast:
- Stick to low-sugar vegetable juices and green juices.
- Avoid fruit juices or limit to a small glass per day.
- Dilute fruit and carrot juices with water or club soda.
- Avoid sweetened bottled juices.
- Make fresh juices at home to control ingredients.
- Aim for at least 80% vegetables in homemade juices.
- Include green veggies like kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, etc.
- Flavor with herbs, spices, lemon/lime instead of sweeteners.
- Consume juices slowly and mindfully.
- Listen to your body – juices may need to be reduced or avoided if they trigger hunger.
Sample 1-Day Juice Fast Schedule
Here is an example of what a juice fast day might look like:
Time | Beverage |
---|---|
8 am | Warm lemon water |
10 am | Green juice |
12 pm | Vegetable juice |
3 pm | Bone broth |
6 pm | Herbal tea |
This provides variety and important nutrients without excessive calories to get the benefits of fasting.
Should You Drink Juice While Intermittent Fasting?
During intermittent fasting’s fasting period, juices are generally avoided since they contain calories that break the fast. However, some people may incorporate juice into a modified intermittent fasting schedule in a couple ways:
- Drinking vegetable juice as part of a small meal to break a 16+ hour fast.
- Having a small glass of vegetable juice during the eating window.
Consuming juice, even low-calorie vegetable juice, technically breaks the fast. But a small amount of juice can allow some benefits of intermittent fasting for those who struggle with water-only fasts. Just be cautious of juices triggering increased hunger.
Precautions with Juice Fasting
Here are some precautions to keep in mind with juice fasts:
- Consult your doctor before fasting, especially if you have any medical conditions.
- Pay attention to signs of low blood sugar like dizziness, nausea, fatigue.
- Be prepared for possible side effects like headaches, cravings, irritability.
- Don’t fast for more than a few days at a time.
- Stay hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day.
- Don’t do strenuous exercise while fasting.
- Break your fast if you feel unwell for any reason.
Bottom Line
To sum up, it is possible to drink juice during certain types of fasts. Focus on low-sugar, low-calorie vegetable and green juices to minimize impact on ketosis and fat burning. Avoid fruit juices and sweetened bottled juices when fasting. Pay attention to your body’s signals when incorporating juices into a fast. And of course, get medical guidance about fasting if you have any health issues.