Introduction
About one-third of the world’s population observes fasting in one form or another, from religious to health reasons. During this period, water is the number one necessity, but we often need a little more variety in which we can stay hydrated. Moreover, in hot weather or if you’re fasting for an extended period, you need more than just water to maintain a balanced electrolyte level and replenish your organs’ energy reserves. With this in mind, here are the best beverages to drink while fasting to stay hydrated and nourished.
5 Beverages to Keep You Hydrated During Fasting
Water is the most important drink while fasting, but you can call it fancy water by adding a pinch of pink Himalayan salt or a few drops of lemon juice to your glass. Coconut water is another great source of hydration, and it’s rich in electrolytes, particularly potassium, which is vital for heart health. Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger and fennel, work wonders to calm you down, reduce inflammation, bloating, and alleviate headaches. If you need a pick-me-up, black coffee is an excellent choice because it increases both alertness and metabolism, helping you burn calories quickly. Bone broth is a superfood that is rich in collagen and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It promotes healthy gut microbiome, nourishes joint health, and aids in detoxification.
Fasting-Friendly Smoothies to Boost Your Energy
Smoothies can be an excellent way to get some fuel in your body while fasting. However, you need to be picky about your ingredients to avoid adding unnecessary sugars and calories. Vegetable-based smoothies are the best choice because they’re low in sugar and high in fiber and vitamins. For example, the sweet potato pie smoothie recipe includes steamed sweet potato, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon to create a delicious, nutrient-dense smoothie that won’t sabotage your fast. The kale green smoothie is another excellent recipe to try, which includes kale, cucumber, lemon, and mint. This smoothie is low-calorie and packed with powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and boost your immunity. Cucumber mint smoothie combines cucumber, mint, coconut water, and lemon for a refreshing and hydrating drink that helps control blood sugar and balance your electrolyte level.
Sipping Your Way Through the Fast: 3 Drinks to Beat Hunger Pangs
Hunger pangs can be hard to ignore, but you can overcome them with some delicious and healthy drinks. Apple cider vinegar is an old remedy that has been proven to suppress appetite and balance blood sugar levels. You can drink it with water or add it to your tea or smoothie. Peppermint tea is another excellent choice because it contains menthol, which has appetite-suppressing properties and helps with digestion. Green tea is a remarkable drink for fasting because it’s rich in antioxidants called catechins, which help boost your metabolism and reduce belly fat.
Intermittent Fasting: How to Stay Refreshed Without Breaking Your Fast
Intermittent fasting involves long hours of abstaining from food, and it’s paramount that you stay refreshed without breaking your fast. Sparkling water is an excellent option because it’s calorie-free and helps fight bloating and cravings. Unsweetened cranberry juice is another great drink that you can dilute with water to avoid adding too many calories. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help improve digestion and immune system. Lemon water is also a great choice to stay refreshed and hydrated. It’s rich in vitamin C, boosts your metabolism, and promotes healthy digestion.
Alternatives to Water: 4 Drinks That Won’t Break Your Fast
If you want some variety in your fast without adding too many calories, there are some great alternatives to water. Broth, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, is a fantastic option because it’s rich in minerals, amino acids, and collagen, which help support your gut health, skin, and joints. Coconut water is another excellent choice because it’s low in calories and rich in electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Green tea is another staple in the fast because it’s rich in antioxidants, helps fight free radicals, and promotes fat-burning. You can also dilute it with water to avoid adding too much caffeine. A high-quality apple cider vinegar drink can also be a beneficial drink while fasting. It provides acetic acid, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels, lower insulin, and improve digestion.
5 Drinks to Keep You Satisfied During Your Fast
If you’re looking for a satisfying drink to keep you full during your fast, you need to look for low-calorie drinks that have a lot of volume. Almond milk is a great option because it’s low in calories and high in protein and healthy fats, which keep you full and energized. Herbal tea, such as licorice, cinnamon, or hibiscus tea, can also be quite satisfying because they have a sweet taste without adding sugar or calories. Sparkling water is also an excellent choice to maintain hydration levels and suppress cravings. Finally, tomato juice is a great drink to keep you full because it contains lycopene, an antioxidant that promotes heart health and prevents cancer.
Conclusion
Staying hydrated while fasting is critical for your success. When choosing what to drink during your fast, make sure you select calorie-free, low-sugar, and non-acidic drinks. This way, you’ll provide your body with the necessary hydration and nourishment to function correctly and heal itself. With these 18 drinks, there’s a wide range of options from herbal teas to refreshing broths that will satisfy your thirst and keep you going through your fast.