Can you have coffee while fasting? Mumbai dietitians tell you more 

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As most Indians follow a fast during the festive season and throughout the year, it is easy for some but may get difficult for others, especially if you are new to it. 

Following family tradition, some take to it adventurously but Mumbai dietitians say you must express caution, depending on the duration, and even the type of fast.

Even as the Navratri fasting period is over, others follow their weekly fasts, making it extremely important to know what you can consume and can’t, especially for those spending more time at the workplace, and fighting the urge to drink tea, coffee and other beverages.

Coffee, tea and fasting

Bhakti Samant, chief dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai says, “It depends on the type of fast. During intermittent fasting, plain black coffee and unsweetened tea are generally acceptable, while adding milk or sugar introduces calories and may break a strict fast. However, caffeine on an empty stomach can trigger acidity, discomfort or palpitations in some people, so moderation is advisable. Water is the preferred option for hydration, while unsweetened herbal tea may be another choice if permitted. During religious fasting, beverage choices should follow the specific fasting rules. People with underlying health conditions should consult their doctor before fasting.”

Zamurrud Patel, who is the chief dietitian at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel breaks it down further, “Yes, you can generally drink coffee and tea while fasting, but it depends on what type of fasting you are doing.”

If your fasting goal is only for weight-loss or intermittent fasting, then here are some tips to remember:
1. Black coffee and plain black tea or green tea without sugar, milk, cream or honey are usually considered okay. They have almost zero calories, so they don’t break the fast. They can also help control hunger.

How to manage:
1. Keep it black – no sugar, jaggery, milk
2. Limit to 2-3 cups, don’t overdo caffeine
3. Avoid flavoured coffees, cold coffees with milk/sugar, or chai latte as those will break the fast
4. If you get acidity, jitters, or sleep issues, cut down on consumption

Fasting for religious reasons 

If your fasting is religious or very strict like no-calorie fasting, then even coffee and tea are usually not allowed. You should follow what your tradition or doctor advises you.

What beverages can one drink during most fasts?
1. Plain water is the best choice, stay well hydrated
2. Black coffee without sugar/milk
3. Black tea, green tea, herbal teas without sugar/milk
4. Sometimes black coffee with a tiny pinch of cinnamon is okay, but no sweeteners
5. In longer fasts, some doctors allow lemon water or water with a pinch of salt/electrolytes, but check with your doctor

Here’s what you should avoid during fasting window

Milk tea or coffee, sugar, honey, juices, diet sodas, coconut water, and bulletproof coffee with butter/ghee – they all have calories and will break the fast.

Tip: If someone has acidity, gastritis, is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has thyroid, diabetes or heart issues, they should not have excess caffeine on an empty stomach and should check with their doctor before fasting.