So I’ve pretty much done intermittent fasting since the dawn of time since I’ve never really had an appetite in the morning/early afternoon. I do however have coffee with low calorie creamer. It’s 10 calories per tablespoon and I end up using 4. So 40 calories total. I don’t start eating until 2pm then I stop at 9 but I am trying to aim more for 18:6. I’m wondering if that 40 calories really matters or if I need to quit having it before 2? (I can’t cope with black coffee)
Edit to add that the creamer is vegan and has no sugar. Not sure if that info matters but I thought I’d share.
Side note, changing to 18:6 is just hard for me since my only way to the gym is by my roommate or girlfriend when they get off of work later in the evening and go a bit later. Not getting home until 8 makes that difficult. Eating before the gym makes me too bleh so I have to eat after to be able function.
If you get into the technical definition of IF, then yes, having that creamer in your coffee breaks your fast.
However, I believe that IF is about creating a long-term, sustainable, healthy lifestyle. If having 40kcal of creamer in your coffee helps you get through your fasting window (and makes life more enjoyable) go ahead and add it! You are doing great and at the end of the day 40kcal will not make or break your progress.
It is a marathon, not a sprint. This is not a strict fad diet that you’ll “follow for six weeks and lose 60 pounds!”. Do it however it works for you and don’t worry about labels (whether or not you’re “dirty IF” or “clean IF”). Keep up the great work, I’m proud of you!
I’m new, but learning a lot every day! I think for some people this could def trigger an insulin response which could hinder your weight loss… I struggled with black coffee too but now approaching the end of week two i’m starting to like it, and have my mid day coffee with cream and keto hot chocolate powder and it’s like a heavenly treat I look forward to. Could you try that?