Intermittent Fasting: What To Drink To Curb Hunger Pangs
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You might have heard about intermittent fasting and the positive results people are experiencing? Now you are all pumped up to give it a try.
If you are new to intermittent fasting, I am not going to lie, the first few days/weeks can be hard because of the hunger pangs.
My initial hunger cravings were pretty intense but I was motivated about intermittent fasting. My biggest motivation was weight loss.
The good news is that it does get easier.
In this post, I am sharing the beverages that I drink that helped me get through my initial hunger pangs. They have successfully helped me to control my appetite if I am feeling hungry.
Let’s do it!
Water
You should have a large glass of cold water first thing upon rising. Water helps keep you hydrated and makes you feel less hungry for a time. If you feel your stomach starting to cramp a little and are getting some rumblings, then try some sparkling water and that should settle things down.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Every morning, I have 1 TBSP of apple cider vinegar with a pinch of Himalayan sea salt in a large glass of water. I find this really does the trick for me and satisfies any cravings. The Himalayan sea salt helps to replenish the electrolytes or minerals (from not eating) that your body needs to function.
Green Tea
Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing tea break? Well, you can enjoy your favorite cup of green tea not only to relax but you can also enjoy the health benefits. Green tea contains polyphenols and antioxidants that may boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss.
For something different, try adding a little cinnamon to your tea or coffee. Cinnamon has been referred to as “nature’s gastric band” and for good reason. Research has proven that cinnamon can lessen your hunger pains and stabilize your blood sugar. Add some spice to your life and see what happens.
Coffee
While coffee already is known to have some great health benefits, high levels of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients, the next time you are craving a cup of java go for decaf. Studies show that decaffeinated coffee helps decrease hunger and increase the satiety hormone, PYY, more than regular coffee or caffeine in water.
Chia Seeds with Water
The tiny little black seeds are full of essential nutrients. They contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids and are high in soluble fiber. Chia seeds will absorb water and form a gel-like consistency when soaked in liquid. So if you are doing a fast, they will help suppress hunger.
According to Dr. Jason Fung, author of the top fasting books, The Obesity Code and The Complete Guide to Fasting, mention that you can take these to help suppress hunger. Even though technically breaking a fast, the effect is so small that it does not take away from the benefits of the fast. I tried the chia seeds and they really work.
There you have it in a nutshell, a few ideas to add to your repertoire to help control hunger pangs so you don’t get hangry!
Lastly, don’t sweat it if you end up breaking your fast early or need to add a little creamer to your coffee. This is your personal journey and you need to do listen to your body and made adjustments on the way.
Most importantly, remember to also consult your doctor before starting any new program to make sure you are being safe.
If you have any comments or questions related to this post or if you want to share a personal experience, I would love to hear from you.
