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Writer's pictureAutumn Bates, CCN, MS, BS, CPT

Does Coconut Milk Break a Fast? [Intermittent Fasting Tips]

Updated: Jan 19, 2022


Does coconut milk break a fast if you're using Intermittent Fasting? What about coconut water? Today, I'm diving into coconut milk, as well as other coconut products, and whether or not it breaks a fast.

does coconut milk break a fast

Does Coconut Milk Break a Fast?

There are two important pieces of information we need to determine before answering this question:

  1. What's your goal with Intermittent Fasting?

  2. What type of coconut milk are you using?

If you're using a "true" fast, then anything other than water and electrolytes will break your fast. However, if your primary goal with Intermittent Fasting is to tap into fat burning and achieve a weight loss goal, then you have a bit more flexibility with what you add during the fast. It all comes down to the "1 gram rule".


If you're new here and haven't learned about the 1 gram rule, then you can check out THIS blog post for the details.


In short, the ingredients used during a fast need to amount to no more than 1 gram of carbohydrates or protein total.


Now we need to answer the type of coconut milk that you're using. If you're using coconut milk from a carton, then as long as you're under 8 oz., you'll stay under the 1 gram rule and can use coconut milk during your fast. However, if the coconut milk is sweetened, then any amount of the coconut milk will break your fast.


If you're using coconut milk from a can, then you'll want to keep it to no more than 2 tablespoons of coconut milk in order to stay under the 1 gram rule.


Pssst - wondering what type of fasting is best for your goals? Click below for my free Intermittent Fasting Schedule quiz to find out!





does coconut milk break a fast

Does Coconut Water Break a Fast?

Coconut water may come from coconuts, but the nutritional break down is entirely different than coconut milk. Coconut water is the naturally sweet and sugary part of the coconut. In fact, even at just 1 oz., you'll still be hovering around 1 gram of total sugars and proteins. As a good rule of thumb, you'll want to avoid using coconut water during the fast. Otherwise, you run the risk of spiking the storing hormone insulin, shutting off fat burning and breaking the fast.



does coconut milk break a fast

Does Coconut Sugar Break a Fast?

Coconut sugar is the sugar that has been extracted from coconuts. Even though it might sound a bit healthier than traditional cane sugar, it is still a form of added sugar. Just like cane sugar, coconut sugar comes in at 4 grams of sugar per teaspoon. For this reason, coconut sugar should be avoided during the fast.


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Your Nutritionist,

Autumn


does coconut milk break a fast

Autumn Elle Nutrition


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