what is lemon water | Benefits | Does Lemon Water Break A Fast | Alternatives
Does Lemon water break a fast? let’s find out…..Fasting used to be limited to just religious and cultural practices not long ago. However, with the introduction of intermittent fasting, it has become a lifestyle for many. For this reason, it’s essential to know what is right or wrong to consume while fasting.
Are you here to find out, can I drink lemon water while fasting? In simple words, anything with calories can break a fast. However, sometimes beverages with a very low number of calories can be consumed. Since lemon water only has around 11-30 calories per glass, you could drink it while fasting.
To find out more, keep reading!
What Is Lemon Water?
Many people ask, does lemon water break a fast? To answer this, we must first understand what lemon water is.
Lemon water is water infused with the citrus juice of lemon or lime. It can vary in terms of concentration, depending on how much citrus infusion is added to the water. The more the citrus infusion, the more concentrated the water will be, which means the lemon’s taste will be more detectable.
There are many different methods of how this liquid drink is ingested; most vary from one geographical location to the other. Some people like to warm the water before mixing the lemon juice and having it in the morning. Others decide to add some ice for a cooling effect to beat the heat.
Benefits of Lemon Water?
When lemon juice or citrus liquid is squeezed right into the water, there is a citrus infusion that uplifts the benefits that plain water would have.
How so? To find out, we need to look at what lemon contains.
Lemons have a high level of Vitamin C, which has multiple health benefits such as protection against colds, various immune system deficiencies, skin wrinkling, and eye diseases, among other such notable health issues. Vitamin C is also present in other citrus fruits, such as oranges.
Lemon also contains other vitamins, such as vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B6. These vitamins are much more than letters and numbers. Vitamin B1 enables the body to take advantage of carbohydrates as energy, and Vitamin B2 (also known as Riboflavin) is required for cellular respiration.
Lemon water can easily be made by adding slices of lemon, rather than just the juice. It tastes great either way. Some people enjoy the visual effect of lemon slices in water and prefer it that way – a pleasure for the naked eye.
Does Lemon Water Break A Fast?
So, what’s the story behind drinking lemon water while fasting? First, it’s important to remember that you can continue to have water in the fasting period since it’s 0 calories, and it’s important to stay hydrated!
Water is essential in intermittent fasting because it’s a hydrator, a cleanser, and can boost metabolism. Water is a vital source of nutrition that the body needs to function properly. It also provides a cushion for joints, such as knees and elbows, and is thus a source of protection.
But what happens when you add lemon to your water?
You may be wondering, does lemon water break a fast? Technically, it does, because anything that contains calories breaks a fast.
However, if you’re asking can I drink lemon water while fasting? Yes, you can!
Despite the fact that it contains calories, lemon water only has approximately 11 – 30 calories per glass, which does not defeat the purpose of intermittent fasting. Hence, lemon water can be consumed during a fast. This is great news for those of us who love to add a citric note to our drinks. Does lemon water break a fast, no it does not if in moderation.
Lemon Water Alternatives
Since lemon water has a very low-calorie count, you can consume it during your fasting period without worrying about the effectiveness of your fast.
Just like lemon water, there are a few other beverages that are just as low when it comes to the calorie count:
- Green Tea: this drink isn’t just low in calories (around 2-3 calories per cup); it also suppresses hunger and decreases cholesterol!
- Coffee: we mean plain black coffee, not a latte or cappuccino! Plain black coffee won’t break your fast and will give you the energy to fight fasting fatigue.
- Salt Water: adding salt to a glass of water won’t break your fast and can help you fight headaches and fatigue.
- Cucumber Water: just like adding lemon to your water won’t break your fast, neither will putting a few slices of cucumber in your glass of water.
Intermittent fasting is more than just fasting; it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle that allows you to reach your health goals. Most people find this technique of fasting to be very beneficial because it’s not too strict. You can set your own hours and consume zero or low-calorie drinks, such as lemon water.
If you’ve been practicing intermittent fasting for a while or just starting out, you can also try out our 21-day intermittent fasting challenge. Just remember, the next time you’re feeling thirsty during your fast, get yourself a glass of lemon water! Now that you know that lemon water doesn’t break a fast, you can enjoy the many health benefits that lemon water has to offer.
