Fasting is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It has been found to have a plethora of health benefits, from weight loss to improved brain function. But, as with any trend, there are a lot of misconceptions and questions floating around.
One of the most common questions being, “Can I drink orange juice while fasting?” The short answer is no, you can’t. But let’s dive a little deeper into why.
Fasting 101
First, let’s define what fasting is. Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food or certain types of food for a specific period of time. There are many different types of fasting, such as intermittent fasting, time-restricted fasting, and water fasting, but the basic principle is the same – abstaining from food.
Now, let’s talk about orange juice. Orange juice is a liquid, but it is still a form of food. It is made from the juice of oranges and usually contains added sugar. So, when you’re fasting, you’re supposed to abstain from all forms of food, including orange juice.
But it’s just juice!
I know what you’re thinking, “But it’s just juice! How can that be considered food?” Well, technically speaking, juice is still a form of food.
It may not be solid like a sandwich or a bowl of cereal, but it still contains calories and sugar. When you’re fasting, the goal is to reduce your calorie intake to a minimum, and orange juice doesn’t fit into that category.
Orange Juice and Intermittent Fasting
Now, I know you’re thinking, “But what about Intermittent Fasting? Can I drink orange juice then?” The answer is still no, but for different reasons.
Intermittent fasting is a type of fasting where you alternate periods of eating with periods of fasting. The most popular type of Intermittent Fasting is 16/8, which means you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window.
During the fasting period, the goal is still to abstain from food, including orange juice. Even though you’re allowed to eat during the 8-hour window, it’s important to remember that the goal of Intermittent Fasting is to reduce your overall calorie intake, and orange juice is still high in calories and sugar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Can I drink orange juice while fasting?” is no, you can’t. Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food, and orange juice is still a form of food, even if it’s liquid.
However, if you’re interested in Intermittent Fasting, the answer is still no, you should avoid drinking orange juice during the fasting period. But if you want to know more about Intermittent Fasting and orange juice, check out our article on “Intermittent Fasting and Orange Juice: Can They Coexist?“