I’ve been doing the 16:8 fasting for a few days and thought I was doing really well sticking to it. Except my husband has just pointed out that I’m not, as I have tea with milk. Quite a lot of it! I know I’d find it really difficult without, but will try to cut down.
How much difference will the milk make? Am I not really fasting at all?
Hi Squidge
I do 16:8 – but I also have coffee in the morning with a splash of milk. I use a soy milk which is lower in carbs than most dairy milks.
I know the fasting gurus will say that this is not fasting, but even Dr Fung says in answer to a question “While fasting is it okay to drink coffee with milk? I can’t do black coffee. I have a little milk with my coffee. ” He replies “Technically, the milk does not fall within the guidelines of a true fast, but the small amount of milk/ cream added to coffee improves compliance tremendously for some people. So in our program, we absolutely allow milk/ cream in coffee, but no sweeteners or sugar.”
So I take that onboard, and I know that 16:8 really helps me keep on track. At the moment I am in maintenance and I know that TRE helps my weight stay steady – along with low carb.
So – if it helps you Squidge, then I’d say go for it!!
Thanks, MerryMelba.
‘Cheating’ with the milk is probably better than not trying it at all. I have a selection of fruit and herb teas, bought for people who haven’t been here to drink them due to lockdown, so I’m going to try substituting some of those for a few cups of my regular tea with milk. Just drinking a mint one. It’s … umm … odd.
Are you in Melbourne Squidge?
As Dr Fung says – a dash of cream (which is delicious in coffee) or a splash of milk won’t harm your fast!
No – I’m the opposite side of the planet!
I’ll experiment with the herbal ones anyway. I might get to like them – then I could drink them when visiting friends who use skimmed milk. That’s awful in tea. And anywhere else.
I use the dash of cream in coffee occasionally when fasting.
Thanks, SunnyB.
I’ll try to reduce the amount of tea with milk I have, but if that’s what I need to help me stick to it, I won’t fret about having it.
btw, just had a jasmine one. It made me think fondly of the mint!
Squidge, I really enjoy Licorice tea after someone here recommended it. Give it a go if you haven’t tried it. It has a slightly sweet flavour so can help curb a sweet craving.
Thanks, MerryMelba.
You’ve reminded me about fennel, as that has an aniseed flavour … which now I think about it makes no sense! Anyway, I have fennel seeds and heard they make a nice tea, so I’ll try them.