Top Fasting Drink Mixes to Support Your Intermittent Fasting Plan

Using Fasting Drink Mixes to Support Your Intermittent Fasting Journey

Intermittent fasting has become an incredibly popular health and weight loss approach. During the fasting period, consuming zero-calorie beverages can help curb hunger. This is where fasting drink mixes come in handy. Let's explore how fasting drink mixes can support your intermittent fasting plan.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating. It doesn't specify which foods to eat, just when you should eat them. There are several IF approaches including:

• 16:8 method - Fast for 16 hours per day, eat within an 8 hour window.
• 5:2 diet - Eat regularly 5 days a week, fast 2 days a week.
• Alternate day fasting - Fast every other day.
• One meal a day - Eat one meal per day within a 1-2 hour time frame.

Typical intermittent fasting hours are between 14-18 hours for daily fasts. Fasting periods longer than 24 hours can be done a few times per month.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Research shows intermittent fasting may provide these benefits:

• Weight and fat loss - by reducing calorie intake
• Lower inflammation - reduces inflammatory markers
• Enhanced cardiovascular health - improves cholesterol and blood pressure
• Increased longevity - activates repair processes
• Boosted brain function - promotes neuron growth

However, always consult your doctor before starting an intermittent fasting regimen.

Supporting Intermittent Fasting with Drinks

During the fasting window, you can consume zero-calorie beverages to help curb hunger. Plain water is the simplest option. But drinking only water for hours on end can get boring. This is where fasting drink mixes come in.

Fasting drink mixes provide flavor, variety and key electrolytes lost through fasting. They make water tastier and more appealing when fasting. Most fasting drink mix options have little to no calories, so they don't break your fast.

Types of Fasting Drink Mixes

There are several categories of drink mixes suitable for fasting windows:

Powdered Water Enhancers

Powdered water enhancers allow you to add a hint of flavor and sweetness to plain water. Popular brands like Mio and Crystal Light have dozens of options like lemonade, peach tea, strawberry-kiwi, etc. Just add a squirt of the concentrated liquid to your water.

Benefits:

• Zero calories
• Wide range of flavors
• Portable and easy to use

Liquid Water Flavorings

Liquid water enhancers like Stur and True Lemon provide light flavor without sweetness. They come in lemon, lime, grapefruit and cucumber varieties. Just add several drops to your water bottle and shake.

Benefits:

• Zero calories and sugar
• Natural flavors
• Premeasured servings

Flavored Powdered Drink Mixes

Drink mixes like Crystal Light powdered beverage mix allow you to make flavored drinks by the glass or pitcher. These contain artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors.

Benefits:

• Low-calorie
• Portion control
• Economical

Natural Drink Enhancement Powders

Natural drink mixes like Dandy Blend provide powder made from plants, fruits and vegetables. You can mix with hot or cold water for instant flavored drinks.

Benefits:

• 100% natural
• Caffeine-free options
• Vitamins and antioxidants

Electrolyte Drink Mixes

Electrolyte powders and tablets add sodium, potassium and magnesium to your water. These minerals are essential for hydration and get depleted when fasting.

Benefits:

• Replenishes electrolytes
• Supports energy
• Minimizes headaches and fatigue

Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular health tonic with many proposed benefits. Mixing it with water not only makes it palatable but may boost fasting fat burn.

Benefits:

• Suppresses appetite
• Improves digestion
• Stimulates metabolism
• Alkalizes pH

Bone Broth

Sipping on bone broth is a nourishing way to get through a fasting window. The protein and electrolytes can curb hunger pangs. Opt for a low-sodium variety.

Benefits:

• Fills stomach
• Provides electrolytes
• Contains protein
• Reduces cravings

Herbal Teas

Sipping on herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, ginger or hibiscus tea can support fasting. The antioxidants may provide health perks as well.

Benefits:

• Zero calories
• Antioxidants
• Flavor and aroma
• Calming effect

Choosing the Best Fasting Drink Mixes

With so many drink options, which fasting beverages are best? Here are some tips for choosing optimal fast-friendly drinks:

• Zero calories - Stick to unsweetened options to remain in a fasted state.
• Electrolytes - Look for drinks with sodium, magnesium and potassium to replenish fasting losses.
• Natural flavors - Avoid artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives when possible.
• Variety - Having multiple drink choices prevents flavor fatigue.
• Caffeine-free - Limit stimulants that can disrupt sleep cycles.
• Portability - Opt for powdered mixes, enhancers and tablets you can take anywhere.

Tips for Using Fasting Drink Mixes

Here are some tips to make the most of your intermittent fasting drink mixes:

• Carry a water bottle with you to always have a fast-friendly beverage on hand.
• Try a new flavor daily to prevent taste bud boredom.
• Consume electrolytes within 30-60 minutes of waking to rehydration and rev metabolism.
• Infuse your water with fruits and herbs for extra flavor.
• Set phone alerts to remember to drink up at regular intervals.
• Freeze fruit-infused ice cubes to add variety and hydration.
• Dilute ACV drinks to make them more palatable.
• Sip bone broth slowly to maximize satisfaction.

Sample Fasting Drink Schedule

Your fasting drink schedule may look something like this:

• 7 AM - Electolyte tablet in lemon water upon waking
• 9 AM - Herbal tea
• 11 AM - Flavored drink mix
• 1 PM - Apple cider vinegar drink
• 3 PM - Bone broth
• 5 PM - Powdered water enhancer
• 7 PM - More plain water until eating window opens

Feel free to customize your own fasting drink regimen for flavors and varieties you enjoy most.

The Bottom Line

Sipping on fasting-friendly beverages can make intermittent fasting more sustainable and pleasant. The best fasting drink options provide flavor, variety and hydration with minimal calories or stimulants.

Having a roster of drinks like herbal tea, electrolyte water, flavored powders and more makes it easier to power through those fasting hours. Pair your intermittent fasting regimen with healthy meals during your eating window for optimal wellness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.