The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!] (2024)

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Updated: Oct 19, 2020

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Intermittent Fasting has a ton of benefits including improved insulin sensitivity and decreased bloating.(1) But these can stop short if you aren't optimizing your eating window with foods that will support your goal. Today, I'm sharing the best foods to break your intermittent fast, plus three free recipes to get you started!

The Best Foods To Break An Intermittent Fast

If you break your fast with a high carbohydrate or high sugar meal (such as oatmeal with syrup, cereal or a high sugar açaí bowl), this will cause a spike in your blood glucose and therefore a spike in your storing hormone insulin. And if weight loss is your goal, then this is exactly opposite of what you are looking to achieve. Plus, this roller coaster of blood glucose levels leads you to crave more sugar packed foods, again working entirely against your goals in the first place.

Instead of this roller coaster effect, you want to optimize your meals with blood glucose stabilizing foods. This is where ensuring that your break-fast has protein, fat and fiber (as well as low sugar) is key. In fact, AENpeeps around the world utilize this component of proper Nutrient Timing within their eating window to help tap into fat burning, boost satiety and achieve their weight loss goals.

In fact, studies have found that meals focused on satiating foods, particularly those rich in protein, significantly boost fat burning mechanisms and help study participants achieve a weight loss goal without feeling hungry!(2)

Protein stimulates our satiety hormone called peptide YY, whereas fat largely stimulates the satiety hormone cholecystokinin, aka CCK.(3,4) This effect combined can help to stabilize blood glucose levels while reducing the urge to snack or eat between meals for multiple hours. Fiber helps to act on the stretch mechanism within our stomach and lets the brain know that we're satisfied and don't need to keep eating.

Protein rich foods include eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, meat, fish, chicken, tempeh and lentils.

Fat rich foods include avocado, dairy products, nuts, seeds, high quality oils and olives.

Fiber rich foods include chia seeds, flax seeds, raspberries, artichoke, cacao nibs and other green veggies.

Checkout these three recipes that utilize the blood glucose stabilizing principles of protein, fat and fiber!

The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!] (3)

PB + Banana Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients:

10 oz homemade coconut milk1/2 frozen banana1 scoop unflavored collagen 2 Tbsp. peanut butter 🥜 1 Tbsp. Chia seeds1 Tbsp. Flax seeds1 tsp. CinnamonPinch of sea salt

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Optional to top with cacao nibs.

Chia Brekky Bowl

(featured from the 7 Day Intermittent Fasting Detox!)

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chia seeds14.5 oz. can full fat coconut milk1 cup unsweetened coconut milk from a carton (or make your own HERE)pinch of sea salt

Toppings (per serving):1/4 cup your favorite nut/seed mixture (I love cashews, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes and almonds!)

1/2 - 1 cup blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or strawberries

1. Combine chia seeds, coconut milk (can) and coconut milk (carton/homemade) and a pinch of sea salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine and allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Split the chia pudding into 6 small glass mason jars to use throughout the week. Top with the listed toppings.

The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!] (4)

Curry Salad Wrap

Serves 2

Ingredients:

5 hard boiled eggs (or 6-8 oz. tempeh for a plant-based alternative), chopped

1 celery stalk, diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1 tsp. curry powder

2-3 Tbsp. cashews, chopped

2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds

2 Tbsp. real mayo (or unsweetened nut milk yogurt for a plant-based alternative)

pinch of sea salt

2 coconut wraps (I used Nuco)

  1. In a bowl, combine the eggs (or tempeh), celery, red onion, curry powder, cashews, sunflower seeds, real mayo (or nut milk yogurt) and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine.

  2. Lay one coconut wrap on each plate. Split the curry salad between the two wraps. Fold the wrap into a burrito and enjoy!

  3. This is great served with fresh jicama slices, cucumber slices or a side salad for an extra boost of fiber!

Gain access to 100+ Intermittent Fasting recipes and the step-by-step details on how to achieve your wellness goals with the Complete Intermittent Fasting Bundle protocols!

Tap into fat burning mechanisms, eat meals you LOVE and achieve your weight loss goals! Head over HERE to get started!

Your Nutritionist,

Autumn

The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!] (6)

Autumn Elle Nutrition

  • Intermittent Fasting
  • Healthy Recipes

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The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!] (2024)

FAQs

The Best Foods to Break Your Intermittent Fast For Weight Loss [+3 FREE Recipes!!]? ›

Protein rich foods include eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, meat, fish, chicken, tempeh and lentils. Fat rich foods include avocado, dairy products, nuts, seeds, high quality oils and olives. Fiber rich foods include chia seeds, flax seeds, raspberries, artichoke, cacao nibs and other green veggies.

What is the best food for weight loss during intermittent fasting? ›

Some options include:
  • vegetable oils such as canola, olive, or sunflower.
  • brown rice, whole wheat bread, and other whole grains.
  • whole fruits and vegetables.
  • fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other protein sources such as beans and legumes.
  • salt-free seasonings such as herbs and spices.
Feb 16, 2023

Can you eat scrambled eggs to break a fast? ›

No matter whether you enjoy them scrambled, boiled, or even cooked in an omelet, eggs can be a fantastic food to choose when breaking a fast. They are packed with high-quality protein, are relatively easy to tolerate, and are a nutritional powerhouse.

What is the best protein to break a fast? ›

Fish, poultry, eggs, meats: After a period of fasting, the body may benefit from replenishing amino acids and nutrients that support muscle repair, immune function, and overall well-being.

What not to eat after fasting? ›

Foods to Avoid When Breaking a Fast

Raw vegetables – Cooked vegetables are easier on the stomach than raw ones. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Fried foods.

What is the best thing to eat after a 16 hour fast? ›

The Bottom Line

For the success of intermittent fasting, it is advisable to: Opt for foods rich in protein (beans, lean meat and fish, for example); Consume foods rich in fiber (whole grains, nuts, vegetables…); Drinking liquids with no or very few calories (prioritize water intake);

How to lose belly fat fast with intermittent fasting? ›

Best Intermittent Fasting Method For Subcutaneous Belly Fat
  1. 16/8 Method: Fast for 16 hours and have an 8-hour eating window daily. ...
  2. 5:2 Method: With the 5:2 method, you consume your regular diet five days a week and consume around 500-600 calories for two remaining fasting days.
Jul 30, 2023

Does a banana break a fast? ›

However, if you don't suspect you are sensitive to carbohydrates and you pair a half a banana (to lower the sugar content) with high quality sources of protein, fat and additional fiber, then a banana can be used when breaking an Intermittent Fast. What are you allowed to eat if you are doing intermittent fasting 16-8?

How many chapatis should I eat in a day to lose belly fat? ›

For weight loss, four chapatis per day are recommended. If you follow intermittent fasting and are considering consuming 3 chapatis during lunch you must consider the calorie intake – by calculating how many calories 3 chapatis have along with calories in the vegetables and salad you consume.

Can I eat egg to break intermittent fasting? ›

Try unsweetened yogurt or kefir. Healthy fats. Foods like eggs or avocados can be great first foods to eat after a fast.

Are boiled eggs good to break a fast? ›

As another high-protein food, eggs are one of the best foods to eat after fasting. Eggs are a complete source of protein, which means that they contain all nine essential amino acids. They also contain several important vitamins and minerals.

Is tuna good to break a fast? ›

After the Fast

It's important to eat slowly, especially after longer fasts. I like to break fast with a hot cup of tea with a teaspoon of sugar. I'll then move onto something low in fiber, which is easier on the stomach, like a half bagel with tuna fish or a hard-boiled egg.

Is peanut butter good to break a fast? ›

Foods rich in protein and fiber will fill you up, which is especially important on fasting days when you won't be eating as much. Some examples of protein and fiber rich foods include: chicken and lean meat, broccoli, milk, black beans, almonds, peanut butter, bananas and pasta. Don't over-indulge on non-fasting days.

What is the best intermittent fasting window to lose belly fat? ›

A 2023 review of research found that the 16/8 method and 16/8 combined with restricting calories were effective strategies for weight control in adults with overweight or obesity. An eating window starting before noon led to greater weight loss than one that began after noon.

Is salad good to break a fast? ›

Breaking a 7-day water fast with a grilled chicken Caesar salad is generally a safe and reasonable option, but it's important to approach breaking a fast with care to avoid any digestive issues.

Can I eat cheese to break intermittent fasting? ›

Cheese can give you with protein and fat during an intermittent fast, which will make you feel satisfied. But because cheese is high in calories, moderation is essential. Opt for healthier options such as portion-controlled or low-fat kinds.

How do I stop intermittent fasting without gaining weight? ›

To reverse diet without gaining weight, slowly increase your calorie intake to a higher target calorie goal. By doing this in a strategic, slow manner, you may be able to boost your metabolism, manage your hunger levels, and prevent or reduce rapid weight regain.

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