Fasting questions, answered plainly

The questions people actually ask once they have started fasting, with the mechanism explained rather than a one-word verdict, and the drinks worth knowing about.

• Does lemon water break a fast?No, it does not break a fast

  No. The juice of half a lemon in water carries only a couple of calories, which is far too little to end a fasted state.

• Does green tea break a fast?No, it does not break a fast

  No. Plain green tea is essentially calorie-free and does not break a fast. Adding milk, sugar or honey does.

• Does black coffee break a fast?No, it does not break a fast

  No. Black coffee has around 2 calories a cup and does not break a fast. Milk, cream, sugar and syrups do.

• Does apple cider vinegar break a fast?No, it does not break a fast

  No. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water carries about 3 calories and does not break a fast.

• Does bone broth break a fast?Yes, this breaks a fast

  Yes. A cup of bone broth carries meaningful protein and calories, so it ends a fasted state. Whether that matters depends on what you are fasting for.

• What can I drink while fasting?It depends

  Water, black coffee, plain tea and unsweetened herbal infusions are all fine. Anything with sugar, milk or meaningful protein is not.

• How do you break a fast properly?It depends

  Start small and protein-forward rather than with a large or heavily refined meal. After a 16-hour fast this is a comfort question; after a much longer one it matters more.

General information, not medical advice. Talk to a clinician before starting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have or have had an eating disorder, have diabetes, or take prescription medication.