Does LaCroix Break a Fast? The Science Behind Bubbles

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Figuring out what you can or cannot drink during intermittent fasting might be challenging. Not all calorie-free drinks might be suitable, and plain water might not be the most appealing. 

Most people like adding something sweet and refreshing while practicing fasting. It can make those hours without having anything to eat much easier. That is where flavored sparkling water might become handy. 

You’ve probably heard that sparkling water, like LaCroix, is the healthiest drink since it doesn’t have calories. However, does this mean you can drink it safely during fasting without affecting the process?

The drink only provides two ingredients: carbonated water and natural essence. However, carbonated waters might increase hunger levels in some people, making fasting more challenging. 

Research shows that drinking sparkling water, such as LaCroix, might increase your ghrelin levels. Ghrelin is your hunger hormone. According to a study, drinking carbonated water increased the ghrelin levels in 20 healthy men compared to those who drank regular water. 

Increasing your ghrelin levels means you are more likely to feel hungrier throughout the day. Although it doesn’t make you gain weight directly, it can lead to more snacking and larger portions (increasing your daily calories). 

So, eating more food leads to a caloric surplus (more calories than your body needs), not making you lose weight. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid sparkling water, as it is a refreshing zero-calorie drink.

Ultimately, you must determine if LaCroix is making a difference in your hunger levels. While carbonated drinks won’t break a fast, increasing your appetite might make reaching your desired fasting window more challenging.  

What Is LaCroix?

LaCroix is a naturally essenced calorie-free sparkling water that offers several refreshing flavors like tangerine, cherry blossom, key lime, and much more.

Not only is it zero-calorie, but it is also caffeine-free, meaning you can drink it anytime without worrying it will affect your sleep. Since LaCroix doesn’t have any calories or sugars, it makes it an ideal carbonated drink to include for those who want to lose weight. 

While it doesn’t have calories, the carbonation process can negatively affect your body. For example, those suffering from digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to more bloating, stomach cramps, and gas.  

So, having LaCroix once a day is perfectly fine. Just don’t make it a habit for every mealtime. 

Does LaCroix Spike Blood Sugar?

No, drinking LaCroix won’t spike your blood sugar levels since it has no calories or macros. 

Drinks with a high carb content (sugar) can raise blood sugar. However, since LaCroix   is flavored sparkling water, it won’t negatively affect your insulin levels. This has several benefits, such as more stable sugar levels and more stable energy levels.  

Are There Calories in LaCroix?

No, there are no calories in LaCroix. For that reason, it is a great drink for those practicing intermittent fasting and on a weight loss journey. Thanks to LaCroix’s natural flavors, you can get all the refreshing goodness without worrying that it will break fast. 

So, if you practice strict calorie-fasting, rest assured that you can include one can of LaCroix drinks without affecting your calorie consumption since even a small amount of calories can affect your process. 

Does Flavored Sparkling Water Break a Fast?

Drinking flavored sparkling water won’t break your fast. It won’t affect your intermittent fasting if it doesn’t contain any added sugars, such as glucose, syrup, honey, or fructose.

However, some that contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose, might increase your appetite levels, making intermittent fasting more difficult. 

As long as you don’t see any changes in your appetite and can eat your first meal at the intended time, you can include it during your fasting hours. 

Can You Drink Sparkling Water While Fasting?

Yes, you can have sparkling water while doing intermittent fasting. Drinking sparkling water can keep your hydration levels up, preventing any possible dehydration. 

Sparkling water, unlike soda, is naturally carbonated. They either occur from a natural spring or naturally occurring carbonation. In most cases, it is a source of essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sodium. 

One of the health benefits of sparkling water is that even though it has sodium, it doesn’t contain high levels of it (30–80mg). 

For those with low blood pressure, adding some sodium during their fasting hours can help prevent any possible symptoms like low energy or moodiness. 

Conclusion

No, sparkling water like LaCroix won’t break your fast. It has no calories or macros that can jeopardize your eating windows. Drinking sparkling water can greatly aid your fasting hours since it provides natural flavors without affecting the process. 

However, in some cases, it might increase your appetite levels. When you start drinking it, pay attention if you feel hungrier than yesterday. If this is the case, choose another calorie-free food to avoid making fasting more challenging.