Why Nutrition Matters When Breaking a Fast

You can implement intermittent fasting no matter what you prefer to put on your plate. It can be combined with diets and preferences like paleo, vegan or plant-based, gluten-free, low-carb, clean eating, Mediterranean, keto, etc.

But regardless of whether you’re breaking your fast with meat or plants, nutrition matters! Why? Your body is a temple, after all. In this case, think of it as a race car. Want that car to perform at its peak? It needs premium fuel, not the cheapest gas.

That means that nutrition matters when deciding what to eat. You should focus on foods that will fuel your body until your next meal. You want to maintain steady energy, avoid spikes and cravings — and feel satiated. Nutrition should outweigh cravings or convenience.

Avoid foods like quick-burning carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, low-fiber options), processed foods, sugary drinks, proteins high in fats or sodium, etc. Those foods deliver fast energy that burns off fast.

Instead, choose foods that take longer to digest, and that deliver the nutrients your body needs. Focus on lean protein (from animal or plant-based sources), fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, etc.) and small amounts of healthy fats.

Want to digest those foods efficiently given your limited window to eat? Consider adding a digestive enzyme like Digest Gold® to your fast-breaking routine. Digestive enzymes break down the foods you eat, so your body can better assimilate the nutrients within – and convert that food into fuel for all-day energy.*