how many calories break a fast?

[RaisingMissDaisy]

Hi
I am sorry if this has already been answered somewhere else, but I have a question which I haven't been able to find a clear answer to: I have been reading about how good 10-24 hour fast are for you. I have been doing 5:2 for a while but always consumed around 250 calories throughout the day and then the rest in the evenning, so I have never really done zero calories (i.e. "proper"? fasts) for more than the hours I am asleep really. I have however been reading about the health benefits of extended periods (up to 24 hours) of "proper" (i.e. zero calorie) fasting and I wanted to give it a go today. Haven't consumed any calories for about 16 hours now (apart from one diet coke this morning) but I am really tempted to have a cup of marigold bouillon. Would the 12 calories in the cup of bouillon stop the fast state that I am guessing my body is in at the moment?

Thank you in advance for any answers!

[BigChocFrenzy]

A TOTAL of up to 50 cals within 16 hours should not raise your insulin level significantly, so counts as a fast, with full benefits.
So, enjoy your bouillon

Have you tried having just 2 meals, lunch and supper ? That works for most folk.

[RaisingMissDaisy]

Thank you for the response! I think even the 50 allowed calories will make the fast that little bit easier. I just really don't like herbal teas and black coffee.

I have been doing 5:2 for a while and it definitely works for me weightloss wise, but to get the best health benefits from it, I think I need to be more committed to the extended periods of fasting. if I know I have can maybe a cup of broth and a cup of tea with milk during the fast that will help.

thank you!