No, celery juice contains calories and breaks a fasting window; save it for the eating period.
Intermittent fasting hinges on a simple line: during the fasting window, drinks and foods with calories pause the fast. That includes straight celery juice, blended or pressed. The drink can still fit your plan, just move it to the eating window and you keep the benefits of time-restricted eating intact.
What Breaks A Fast
A fast ends when energy enters the system in measurable amounts. Calories, digestible carbs, and amino acids trigger metabolic signals that move the body out of a fasting state. In plain terms, if a drink provides energy, it counts as eating for the purpose of most IF schedules.
Most coaches allow only non-caloric options while fasting: plain water, sparkling water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea. Large medical centers say the same and keep the drink list simple. See the clear guidance from Harvard Health and the beverage list from Cleveland Clinic.
| Drink | Typical Calories | Fasting-Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Water / Sparkling Water | 0 | Yes |
| Black Coffee | ~2 per cup | Yes |
| Unsweetened Tea | ~2 per cup | Yes |
| Celery Juice (8 fl oz) | ~40–45 | No |
| Lemon Water (slice only) | ~0 | Yes |
| Bone Broth | ~30–50 per cup | No |
| Diet Soda | 0 | Debated |
Having Celery Juice While Time-Restricted Fasting: What Counts
Celery juice made from only celery still carries calories and carbohydrates. The amounts are modest, yet enough to flip the switch out of a true fast. Add-ins like apples, lemon, cucumber, or ginger raise the energy load further. If your goal is a strict fast with clear metabolic separation, drink it when your eating window opens.
Some people follow looser “dirty fasting” approaches that allow a small snack or a low-calorie drink during the fasting span. That is a different method and it intentionally trades strict physiology for comfort and adherence. If you choose that path, be transparent with yourself that the plan is a modified fast.
How Many Calories And Carbs Are In Celery Juice
Fresh celery stalks are light, but juicing concentrates sugars from a large pile of stalks into a small glass. A typical 8-ounce serving of straight celery juice lands near 40–45 calories with about 8 grams of carbohydrate. Commercial blends with apples or other fruit run higher, often two to three times that number.
Whole stalks are lower per bite because the fiber and water bulk fill the stomach fast. Juice removes much of that fiber, so the same weight yields more absorbable carbohydrate in each sip. The glass still counts as produce once you are eating, just not during a fast.
What To Drink During The Fasting Window
Stick to a short list and keep it easy:
- Water still or sparkling.
- Black coffee, no sweetener or milk.
- Unsweetened tea: green, black, oolong, or herbal.
- A wedge of lemon or lime in water for flavor without calories.
If you add creamers, milk, sugar, honey, syrups, collagen, or MCT oil, the fast is over. Small sips of plain coffee or tea are fine for most people who fast.
Why Celery Juice Doesn’t Fit The Fasting Window
Fasting shifts the body toward drawing on internal fuel. Calories reverse that shift. Even a small glass of vegetable juice brings in digestible carbohydrate that signals the gut, liver, and pancreas. That gentle nudge is enough to mark the end of the fasted state for popular time-restricted patterns like 16:8.
Juice can still be useful. It can help hydrate and contribute potassium when you eat. The trick is timing.
Best Time To Drink Celery Juice On An IF Schedule
Use it inside the eating window where it supports your plan. Here are simple placements that many find practical.
| When To Drink | Why It Works With IF | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Window Opener | Gentle first calories; good before a balanced meal | Pair with protein and fiber soon after |
| Mid-Window Snack | Hydration and flavor between meals | Limit fruit add-ins if you track sugars |
| Workout Days | Light carbs before or after training | Add a pinch of salt if you sweat a lot |
Where It Fits Across Popular IF Patterns
16:8 And 14:10
Keep the glass inside the eight- or ten-hour eating span. Many set the first meal near midday. In that case, pour the juice right before lunch. If you like an early window, shift it to mid-morning once the window opens.
5:2 Or Alternate-Day Patterns
On low-calorie days, some plans allow small meals that add up to a set cap. A modest serving of celery juice can fit there, yet it still ends the fasting phase for that day. Place it alongside lean protein and plenty of low-starch vegetables.
Early Time-Restricted Eating
When you eat earlier, aim for a morning window opener to pair the juice with a protein-rich plate. That keeps energy steady and avoids a blood-sugar dip later.
Juice Versus Smoothie
Blending celery with water creates a thicker drink and keeps more of the fiber. That slows absorption and boosts fullness. A smoothie still brings calories, so it belongs in the eating span same as juice. If you want more staying power, blend a small cucumber and a handful of spinach with the celery, then eat a protein side.
Sample Day With A Crisp Green Glass
This outline shows one way to enjoy the flavor while keeping a strong fasting rhythm:
- 7:00 a.m. Water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea.
- 11:30 a.m. Open the eating window with 8 oz celery juice.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch: grilled chicken or tofu, a large salad, olive oil, whole grains if desired.
- 3:30 p.m. Snack: yogurt or a hard-boiled egg; or skip if not hungry.
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner: salmon or beans, roasted vegetables, berries for dessert.
- 7:30 p.m. Close the window; switch back to water or herbal tea.
Hunger And Cravings While You Wait
Morning hunger often fades after a week on a steady schedule. Use volume and temperature to your advantage. Sip hot tea or ice-cold sparkling water. Add a dash of cinnamon to coffee if you like a hint of sweetness without sugar. Keep a short walk or a stretch break on deck for the moment a craving shows up.
If caffeine feels harsh on an empty stomach, try decaf or a gentler tea. People who wake up extra hungry can slide the window earlier and wrap dinner earlier too. The pattern still works as long as the fasting span stays intact.
Food Safety, Storage, And Prep Tips
Wash stalks well and trim any soil-exposed ends. Fresh juice tastes best right after pressing. If you store it, use a clean bottle with a tight lid and keep it chilled. Aim to drink leftovers within 24 hours. Shake before pouring to re-mix the pulp. When buying bottled versions, scan the label for fruit purées and added sugars. Those blends taste sweet for a reason and carry more energy.
Nutrition Snapshot And Portion Sense
An 8-ounce glass from only celery often lands near 40–45 calories, about 8 grams of carbohydrate, and small amounts of protein and fat. Salt content depends on the stalks and any added seasonings. If you juice two bunches to fill a large bottle, the totals scale up fast. A small pour keeps sugar modest, keeps sodium in check, and leaves room for a balanced plate.
Risks, Interactions, And Who Should Skip It
Celery and celery juice can interact with certain meds and medical conditions. People on blood-thinners should watch vitamin K intake from produce and set a consistent pattern with their clinician. Allergy to celery exists in some regions. Large volumes of juice may cause GI upset for sensitive folks. If you live with diabetes or prediabetes, count the drink toward your carb plan for the meal.
Electrolytes And Hydration
Plain water works for most fasting hours for most people. If you sweat heavily, add a small pinch of salt to a tall glass of water during the eating window. You can also salt meals a little more on training days. Save electrolyte mixes that contain sugar for workouts that fall inside the eating span, not during the fast.
Juice Versus Whole Celery
Whole stalks bring crunch, fiber, and strong satiety for minimal calories. A cup of chopped celery adds little energy yet delivers texture and volume. Juice removes most of that fiber, so the same bundle turns into a compact drink that goes down fast. If weight management is your target, build meals around whole produce and keep juice servings modest.
Budget And Convenience Tips
Buy celery by the bunch, not pre-cut sticks. Trim, wash, and store stalks upright in a jar with cold water; swap the water every couple of days. This keeps them crisp for a week or more. For quick juicing, pre-cut pieces and refrigerate in a sealed container. If time is tight, blend with water and strain through a fine sieve. You get a similar glass without hauling a heavy juicer onto the counter.
Method Notes And Sources
Advice on fasting-safe drinks matches large academic outlets. Large academic outlets publish similar drink rules. For energy estimates, typical nutrition databases place plain celery juice near 40–45 kcal per 8 fl oz, with higher values when fruit is blended in.
Keep the fasting window clean. Enjoy celery juice during meals where it fits your calories, macros, and taste. Stick with what works consistently.