Nutrition

Low carb and alcohol: A guide

Find out how to navigate drinking alcohol without compromising on your low carb diet. Learn about low carb alcoholic drink options, drinks to avoid, and tips to keep in mind

For those following a low carb diet, enjoying a night out with drinks can be challenging as most alcoholic beverages contain high levels of carbohydrates.

However, with careful selection of drinks, it is possible to still enjoy a night out without jeopardizing the diet.

Low Carb Alcoholic Drinks

So, what are the low carb options when it comes to alcoholic drinks? Here is a list of some of the popular low carb alcoholic drinks:.

  • Spirits such as vodka, gin, whisky, and rum have zero carbs.
  • Light beer: Light beer has fewer carbs, and some brands have as little as two carbs per serving.
  • Wine: Dry red and white wine have the least amount of carbs as compared to other wines.

Avoid High Carb Drinks

It’s vital to note, besides the low carb options, there are cocktails and alcoholic drinks high in carbs that should be avoided; here are some of the culprits:.

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  • Sweet cocktails: sweetened drinks, such as cocktails made from syrups, fruit juices, and soda, are high in carbs and sugar.
  • Liqueurs: Liqueurs are high in carbs, with some having as much as 36 carbs per serving.
  • Flavored beers: Beers with flavors and added sugars have high carb content.

How to Manage Drinking on a Low Carb Diet?

Here are some tips on how to navigate drinking on a low carb diet:.

  • Be conscious of what you drink: Opt for low-carb and low-sugar drinks, such as vodka and soda, dry wine, or light beer.
  • Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water between alcoholic drinks can help reduce the chances of dehydration and hangover.
  • Watch out for mixers: Mixers used in cocktails are often high in sugar and carbs; thus, it’s best to avoid them.
  • Limit the number of drinks: Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to excessive drinking, leading to an increase in carb and sugar intake. It’s best to eat before or during drinking.
  • Choose low carb snacks: Snacks such as nuts, cheese, and olives have low-carb options and will not mess with the diet.

Is it Safe to Drink Alcohol While on a Low Carb Diet?

Drinking alcohol while on a low carb diet is safe, provided it’s consumed in moderation and factors such as hydration and food intake are considered. Excessive drinking has undesirable outcomes that may affect the diet and even pose health risks.

In Conclusion

Low carb and alcohol can coexist, with careful consideration of the type of drink consumed. Opting for low-carb drinks and monitoring the number of drinks can help to maintain the diet’s integrity while enjoying a night out.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.
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