Keto 101: Keto Drinks and Beverages You Can Enjoy
Revive and refresh: The keto drinks guide
You’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of delicious and refreshing drinks you can enjoy while on the keto diet. Of course, when adhering to a low carb diet, certain things are “out.” You’ll have to bid farewell to sugary sodas and fruit juices, but there is much more to drink on a keto diet than just plain water (though that is always a great choice!). Read on to find out what your options are, from morning coffee to a cocktail in the evening.
Good morning! Keto drinks to get your day started
Great news! Your morning cup of joe or pick-me-up cup of afternoon tea is 100% keto friendly. Black coffee and all types of tea contain less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. If you want milk, go for unsweetened options such as almond or coconut milk. Otherwise, why not add a dash of heavy cream instead of cow’s milk to ensure your drink is keto friendly?Remember to keep your coffee keto and your tea carb-free, and make sure you don’t add sugar or sugary additives like store-bought creamers. Reach for an alternative sweetener like Stevia if you prefer your drink on the sweeter side.
Looking for refreshment? These non-alcoholic keto drinks will whet your whistle!
As we mentioned above, sugary sodas and fruit juices are a thing of the past for keto dieters. But with the vast array of low to no carb options, you won’t even miss them. Take a look at just a few keto drink options:
- Sparkling water: simply, crisp, and refreshing. Add a slice of lemon or lime!
- Cucumber juice with basil: delicious and fresh!
- Flavored waters: there are tons of no-calorie flavored waters on the market today. Check the label to be sure, then enjoy!
- Sugar free sports drinks: these beverages are packed with electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, two things keto dieters may need to replenish.
Wait…what about diet sodas?
You may have noticed that diet soda didn’t make the list. While diet versions of your favorite sugar-laden sodas are technically keto drinks, you have to be careful. The artificial sweeteners that are used, like sucralose and aspartame, may actually increase your sugar cravings — and that is exactly what keto dieters want to fight! Feel free to indulge from time to time; just stay aware of your cravings. If they go up, nix the diet soda!
Is alcohol off limits? Not completely! How to enjoy alcohol on the keto diet
Everyone knows that alcohol isn’t exactly a healthy food. In fact, it's probably best to avoid it in the long run. However, every now and again, the occasion calls for a drink, and those on the keto diet can most certainly enjoy a drink or two. So, what alcohol can you drink that won’t kick you out of ketosis? Here are a few keto friendly alcoholic beverages to be enjoyed in moderation:
- Hard liquor or “keto alcohol”: pure spirits such as vodka, tequila, rum, and whiskey are actually carb-free, making them your best bet on a keto diet. Be careful, though, not to mix your spirits with sugary mixers. A vodka soda has 0 net carbs whereas a rum & coke has 22!
- Dry red or white wine: keto and wine go well together! One glass contains about 2 grams of net carbs.
- Champagne or extra dry/brut sparkling wine: one glass of bubbly contains about 2 grams of net carbs.
- Low carb hard seltzers: these refreshing beverages are generally pretty low in carbs. Again, as always, check the label and stay below your carb limit!
As you can see, you can definitely enjoy keto drinks a from time to time without hurting your diet. Always check the label and don’t overindulge. Too much alcohol not only brings a hangover, but can also kick you out of ketosis.
