“Can I drink alcohol on low carb?” is very common question on our Low Carb Facebook page. The short answer: it depends. If you’re not in Atkins induction and you’ve decided the occasion warrants, you can drink in moderation without negatively impacting your low carb lifestyle. Yay! 🙂
What should you consider when deciding to drink alcohol on low carb?
Alcohol provides a readily available fuel source for your body. While you’re drinking, your body postpones fat burning and uses up that alcohol exclusively. If you’re not using carb-laden mixers, you go right back to Ketosis once the alcohol has been burned up, but regular drinking will undeniably slow or stall weight loss efforts.
Alcohol is very calorie-dense. While most low-carbers don’t have to count calories, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
Alcohol also tends to loosen inhibitions, which means you may make choices about other eating (or God knows what else!) that you wouldn’t otherwise. Don’t let a few drinks propel you into a junk-food-frenzy!
Alcohol on low carb is well-known for a dramatically lower tolerance level. Please be prepared for this and proceed with caution. You are officially a cheap date!
What are the best choices for drinking alcohol on low carb?
Distilled spirits straight or with sugar free mixers, dry wine (not the sweet stuff) or light beer are your best bets. Note that “tonic water” comes in at 32 carbs for a 12-oz. can, so don’t let the name make you think it’s a good mixer choice.
My friend Kyndra has written a book with some great low carb drink recipes!
Here are some online recipes for Low Carb mixed drinks. Some use ingredients like Liquid Splenda, Flavored Sugar Free Syrup, or even extracts o add the flavoring. Like everything else about this lifestyle, you’ll have to determine for yourself what sweeteners, mixers or choices work for your individual situation. But whatever you choose, stay safe out there!
Do you drink on your low carb plan?
