The ketogenic diet has become more and more popular in recent years, and for good reason: it’s one of the best ways to lose weight. Not only does it work, but it’s actually pretty easy to follow once you get used to it (and as with any diet, it gets easier the longer you stick with it).
If you’re on a keto diet, you can still enjoy many of your favorite drinks without breaking the rules of the diet. Here is a list of healthy, low-carb drinks you can take.
Chapter Overview
Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are a vital part of any diet plan. To make sure your shake is keto-friendly, look for one that has very little sugar and preferably no sugar alcohols (these can be slightly tough to find) and even better if it doesn’t use any artificial sweeteners either. Try to stick with whey protein over egg white protein if possible, just because it digests a little better.
Simply add the shake to ice-cold water and stir it in, or add your favorite type of milk instead. You can even add some vegetables into your low-carb smoothie for more nutrients and fiber (for example, spinach). It should also contain as much fat as possible to make sure you stay in ketosis.
Diet Soda
It’s okay to have a diet soda every now and then, but you shouldn’t drink them on a regular basis. As with protein shakes, you should look for ones that don’t contain much sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
Some brands even come with keto-approved sweeteners like stevia and erythritol these days, so look out for those as well to make sure you’re keeping it keto.
Decaf Coffee
Whether you prefer coffee or tea, decaf is the way to go. If you drink coffee every day, getting used to decaf might be tough at first—especially if your normal cup of joe is full of sugar and milk.
However, you’ll find that the taste of decaf isn’t so bad. And if it takes a while for you to get used to drinking decaf, consider adding some sugar-free creamer or plain water to your drink until you adjust. After a while, you’ll probably start to like it almost as much, if not more, as regular coffee.
Water, Caffeinated Or Decaffeinated
Water is the most natural and best option of all. It has no calories or carbs, it hydrates you more than any other drink (which is vital if you’re on a keto diet), and it can even help detox your body. On top of that, it’s just plain healthy. Make sure you’re drinking enough water during the day to stay hydrated, and remember that coffee and tea also contain caffeine which dehydrates you.
Drinking water is always a fantastic choice because it’s calorie-free and doesn’t contain any sugar (unlike many other beverages). It can also help you feel full, which is a great side effect for anyone on a diet. As with coffee, if you prefer caffeinated water, there are plenty of brands you can choose from.
But if caffeine doesn’t agree with you or if you want to relax and unwind before bedtime, opt for a nice glass of unsweetened seltzer. People who like something with flavor can stick to fruits that are low in sugar, like cucumbers and lemons.
Herbal Tea
There are many varieties of herbal tea that can help keep you hydrated while staying on your diet. Herbal tea is typically caffeine-free, so it’s okay to drink in the evening when you might not want any more coffee or soda.
Plus, herbal teas are a great way to make sure you’re getting the nutrients and antioxidants your body needs. Not only are most teas zero calories, but they’re also full of antioxidants for good health.
Hard Liquor
For those who enjoy a drink now and then, hard liquor can be part of your keto diet. However, it’s important to keep in mind that drinking alcohol will slow down weight loss, so try not to go overboard. If you stick to straight, clear liquors like vodka and gin, you shouldn’t have too much trouble staying in ketosis. Remember everything in moderation.
Even if you are sticking to low-carb drinks, it’s best not to mix them with any other drinks that contain sugar (like juice or soda).
After reading this article, you should have a good idea of what types of drinks are keto-friendly. From water to decaf coffee and herbal tea, there’s plenty that you can enjoy without worrying about the sugar content of carbs in your drink.