If you’re looking for a way to cut back on carbs without sacrificing your favorite indulgences, low carbing is here to help. You don’t have to completely stop drinking alcohol when you go on a low carb diet. In fact, you can still enjoy the occasional glass of wine if you do it responsibly. In this article, we will discuss the basics of low carbing and explain how you can easily include alcohol in your diet without throwing off your results.
1. Navigating the Perils of Low-Carb Drinking
When it comes to drinking, one of the most important considerations is low-carb beer. Whether you’re out at a bar, hosting a dinner, or just grabbing a drink after work, the brews you select can have a major impact on your health and wellbeing. Fortunately, navigating the perils of low-carb beer isn’t hard — here are a few ways to make smart drinking choices.
- Choose light options. Low-carb beer is great for watching your waistline, but not all light beers are the same. If you’re looking for the healthiest drink, opt for beer that isfree from sugar and white flour.
- Limit your intake. Even low-carb beers contain some carbs, so don’t forget to practice moderation. Getting too wild can quickly add up carbs — and that’s not even taking into account the calories from the alcohol itself.
- Consider a low-carb cocktail. Certain cocktails can be a great part of a low-carb lifestyle. Dry martinis and margaritas on the rocks are particularly low in carbs — just be sure to check the sugar content of the mixer you use.
Low-carb beer can also be a great way to enjoy a night out without straying too far from your dietary goals. When you do go out, remember to look for beers that are lower in carbs and calories. You can also opt for small plates of light appetizers and snacks to help offset the calories from your beverages.
2. To Drink or Not to Drink – A Low-Carb Perspective
The abundance of sugary and artificially sweetened beverages available to us these days can barely be overstated. Don’t let that lead you down the wrong path when it comes to low-carb eating and drinking. Here are some things to consider when drinking on a low-carb diet:
- Water is king: No matter how you slice it, water is the beverages you should reach for when considering a drink. Avoid any beverage that contains calories or sugar, and you should be safe.
- Coffee and tea: If you can’t stomach just plain water, you may consider a cup of coffee of tea every now and then. Keep it black and without any extras, such as sugar, cream, or syrup.
But what about drinks that don’t have any sugar in them? Diet sodas, for example, contain zero calories, so can those still be consumed on a low-carb diet? The answer is an unequivocal yes. While it’s always best to stick to water and coffee or tea when possible, if you must have a sugary fizzy drink, opt for the diet version. Just remember to keep your intake as low as possible to avoid any possible health issues.
3. Choosing Wisely – Finding Low-Carb Alcoholic Beverages
Living on a low-carb diet doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up on the occasional cocktail. There are plenty of options available to enjoy, without all the sugar that comes in many of the traditional staples in this area. You just need to take the time to find them.
So what are some of the best alcoholic beverages for your low-carb diet? Here’s a quick list:
- Distilled Spirits: Gin, rum, whiskey, and vodka are all good options, and they are virtually carb-free. Just be careful to watch the mixers you add, as these can add sugar and other carbs to your drink.
- Hard Seltzer: While hard seltzer can be a great low-carb option for non-alcoholics, it is also a great choice for those on a low-carb diet. Many of the popular brands, like White Claw and Truly, clock in at just 5g net carbs per 12 ounce can.
- Red Wines: Whether you prefer cabernet, malbec, merlot, or pinot noir, red wines are a great option for those looking for a low-carb alcoholic beverage. While the exact carb count can vary, most red wines have an average of 3-4g net carbs per 5 ounce pour.
So as you can see, there are plenty of options for the low-carb drinker. It just takes some research and experimentation to find the right beverages for you. With the right selection, you can enjoy a few cocktails without having to sacrifice your diet.
4. Healthy Low-Carb Alternatives for Celebratory Occasions
Celebratory occasions seem incomplete without delicious food. But, if you’re looking for healthy alternatives, going low-carb could be the way. There are plenty of new-age, low-carb dishes you can use to make your occasion special while taking care of your health.
Substitute Rice: Try a vegetable-based rice alternative that combines cauliflower and broccoli to make a flavorful ‘rice’. It’s a great way to transform a regular dish with minimal carb content.
Change your Pasta game: Think beyond the usual pasta alternatives. Try making your own with zucchini noodles and seasonal vegetables to make your favorite pasta dishes. You can also use lentil-based noodle alternatives.
Send off with Dessert: When it comes to dessert, you don’t have to compromise on taste. Delicious low-carb options like almond-based cookies, chia seed pudding, and cream cheese mousse can turn a regular celebration into a healthy one.
- Vegetable-based rice alternative
- Zucchini noodles
- Lentil-based noodle alternatives
- Almond-based cookies
- Chia seed pudding
- Cream cheese mousse
5. Getting Creative with Low-Carb Cocktails
When it comes to tasty and, above all, healthy cocktails, there’s no need to sacrifice flavor. Low-carb cocktails are all the rage these days and you can be just as creative with them as you would traditional cocktails. Here’s some ideas to get you started down the creative low-carb cocktail journey:
- Experiment with alternative sugar-free liquors such as erythritol-based vodka and sugar-free tequila.
- Go for low-carb juices, like coconut water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Go with creamy options by using a touch of full-fat coconut cream.
- Whip up some sugar-free infusions with herbs, spices, and fruit.
- Mix creative low-carb syrups such as berry or citrus-scented to tingle your taste buds.
The beauty of creating low-carb cocktails is that you’re given an opportunity to show off your creativity and flavor combinations. Plus, you’re creating something that’s much more nutritious and won’t leave you with a nasty sugar hangover!
Get creative and enjoy a light, healthy, and delicious low-carb cocktail today!
6. Moderation is Key – The Benefits of Low-Carbing with Alcohol
When looking to lose or maintain your weight, moderation is key. Low-carbing with alcohol can seem conflicting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips for including alcoholic beverages in a low-carb lifestyle in a healthy way.
Keep Track of Your Carb Intake
Staying on top of how many carbohydrates you’re consuming is important at all times, but especially when drinking. Carbohydrate-heavy drinks like daiquiris or pina coladas should be avoided in favor of lower carb options like vodka, soda, and fresh lime.
Know What You’re Drinking
It’s also important to understand what’s actually in your drink. Many highly-processed drinks have added sugars, so it’s always a good idea to choose drinks that are as natural as possible.
Alternatives to Alcohol
There are many low-carb alternatives to alcoholic drinks, too.
- Club soda with fresh lime is a classic and great-tasting choice.
- Sparkling water with berry or citrus juice is a refreshing choice.
- Fresh-brewed tea is a healthier option, with or without a hint of honey.
Drinking moderately and mindfully can be a healthy part of a low-carb lifestyle.
If managed properly, low carb alcohol can be an enjoyable part of a healthy lifestyle. Moderation is key to enjoying its benefits. Remember, stay low carb and take a break from time to time, your body and mind will thank you for it!