February 13th, 2019 | Updated on June 27th, 2022
It’s awesome to stay sober throughout your dieting process, but at times our pre-diet party lifestyle creeps in and gets the best of us. This may come as a surprise, but it’s perfectly fine to go out for drinks when you’re on a diet – provided you know what you’re drinking!
Most diets emphasize on sticking to a low-carb diet, and the same rules to drinking apply as if you’re making low-carb coffee or a smoothie.
In this article, we will explain how you can let loose without being a party pooper!
1. Knowing Your Alcohol
Obviously, not all alcoholic beverages are created alike, and some will have enough carbs to derail you off your diet. Beer drinkers are going to have a hard time because beer tends to have high carb counts and hidden sugars (beer belly, anyone?) You’ll need to cut it off or opt for low-carb beer.
On the other hand, pure alcohols such as vodka, whiskey, tequila, and brandy have zero carbs and are fine to take in moderation (we’ll get into this later). Regular consumption of wine is completely fine on a moderately low carb diet, but if you’re under 20 grams of carbs a day, having it occasionally only is alright.
2. Choosing The Right Mixers
If you’re a fan of mixed drinks, knowing your alcohol is only the first step. There’s no point in having vodka for the zero carbs if you’re mixing it with high-carb orange juice in that screwdriver.
Unfortunately, most mixes tend to have an ingredient that isn’t low-carb friendly. Instead, look up for low-carb cocktails before you head to the bar, as Perfect Keto recommends.
3. Eat Before You Drink!
If you drink alcohol with an empty stomach, the alcohol passes directly into your bloodstream. If you’ve eaten before drinking, the rate of alcohol absorption slows down but doesn’t stop.
If you don’t want to spoil your night by feeling tipsy too early, be sure to have something in your tummy before you drink because alcohol absorbs quickly on an empty stomach.
Because you can’t load up on carbs, consume something rich in lean protein and healthy fats. I would try some of these delicious keto snacks you can make at home.
Talking about eating, you shouldn’t be munching on the appetizers. Keep the nachos and popcorn out of arm’s reach, unless you’re sure their diet-friendly. We’re bound to mindlessly munch on things right in front of us.
4. Mind The Calories
When you’re paying attention to the number of carbs in your drinks, be sure to keep the calories of those drinks in mind. A 90-proof 1.5-ounce pour of vodka will pack 100 calories. Too much, and you’ll see the scale tip to the side that’s not in your favor!
If you notice a little weight gain, it can be demotivating. You’ll need to cut back on the drinks until you’re back on track. Many people completely give up on their diets after a wild night out!
5. Don’t Forget Your H2O
When you’re on a low-carb diet, your alcohol tolerance decreases. This has to do with how low glycogen stores in your body causes alcohol to be absorbed at a faster rate, hence why it’s important to drink in moderation.
To make it simple, it’s normal to feel tipsy after half a glass of wine on a diet.
Therefore, it makes it much more important to stay hydrated when you’re out! To prevent yourself from acting like a total fool in front of your peers, have your drinks on the rocks, or alternate between water and drinks if you plan on having more than one.
6. Take-Home Message
You don’t have to live a boring, sober life just because you’re on a diet. With the right adjustments and a bit more caution, you can still let loose and enjoy the party.
