The Best Keto Drinks Other Than Water
If you are new to keto diet, chances are that you are more focused on what to eat and what to avoid. But it’s equally important to stay hydrated. In the initial stages of a keto diet, the body gets depleted of fluid as carbohydrate - stored as glycogen that holds water - intake is drastically reduced, which means your body’s water content is lowered significantly. Besides, a keto diet plan excludes all processed food (usually high in sodium), which impacts the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body as sodium retains water.
Water is the best drink to keep yourself hydrated. Whether you drink it flat or sparkling, it is a zero carb drink that quenches thirst. Although, water is the best option you may want a keto juice or other beverages to add some flavor and variety to keep you energized and motivated.
Here we bring some low carb drinks that you can safely sip on – besides water.
Best drinks on a keto diet plan
Sparkling water
Sparkling water is carbonated water, derived naturally at a mineral spring, or manufactured by adding carbon dioxide gas. They are flavored but unsweetened, offering an excellent low carb drinks option for hydration.
Black tea
Tea contains negligible calories & carbs, making it a natural option. But keep it free of sugar and other sweeteners for a ketogenic diet. Besides, it’s packed with flavonoids, the antioxidant that promotes heart health.
Green tea
Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, green tea offers numerous health benefits. A cup (240 ml) of green tea contains less than 1 gram carbs, making it perfect for keto diet. Enjoy more flavor and less caffein in every cup - hot or iced.
Coffee
Coffee is among the favored low carb drinks due to its taste and the energy boost it provides. It’s almost free of carbs and calories that makes it safe for ketogenic diet. Coffee contains caffeine, which gives a boost to your metabolism. Additionally, it aids in weight loss due to the presence of chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant. Enjoy it hot or cold with cream and without sugar.
Non-dairy milks
Dairy milk is ruled out of a keto diet plan due to the presence of natural sugar in cow’s milk. However, plant-based milk is keto friendly and can be consumed. Almond milk, macademia nut milk, coconut milk and flaxseed milk are great for drinking, in cereals or in other culinary forms. Make sure that you reach out for the unsweetened versions of these plant milks.
Bone broth
Enjoy the warming comfort of sipping a cup of hot bone broth. According to the USDA, a cup of bone broth contains 0 carbs, 13 calories and 2.5 g of protein.
Juice
Most fruit juice are high on sugar and not suitable for a keto diet. But there are safe options. Lemon and lime juices are low in carbs and flavorsome - definitely your go to keto juice. Enjoy them with plain water or flavor your tea. Besides, veggies like celery, cucumber, kale and spinach are good options for keto juice. If you opt for bottled veggie juice from the store, make sure to check the label for calories and carbs.
Diet sodas
Diet sodas are not good for you but they make a cool alternative while you go keto. While shopping for diet sodas look for the ones with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol that have zero calorie. Made from corn- derived sugar alcohol, these are better than artificial sweeteners.
Hard liquor
Vodka, whiskey, rum and other hard liquor are free of carbs and can be safely consumed on a keta diet. However, stay away from mixed drinks as they’re usually blended with sugar-loaded fruit juice or soda. To be on the safe side, drink your hard liquor straight or mix them with diet soda or plain water.
The bottom line
Tea, coffee and sparkling water are the top picks for staying hydrated while you go keto. Diet soda and low carb juices are other good options. You can also enjoy alcohol without fruit juice, sodas or tonic water. So, there is plenty to choose from, beside water, to maintain your fluid balance.
Leave a Comment