So you’re interested in Keto but you have plans with your girlfriends on Friday to go out. What do you do?
I’m here to help you through this! We’re going to hit on some main topics to help you get through the first hurdle of dieting with a social life.
I’m assuming you’re aware of the basics of the Ketogenic diet since you’re reading this, but just for shits and giggles we’ll brush over a few things. Firstly, Keto works. It’s a high fat, low carb, no sugar, moderate protein way of living. Secondly, anything you crave or want normally will have a keto alternative or version. Thirdly, with this diet your body will literally eat its own stored fat cells to help you lose in those stubborn areas. I’ve already lost 28lbs in a little over 8 weeks. And here’s how we do it and maintain being social.
First off we need to go over cocktail choices. Most liquor doesn’t have carbs. So you can stick to your basic vodkas, gins, whiskeys, rums and all that. It’s the “Whipped Vodka” or “Cinnamon Whiskeys” that they load up with sugar to make them taste good that you have to avoid. The other night when I went out with my friends I just ordered vodka sodas with muddled limes and lemons. It was delicious and so refreshing! But you can mix rum or whiskey with any kind of diet soda. Just remember that diet sodas are bad for you and can make you stall on Keto because of the ingredients. But just keep them in moderation. La Croix has a huge selection of flavored sparkling waters that are delicious as well.
Next let’s talk wines. I’ve always loved sweet white wines. But that’s because they’re 99% sugar. And I have a HUGE sweet tooth. But on Keto we need to watch that. So for example you want to have wine with friends or alone at home in the dark (no judgment), try to stick to pinot noir, pinot grigio, chardonnay, cabernet, sauvignon blanc, or merlot. Most of these wines are about 3 carbs a glass. Don’t grab the dessert wines like moscato or zinfandels.
And for all you beer drinkers out there, you’re up. Lots of beers have huge amounts of carbs. We’re going to go over a few low carb options to still allow you to get your buzz on. MGD 64 isn’t bad tasting and only has 2.4 carbs per serving. Michelob Ultra is my go to and has only 2.6 carbs each. Miller lite has 3.2 carbs and Coors lite has 5. So putting this in perspective, you’re supposed to keep your carbs under 30 each day. Also keep in mind your high fat – low carb foods will also still have some carbs in them.
So all in all, you have choices. If you’re making drinks at home you can always use delicious sparkling flavored waters as mixers. There’s also a brand of stevia “sodas” called Zevias and they’re actually not bad. Avoid high carb beers, sweet wines, and sugary mixed drinks and you’ll be all set. I’m listing below a few good drinks to get you started!
COCKTAILS:
Vodka Soda with muddled lemons and limes
Rum with Coconut La Croix
Moscow Mule – Vodka with Zevia Ginger Ale and Lime Juice
Raspberry Lime Ricky – Gin with club soda, sugar-free raspberry syrup, limes and mint leaves
Tequila with lime and lemon la croix
Berry la croix with red wine
Powerade Zero Keto – A healthy sports drink with zero calories when a mocktail is the best option