Drinks & Shakes

What Shall We Drink? A Guide to Keto-Friendly Beverages

The keto diet isn’t just about low-carb foods—it’s also about low-carb drinks. To make your keto journey successful, it’s crucial to know which beverages to choose and which to avoid. Here’s a guide to help you stay hydrated while staying in ketosis.

Water Wins on the Keto Diet

Water is the ultimate keto-friendly beverage. Whether you prefer it still, sparkling, or with ice, water is always the best choice. Here’s why water is the top drink for keto:

• No carbs
• No calories
• No preparation needed

For added benefits, try adding a pinch of salt to help combat keto flu symptoms like headaches or fatigue, which often occur during the initial stages of the diet. Enhance your water with fresh mint, a slice of lime, or lemon for extra flavor.

7 Keto-Friendly Drinks

Although water is the gold standard, there are other keto-friendly drinks to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s a list of beverages that fit perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle:

1. Tea: Opt for unsweetened varieties like green tea, black tea, or herbal tea.
2. Coffee: Black coffee or with keto-friendly creamers, and bulletproof coffee for an energy boost.
3. Vegetable Juice: Choose low-carb vegetable juices, such as celery or cucumber juice.
4. Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk are great low-carb options.
5. Electrolyte Drinks: Replenish essential minerals with keto-specific electrolyte beverages.
6. Keto-Friendly Smoothies: Blend avocado, spinach, and unsweetened almond milk for a nutrient-packed drink.

What Drinks Should You Avoid?

On keto, it’s just as important to avoid high-carb drinks that could derail your progress. Steer clear of the following beverages:

• Soft Drinks & Sodas: High in sugar and carbs.
• Diet Drinks: Artificial sweeteners may cause cravings or other issues—opt for Stevia-sweetened versions.
• Cow’s Milk: Contains more carbs compared to plant-based alternatives.
• Milkshakes and High-Sugar Smoothies: Packed with sugar and carbs.
• Fruit Juice: Even natural juices are high in sugar and should be avoided.
• Beer: Most varieties are high in carbs.
• Energy Drinks: Often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.

From Keto Drinks to Coke: An Overview of Carbs

To simplify your drink choices, here’s a quick overview of popular beverages and their carbohydrate content per serving:

*Diet drinks with artificial sweeteners should be limited; choose Stevia-sweetened versions instead.
**Opt for unsweetened almond or coconut milk for best results.

Conclusion

Staying mindful of your beverage choices is just as important as monitoring your food on a keto diet. Stick to keto-friendly drinks like water, tea, coffee, and unsweetened plant-based milks to stay hydrated and support your ketosis. Replenish electrolytes to maintain your energy and balance. By making the right drink choices, you’ll ensure a successful and healthy keto journey. Cheers to your keto success!