As the keto diet becomes more famous, people are now more concerned about what to eat and what not to eat, even when dining out. Some restaurant owners are also taking the initiative of introducing keto-friendly dishes at their establishments or at least customising them according to customer preferences.
But what about the drinks? While searching for “restaurants near me”, you must be wondering which drinks to pair with your meal. Can you try all the drinks served in a restaurant, or should you just stick to plain water? Trying out beverages in a restaurant when you’re on a strict diet can be tricky but not impossible.
In this article, we will discuss some of the keto-friendly drinks that you can try in almost any restaurant. You will also learn about some drinks that you need to avoid.
Keto-Friendly Drinks to Order in a Restaurant
The following drinks are some of the safest choices you can order while on the keto diet. They are very low in carbs, meaning that you can enjoy them without any worry.
Water
Carb content: 0 grams/cup
Undoubtedly, water has secured the top place in this list. A plain glass of water is a must after a full-course meal. It has zero carbs and lots of health benefits to support weight loss.
Drinking enough water during a keto diet is vital to keep yourself hydrated, improve your kidney function, and increase metabolism. Although water needs vary from person to person, a wise choice is to drink at least 0.5–1 ounce per ounce of body weight daily.
Sparkling Water
Carb content: 0 grams/cup
Sparkling water can be a good option if you’re looking for something other than plain water. It is also known as club soda, carbonated water, seltzer water, soda water, and fizzy water.
Sparkling water is a great thirst quencher, and it’s very low in calories as well. Besides, the bubbles help make you feel full, which has made it the perfect choice for keto dieters.
Unsweetened Tea
Carb content: 0 grams/cup
Another great choice for those on the keto diet is unsweetened tea. It is free from carbohydrates and calories and is a great source of nutrition. Teas contain many polyphenols, which can act as antioxidants to fight free radicals.
Apart from that, the antioxidants in teas can prevent oxidative damage, burn extra fat, reduce blood sugar levels, and preserve cognitive function that helps decrease signs of ageing.
Coffee
Carb content: 0 grams/cup
Good news for coffee lovers. You can now enjoy coffee besides water even if you’re following a ketogenic diet. Coffee is a great source of energy and antioxidants, meaning that you can enjoy it without adding extra carbs to your body.
However, do not add cream or sugar; simply go for the black coffee. To make it more keto-friendly, add butter or ghee to prepare bulletproof coffee.
Non-dairy Milk Alternatives
Carb content: 2 grams/cup
Protein, fat, and minimal carbs are great combinations. Non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, is a great alternative to dairy milk as it contains healthy fats.
The major calories of almond milk are from mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, full of health benefits. Besides, coconut milk is one of the best sources of medium-chain fatty acids, a perfect keto fat. However, full-fat coconut milk is high in calories, so it’s wise to have a smaller serving or just stick to almond milk.
Limited Alcohol
Carb content (Vodka): 0 grams/ounce
As you’re on the keto diet, you may wonder if you can drink alcohol during this period. The good news is that you can enjoy moderate alcohol since there are quite a good number of keto-friendly options to try.
You can try some pure forms of alcohol, such as vodka, gin, and whiskey, during a ketogenic diet. They are completely carbohydrate-free and great keto-friendly options. However, be careful about mixers such as juice and soda, as they are full of sugars and carbs.
While having alcohol, go for low-carb mixers such as seltzer water, sugar-free tonics, as well as sugar-free sodas.
Worst Drink Choice When on a Keto Diet
While there are plenty of beverages that you can enjoy as part of your keto diet, some should be completely avoided. Sugar-loaded sodas and juices are high in carbs, thus contributing little to no nutrition. Besides, heavily processed soft drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners that can harm your overall health.
Here are some high-carb beverages that you should avoid by any means:
- Fruit Juice: 15-30 grams carbs/cup
- Fruit Punch: 15-30 grams/cup
- Soft Drinks: 22-26 grams carbs/cup
- Frappuccino: 17-46 grams/cup
- Chai Latte: 19-24 grams/cup
- Sports Drinks: 15-20 grams/cup
- Energy Drinks: 25-30 grams/cup
- Milkshakes: 30-50 grams/cup
- Most Smoothies: 15-30 grams/cup
- Sweetened Tea: 10-20 grams/cup
Wrapping Up
Pairing the right drink with your meal shouldn’t be challenging if you know what to do. From plain water to coffee and almond milk, there are quite a few good options that you can try while following the ketogenic diet.
Restaurants today are aware of such diets and want to serve their customers well. Just let them know your preferences, and you will be served the right kind of drink.
If you’re happy with their services, don’t forget to nominate your favourite restaurant for the upcoming prestigious food industry award ARTA. To find out more, visit artauk.com.
