Learn / 4 Keto-Friendly Drinks That Won't Ruin Your Diet
August 11th, 2023
Venturing into the realm of the ketogenic diet unfolds a unique narrative. In this dietary approach that hinges on altering the metabolism, the foods and drinks we nourish ourselves with play an integral role in influencing the body's transition and maintenance of ketosis.
The ingredients whispering in our cups and glasses, the tastes lingering on our tongues, the fragrances unfurling in our nostrils — every sensory detail contributes to our nutritional landscape.
And so, when keeping to keto, understanding what thirst-quenching elixirs can accompany us on this journey is of paramount importance. This guide will serve as a compass, illuminating a constellation of alluring options for keto-friendly beverages.
The ketogenic diet rests on eating a diet rich in high-fat and low-carb foods to nudge the body into a state of ketosis where fats, instead of glucose, become the primary fuel source. The keto diet has most commonly been recommended to help manage seizures in children grappling with epilepsy.
In the world of keto, fats compose around 70 to 75% of the total caloric intake, while daily carbs make up just about five to 10% of your diet, and the remaining calories are fulfilled by proteins.
The significance of selecting heart-healthy fat options in this diet cannot be overstated. Avocado, fish, seeds, nuts, and olive oil are all forms of healthy fats that can bloom within this diet.
Acknowledging that every dietary approach carries its potential challenges, the ketogenic diet is no exception. Along with its unique workings, it can present specific health risks.
Symptoms like the "keto flu" may surface, while some individuals may encounter shifts in cholesterol levels, possible nutrient deficiencies, or concerns linked to liver or pancreatic health.
The ketogenic diet can also cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of heart disease. This diet is not considered safe for those with conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid, or gallbladder. For individuals taking medication for diabetes, the keto diet may carry additional risk.
We must also remember that the keto diet should serve as a temporary state, not a permanent destination. The landscape of ketosis is not meant for extended exploration beyond six months, as a prolonged state of ketosis can have dangerous effects on kidney function and overall health.
To navigate this terrain safely, it's imperative to have a healthcare professional's counsel. Discussing the ketogenic diet with your doctor can shed light on potential risks and provide personalized advice, ensuring your dietary journey aligns with your individual health needs and concerns.
If you choose to explore the keto diet, it is vital to drink plenty of water each day and take steps to replenish your electrolytes throughout.
Many libations can disrupt the delicate balance of ketosis, a tightrope walk where every sip matters. Yet, certain spirits, such as hard liquor and tequila, can be considered keto-friendly drinks. They dwell in the land of low-carb, making them suitable for keto adherents, albeit in moderate, thoughtful amounts.
Mixers, too, must be chosen with care. An accidental splash of a sugary tonic can make the carbohydrate count skyrocket, pulling one out of ketosis like a tide pulling away from the shore.
Yet, the body’s relationship with alcohol extends beyond keto. Alcohol's effects on the body can be profound, dimming the lights of the present moment, plaguing us with cloudy hangovers, and eclipsing our capacity to wholly savor our experiences.
If you’re seeking an alternative to alcoholic drinks, our functional spirits at Aplós can guide you toward a greater sense of wellness. These unique, sugar-free, and botanical-infused spirits are designed to uplift or calm without the undertow of alcohol's negative effects. They embrace the moments of life, allowing one to remain fully present, undiluted by regret or hangovers — and they are keto-friendly.
With Aplós Calme and Aplós Arise, the world of keto-friendly cocktails becomes a terrain of exploration. These drink recipes speak the language of celebration and tranquility. These are perfect for slow mornings that unfurl before you, like a gentle stream or lively rooftop conversations that shimmer with possibility — all while allowing you to maintain a low-carb diet.
Embodying the essence of lingering weekends, this cocktail has at its heart the revitalizing energy of Aplós Arise, awakening your senses to the joys of the moment.
Ingredients:
In a shaker, combine Aplós Arise, sugar, lime juice, and ice. Shake and strain into a highball glass over ice. Add soda water and garnish with fresh mint and flower sprigs, if desired.
Aplós Calme, the soothing mainstay of this cocktail, draws upon the memory of sun-soaked days by the sea, saluting the tang of salt air and the lullaby of lapping waves.
Ingredients:
Add all ingredients, except soda water, to an ice-filled shaker and shake. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a grapefruit slice and a rim of pink salt.
Embodying the spirit of a languid summer day, this Aplós Calme-infused cocktail is a celebration of nature's bounty.
Ingredients:
In a shaker, combine Aplós, grapefruit, and lavender syrup. Shake and strain into a coupe or flute with ice. Add sparkling water and garnish with flower sprigs.
Bursting with sun-kissed brightness, our adaptogenic Aplós Arise mingles with notes of citrus in this cocktail reinvented, serving as a sweet hymn to prolong the golden light of a satisfying day.
Ingredients:
Add all ingredients to a glass with a large ice cube. Stir to combine and garnish with a slice of orange.
A toast to unexpected freedom, this cocktail features Aplós Calme and rejoices in the joy of canceled plans.
Ingredients:
Add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and shake. Strain into a coupe glass or flute. Garnish with a slice of watermelon, lime, or anything else you fancy. Enjoy the stolen time.
Each of these non-alcoholic beverages encapsulates a moment of respite in the ketogenic journey, offering a sensory delight while respecting the low-carb path. They serve as reminders of the wonder of remaining present in the moment, undeterred by regret or undesirable consequences.
A successful ketogenic journey is not merely about restricting carbs but is an exploration of flavors, a study in balance. It's about finding keto-friendly options that cater to your tastes and maintaining adequate hydration for your body.
The traditional comforts of plain water, green tea, black tea, or iced tea still stand strong in their role of hydration. These beverages contain zero calories and zero carbs. They embody the essence of simplicity, just like the wonder of remaining present in the moment.
However, for those who seek a little sparkle, there's the pop and fizz of sparkling water, seltzer, and even certain fruit juices. Although fruit juice is often high in carbs, using it sparingly as a flavor enhancer can add a splash of zest to your hydration routine.
Regular black coffee is a carb-free, energizing morning elixir that pours forth the clarity of a new day, but for those looking for something a bit more decadent, there's bulletproof coffee. Infused with healthy fats from MCT or heavy cream, this drink option powers you with ketones and helps quell the whispers of cravings.
And when you seek a dash of sweetness, you can replace the sugary sirens of syrup with lower-carb alternatives, like the earthy tones of cocoa powder or the sweet hum of pumpkin puree.
And then there's the creamy, dairy-free world of almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and nut milk. Each variety is a treasure trove of flavors, offering a low-carb, high-healthy-fat alternative to traditional dairy milk. These milks can transform your coffee into a luscious latte or serve as a base for a wholesome smoothie.
Zero-sugar sports drinks can play a key role in replenishing your electrolytes. As for energy drinks, it's a game of labels. Many carry a hefty carb count, but there are zero-calorie options available. Always read the fine print and understand how it aligns with your personal keto meal plans.
Navigating the labyrinth of drinks on the keto diet requires not only knowing what to drink but also what to avoid. Among the biggest culprits are fruit juices and certain energy drinks laden with added sugar. While they may be refreshing, they are often high in carbs and disrupt the state of ketosis.
Milkshakes and vegetable juices, too, hide a hefty load of carbs behind their healthful facade. Dairy milk, despite its health benefits, is generally not ideal for keto due to its carb content. If you’re trying the keto diet, you may want to steer clear of these high-carb, high-sugar choices.
Instead, certain artificial sweeteners and sugar-free options, like stevia, can be helpful in curbing the sweetness cravings that may sometimes arise for keto dieters. But beware of diet soda — despite being marketed as zero sugar, the sweeteners included may disrupt ketosis.
Embarking on a ketogenic diet as a beginner can feel overwhelming, but armed with the right knowledge, the transition can be smooth. From the frothy latte made with almond milk to a refreshing sip of an Aplós Mojito, there's a wealth of drink options that respect your carb limits.
Remember, though, that maintaining balance and listening to your body, regardless of diet, are of utmost importance. The best keto drinks are the ones that make you feel good. Not every keto-friendly option will resonate with your palate or your body, and that's okay. The journey of wellness is about exploring what makes you feel good and vibrant.
With Aplós functional spirits, you can tend to your wellness and promote balance in an enticing and luxurious sensory exploration. With their botanical-infused allure, they can be the evening wind-down or the weekend pick-me-up that fits right into your keto lifestyle, allowing you to celebrate and unwind without veering from your chosen path.
Sources:
Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy: What We Know So Far | PMC
Is the Keto Diet Safe? What are the Risks? | UChicago Medicine
Is Losing Weight Worth Losing Your Kidney: Keto Diet Resulting in Renal Failure | PMC