How does alcohol fit into the low carb lifestyle?
This is a big question, and a deal breaker for many people considering the low carb lifestyle. Other websites and low carbers might recommend permanent abstinence from alcohol, but not me. Alternatively I definitely would not recommend increasing your alcohol intake.
If you are actively trying to lose weight then avoid alcohol or in the very least cut down on your alcohol. The occasional glass however when your weight has stabilised might in fact do more good than harm. Alcohol is not metabolised as carbohydrate and does not send blood sugar into orbit, however alcohol will become your body’s first energy source before carbohydrate or fat, hence not the best option when actively trying to lose weight. There are vastly differing carb counts in different types of alcohol. Wine, red and white are better options than beer (sorry guys, keep those beers to a minimum or consider low carb options), and if you drink sprits use diet options for mixers.
Do yourself a favour though, and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. You are more likely to make the wrong food choices when drinking alcohol and very likely to make the wrong food choices the following day after over indulging!