Burning Alcohol On Keto: How Long Does It Take?

Alcohol is considered the fourth macronutrient, alongside carbs, protein, and fat. It is possible to drink alcohol and remain in ketosis, but it's important to understand how the two interact. Alcohol is processed by the liver and, because the body treats ethanol as a toxin, it will prioritise metabolising it over fat. This means that fat-burning processes are delayed.

Most liquors contain zero net carbs, but it's important to watch out for sugary mixers. Wine is generally low-carb, but sweet dessert wines have a lot of sugar and carbs. Beer usually contains too many carbs for the keto diet, but some super-light beers are okay.

Alcohol is the fourth macronutrient

When we ingest alcohol, our body metabolises it, breaking it down and turning it into energy. Most of the alcohol we consume is processed by the liver, and the rest is excreted in urine, sweat, and our breath.

Since the body treats ethanol (alcohol) as a toxin, it will work to metabolise it as fast as possible. While the body is processing the alcohol you just drank, it delays the fat-burning process. Specifically, it slows the process of converting fatty acids to ketones.

Many keto dieters find that drinking too much alcohol too frequently can stall their weight loss. If you are drinking alcohol, it is important to keep your health and weight-loss goals in mind. Drinking alcohol in excess will not help you lose weight any faster!

If you are drinking on the keto diet, it is important to know what types of alcoholic drinks are keto-compliant, and what types of drinks to avoid. Most liquors contain zero net carbs, but it is important to watch out for sugary mixers and sodas. Wine is generally low-carb, but sweet dessert wines have a lot of sugar and carbs. Beer usually has gluten and too many carbs for the keto diet, but some super-light beers are okay.

Pure spirits have zero carbs

Pure spirits such as brandy, whiskey, vodka, cognac, and tequila contain zero carbs and are suitable for a keto diet. However, it is important to be cautious when consuming alcohol on a keto diet, as it may slow down weight loss and negatively impact health. Alcohol is an energy source with almost no nutritional value that is prioritised by the body over other sources of energy, such as body fat.

When drinking alcohol, it is important to practise moderation, especially for those on a keto diet. The body metabolises alcohol differently, and it can have stronger effects, leading to intoxication and worse hangovers. Additionally, alcohol can stimulate appetite and decrease inhibitions, resulting in increased food intake.

If you are on a keto diet and choose to consume alcohol, it is recommended to stick to pure spirits without any mixers. Vodka, soda water, and lime can be a refreshing and low-carb drink option. Alternatively, you can mix spirits with carb-free mixers like soda water or tonic water, being mindful that tonic water will add carbs.

It is also important to remember that alcohol consumption may lower your blood glucose levels, as the liver focuses on metabolising alcohol instead of producing glucose. This can be dangerous, especially for individuals with diabetes or fatty liver disease.

In summary, while pure spirits have zero carbs and can be consumed on a keto diet, it is crucial to practise moderation and be aware of the potential impacts on weight loss and overall health.

Wine is lower in carbs than beer

Alcohol can be enjoyed as part of a keto diet, but it is important to proceed with caution. Alcohol can slow weight loss, and even a low-carb glass of wine may have 100 calories. Alcohol also reduces inhibitions and increases cravings, leading to less healthy food choices.

If you are on a keto diet, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of consuming alcohol. Firstly, alcohol can provide a significant number of calories, which may impede weight loss. Secondly, alcohol can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, resulting in more severe hangovers. Thirdly, alcohol may lower blood glucose levels as the liver is busy metabolizing it instead of producing glucose. Finally, alcohol can increase the risk of dangerous situations such as alcoholic ketoacidosis, especially when combined with intermittent fasting.

With that being said, wine is generally lower in carbs than beer. A 5% ABV pint of beer contains around 239kcal, which is roughly the same as a Mars bar. On the other hand, a 12% ABV 175ml glass of wine contains around 133kcal. This difference in calorie content is due to the leftover carbohydrates found in beer, as wine typically has a lower sugar content.

When it comes to health benefits, wine also has an edge over beer. Red wine contains polyphenols, which provide health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Beer also contains polyphenols and offers some health benefits, but to a lesser extent than red wine.

In conclusion, while wine is lower in carbs than beer, it is important to remember that both can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a keto diet. However, excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to negative consequences, including slowed weight loss and increased health risks.

Beer is usually a no-go

However, some super-light beers are considered low-carb and can be enjoyed in moderation. Some examples of low-carb beers include:

• Bud Select 55: 55 calories, 1.9 carbs
• MGD 64: 64 calories, 2.4 carbs
• Michelob Ultra: 95 calories, 2.6 carbs
• Bud Select: 99 calories, 3.1 carbs
• Natural Light: 95 calories, 3.2 carbs
• Miller Lite: 96 calories, 3.2 carbs

While these light beers are lower in carbs than regular beer, it's important to remember that they still contain gluten, which may be a concern for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.

Additionally, it's worth noting that alcohol can slow down the weight loss process. Since the body treats ethanol as a toxin, it prioritises metabolising it as quickly as possible. This means that while the body is processing the alcohol, it delays the fat-burning process, specifically slowing the conversion of fatty acids to ketones. Therefore, while an occasional low-carb beer may be acceptable on the keto diet, excessive drinking will hinder weight loss.

Keto cocktails are an option

If you're on the keto diet, you don't have to avoid all alcohol to stay in ketosis. With the right choices, it's quite possible to enjoy a drink or two and remain in the keto diet.

Liquors like vodka, whiskey, gin, scotch, rum, and tequila are good choices on the keto diet. They contain zero carbs and sugar when enjoyed on their own.

When drinking liquor, watch out for the sugar and carbs in mixers. For example, mixing alcohol with club soda or seltzer water is a great choice. On the other hand, a classic gin and tonic is a poor choice. Despite its bitter taste, tonic water is full of sugar and has about 32 grams of carbs in a 12-ounce serving.

So, stick to club soda, diet tonic, and diet soda for mixed drinks. And avoid sugary sodas, fruit juices, margarita mix, or other mixers that are full of sugar and carbs.

Likewise, keep in mind that flavored alcohols—like coconut rum, coffee liquor, and Baileys—often contain sugar and carbs, so they're best avoided.

If you'd like to try your hand at mixing up your own keto drinks, here are some keto cocktail recipes to get you started:

• Low Carb Moscow Mules
• Sugar-Free Mojito
• Low Carb Spicy Margarita
• Low Carb Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash
• Red Wine Berry Spritzer

How Alcohol Affects Ketosis

Alcohol can slow down the process of ketosis. When in ketosis, alcohol halts the metabolism of fat to metabolize alcohol. Alcohol is broken down by several enzymes into acetate, which your body uses for energy. When alcohol is consumed during ketosis, your body will convert to using acetate as an energy source rather than fat.

Keto Diet and Alcohol Tolerance

A keto diet can lead to a lowered alcohol tolerance. Your body stores carbohydrates as glycogen, and during ketosis, there are very low levels of it. Low levels of glycogen mean that there are fewer substances in your body to absorb alcohol. Carbohydrates can reduce blood alcohol levels. In ketosis, there is an absence of carbohydrates and other sources of energy, so alcohol reaches your bloodstream quicker and is processed more quickly. This effect reduces your tolerance to alcohol.

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