What is a sensible amount to drink whilst low carbing?

[Theydontknowweknowtheyknow]

I've been doing LCHF for about two weeks and have eased into 16:8 Intermittent Fasting quite naturally because I'm finding myself not so desperate to eat and even if I do feel hungry it is not the same all consuming shakey hunger I felt on carbs.


But alcohol (wine mainly) is my nemesis and I veer between vowing to never drink again and then binge drinking. Despite this I've lost 5lb but feel I could probably lose a lot more but need to be realistic about my goals.

So I just wondered how much other low carbers drink during a week whilst still feeling good or if you feel alcohol should be off limits.

[KP86]

If you're desperate for a drink white spirits are best on LC. Wine still has carbs. I found I felt tipsy/drunk a lot sooner and didn't really want to drink much.

You are right, you'll lose so much more if you can completely abstain.

[Theydontknowweknowtheyknow]

Thanks KP ☺ I do love a bit of gin but I'm guessing slimline tonic has some nasty sweetener in it.

[KP86]

It does (but I still drink it). Vodka with real lime juice and soda water is a good alternative. Add some mint and it's almost like a mojito ;)

[Arkengarthdale]

I'm the same. I find low carbing the easiest thing in the world to stick to/follow - except for the wine. Unfortunately the body likes to burn carbohydrate first as it is the easiest, so a glass or two in the evening undoes all the good work you've done in the day. Then of course, it's too easy to pile on the weight because of all the fat calories you've consumed. As mentioned above, clear spirit like vodka is lower carb than what is basically a bottle of sugar! I know all this myself and still don't follow my own advice

[DoctoraNova]

I personally am in about of consuming small amounts of what you want, every now and then to prevent a feeling of deprivation and subsequent binging. For me, it improves my sense of enjoyment without guilt or a loss of control.

In terms of what: dry white or cava are also good options. The less you drink, the lower your tolerance. Also chose the best quality you can afford and consume slowly and enjoy. I'll splash out on a fancy wine or posh Weissbeer, or a order an elaborate gin tonic, but it's quite a rare thing these days while I'm losing weight - like once every 3/4 weeks of there's some special occasion. In maintenance mode could be a different story. I'm guessing I'll enjoy a weekly drink then. But then again, I can't Bing booze because have little kids and just not possible.

*Obviously this doesn't apply to people with addiction disorders.

[DoctoraNova]

*Personally in favour of

[Theydontknowweknowtheyknow]

Oh thanks all. Yes I reckon I need to abstain whilst losing weight then maintain with a sophisticated dry white on a Friday ☺ you're so right Doctora about not depriving yourself because it's so hard to sustain.

The food part is easy. I'm honestly not missing sweet things like dessert or cake. The only difficulty is going out because there is usually potatoes or fries.

[April19]

Can I ask if it is possible to low carb every 2nd day and still lose weight? Anyone know if Tesco Caesar salad bag is ok for low carb salad with added chicken oh and less the croutons!!

[ImperialBlether]

Salad and chicken are low carb and surely the dressing is mayo and parmesan? They're both OK. I add anchovies to that and it's lovely.

[ImperialBlether]

There are under 5 grams of carbs in a 5 fl oz glass of white wine, according to the Atkins online carb counter.

[BIWI]

April - you can try it, but I think all you'll be doing is making life harder for yourself and slowing down weight loss!

And re the salad - why not check the carb count on the back of the bag?