The 8 Best Alcohol Options When Dieting

Summer means cookouts and parties, weddings and reunions. And I have to tell you, I have been known to enjoy a cocktail at a party! (You too?)

Now, we all know that alcohol is not the healthiest thing on the planet. You don’t need me to tell you that.

However having an occasional cocktail or glass of wine can be an okay indulgence as long as you follow a few simple rules.

In my book, Part-Time Paleo,  I discuss how to balance Paleo eating with life. And life includes a few parties and occasions where a celebratory drink shouldn’t put an end to your healthy lifestyle.) Notice the name of my book is Part-Time Paleo–I don’t want to live in a world where I can’t have a margarita once in awhile! Can I get an amen?

So, to help you muddle your way through (pun intended) the process of figuring out which alcohols are the best and worst options for a Paleo lifestyle, I’ve put together a little cheat sheet.

Worst alcohol options

Wine coolers
Mixed drinks like mudslides or pina coladas
Liqueurs
Regular beer

Best alcohol options

Red wine
Hard cider
Champagne
Gluten-free beer
Tequila
Potato vodka
Whiskey
Rum

Best mix options

Avoid colas and the like as a mix, and instead, use:

Club soda or mineral water
Coconut water
Coconut milk
Ice cubes
Freshly squeezed juice (especially lemons and limes; less sugar)

When you’re making drinks, add fruits and veggies where you can—the fiber will help blood sugar levels stay even (and a fresh squeeze of lime especially will buffer the insulin response of the alcohol) AND it will also fill you up so the pizza and nachos are less tempting! 🙂

Oh, and don’t forget having an extra glass of water after you have an alcoholic beverage helps prevent dehydration (which is first base for a hangover)!

After you’ve enjoyed your cocktail (or cocktails, whichever the case may be!), just get back on track right where you left off. One or two drinks isn’t going to ruin your life, so don’t stress about it. Just pick up where you left off and make sure you do a little extra at the gym the next day.

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