How to Pick Atkins Diet Beverages

Choose drinks that won't derail your diet.

Dieters following the Atkins method for weight control restrict their intake of carbohydrates and other ingredients that prevent their bodies from going into a state of ketosis. Although it’s easy to determine what food you may eat on the Atkins Diet, many dieters become confused when choosing their beverages.

Things You'll Need

• Decaffeinated coffee
• Herbal teas
• Water
• Diet soda made with sucralose

Instructions

1. Drink beverages with little or no caffeine. You can switch to decaffeinated coffee or just replace your morning cup with an herbal tea. Although caffeine does not contain carbs, it may trigger an insulin response in your body, which can prevent you from going into ketosis.

2. Consume diet sodas in moderation and only those made with the sweetener, sucralose, often sold under the name “Splenda.” Other artificial sweeteners may increase insulin production.

3. Have a beer only after you complete the two-week induction phase of the Atkins Diet. Consumption of more than one alcoholic drink per day is detrimental to your weight loss progress.

4. Enjoy plenty of herbal teas, both hot and iced, while on the Atkins Diet. You can add a spoonful of Splenda, if desired, but avoid the use of honey during the induction phase and use it sparingly during the maintenance portion of your diet.

5. Carry a bottle of water with you at all times while you are on the Atkins Diet. Drinking lots of fresh water helps remove toxins from your body and can make your stomach feel fuller. In addition, since your protein levels will be higher, your activity level may increase, making additional hydration necessary.

6. Bypass fruit and vegetable juices during this time. Look, however, for special diet drinks, produced specifically for those on low-carbohydrate diets for delicious beverage alternatives that won’t derail your weight loss.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider gradually reducing your coffee intake a couple of weeks before going on the Atkins Diet. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms produce painful headaches and nausea if use of the substance is eliminated quickly from your diet.