Part 14 (2/2)

4.0.

Low-carb rolls

1.

4.0.

Low-carb soy chips 1 ounce

5.0.

Low-carb tortillas One 7-inch

4.0.

No-added-sugar ice cream cup

4.0.

TO YOUR HEALTH-IN MODERATION.

Say cheers! Now that you're in OWL, you can have alcohol if you wish-and if experience shows that you can handle it. There are several things to consider about consuming alcohol while losing weight. Most mixers, including tonic water, are wildly high in carbs, especially any made with fruit juice. (Sugar-free tonic water is acceptable.) So are flavored brandy and other cordials (although aged brandy and Cognac are low in sugar). Although most spirits contain no carbs, your body will metabolize alcohol before fat (in this respect, alcohol is a macronutrient), so drinking slows down fat burning and may slow your weight loss. And, of course, be sure to count the carbs. Now that you're in OWL, you can have alcohol if you wish-and if experience shows that you can handle it. There are several things to consider about consuming alcohol while losing weight. Most mixers, including tonic water, are wildly high in carbs, especially any made with fruit juice. (Sugar-free tonic water is acceptable.) So are flavored brandy and other cordials (although aged brandy and Cognac are low in sugar). Although most spirits contain no carbs, your body will metabolize alcohol before fat (in this respect, alcohol is a macronutrient), so drinking slows down fat burning and may slow your weight loss. And, of course, be sure to count the carbs.

Drink spirits neat or on the rocks with a lemon twist. A 12-ounce serving of regular beer contains up to 13 grams of carbs, which is clearly too high for OWL. A single light beer or, better yet, low-carb beer should be your brew of choice in this phase, and keep it to one. A gla.s.s of wine with dinner can make a basic meal a special occasion, but steer clear of sugary wine coolers and sweet dessert wines. You may find that you're more susceptible to the effects of alcohol while doing Atkins. And because alcohol can make you drop your inhibitions, you may find it more difficult to stay away from chips and other high-carb snack foods that often accompany alcohol. For all these reasons, the best advice we can give you is to go easy. If you have trouble reining yourself in, you might be better off avoiding alcohol until you're more in control.

Beverage Serving size Grams of Net Garbs Beer, ”light”

12 ounces

7.0.

Beer, low-carb 12 ounces

3.0.

Bourbon 1 ounce 0.0.

Champagne 4 ounces

4.0.

Gin 1 ounce 0.0.

Mixers, sugar free 1 serving

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