Is Tito’s vodka OK for keto diet?

The keto diet has become one of the most popular diet trends in recent years. This very low-carb, high-fat diet helps induce a metabolic state called ketosis, which causes the body to burn fat for fuel instead of carbs.

On the keto diet, carbohydrate intake is typically reduced to less than 50 grams per day. Since many alcoholic beverages are high in carbs, alcohol is often avoided or heavily restricted on keto.

So can you drink Tito’s vodka on the keto diet? Keep reading to find out.

What is Tito’s vodka?

Tito’s is a brand of vodka produced in Austin, Texas. It was founded by Bert “Tito” Beveridge in the mid-1990s.

Tito’s vodka is made from corn. It’s distilled 6 times and filtered using charcoal. It’s classified as a “gluten-free” spirit and does not contain any added sugars or carbohydrates.

Tito’s has surged in popularity over the past decade to become one of the top-selling vodka brands in the United States. It’s marketed as a premium spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into keto-friendly cocktails.

Nutrition facts for Tito’s vodka

Here are the nutrition facts for 1.5 fluid ounces (one standard shot) of Tito’s vodka (1):

  • Calories: 97
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbs: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams

As you can see, a shot of Tito’s contains minimal carbs and no fiber, sugar, or protein. Since the calories in alcohol come purely from the alcohol itself, Tito’s vodka contains no net carbs.

Can you drink Tito’s on a keto diet?

Pure spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey contain zero carbohydrates and do not directly affect ketosis. Technically, you can drink them in moderation without getting kicked out of ketosis.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re totally keto-friendly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Calories still matter

hard liquors are calorie-dense. A standard 1.5 ounce shot contains around 100 calories. A few servings can quickly add up in terms of your daily calorie allotment.

When following a keto diet for weight loss, alcohol is typically limited to 1–2 drinks per day, if consumed at all. Excessive intake can stall weight loss progress.

Mixers matter

What you mix your vodka with makes a big difference in terms of carbs. While Tito’s itself is carb-free, sugary mixers like juice, soda, tonic water, and other high carb beverages will raise your carb count.

Opt for low carb or zero carb mixers like:

  • Diet soda
  • Sparkling water
  • Seltzer water
  • Club soda
  • Beef broth or bone broth

Inhibits fat burning

Although vodka itself does not affect ketosis, it can slow down fat burning while the alcohol is being metabolized by the liver.

This is because alcohol is toxin that must be cleared by the liver as a priority. When this happens, the liver switches from burning fat to burning the alcohol calories first.

For this reason, alcohol consumption may briefly pause fat loss on the keto diet. Moderation is key.

May trigger cravings or mindless eating

Drinking alcohol may lower your inhibitions, making you more likely to break your keto diet. This could mean snacking on off-limit, high-carb foods.

Alcohol also impairs judgement and can lead to making poor food choices. Be cautious of mindless eating when drinking.

Keto alcohol guidelines

Most health experts recommend limiting alcohol intake to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. Here are some other keto-specific alcohol guidelines:

  • Consume no more than 5% of total daily calories from alcohol. So if eating 2,000 calories a day, limit alcohol to 100 calories or less.
  • Drink plenty of water to help minimize effects of dehydration from alcohol.
  • Avoid wine and beer due to high carb contents.
  • Choose clear, low carb mixers.
  • Never drink on an empty stomach.
  • Drink slowly. Do not binge drink.
  • Avoid alcohol if you have noticed it stalls your weight loss.

Low carb keto drink options

Here are some delicious low carb drink options to enjoy in moderation on the keto diet:

Keto vodka drinks

  • Vodka soda. Vodka mixed with sparkling water and lime.
  • Vodka martini. Vodka, dry vermouth, and olive or lemon twist.
  • Bloody Mary. Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, and spices.
  • Moscow mule. Vodka, ginger beer, and lime.
  • Vodka tonic. Vodka and tonic water with lime wedge.

Other keto-friendly alcohols

  • Dry wines. Limit to 5 ounce serving size.
  • Champagne or sparkling wines.
  • Dry spirits like whiskey, scotch, rum, tequila.
  • Dry ciders. Avoid sweet varieties.

Keto mocktails (non-alcoholic drinks)

  • Sparkling water with lemon, lime, or other fruit.
  • Iced tea or hot tea.
  • Seltzer water with splash of cranberry juice.
  • Club soda with squeeze of lemon or lime.
  • Diet tonic water with lime.
  • Flavored sparkling water like La Croix.
  • Bone broth sipped warm or over ice.

The bottom line

Tito’s vodka contains zero carbs and will not kick you out of ketosis. However, calories still matter so moderation is key. Avoid high carb mixers and do not overdo it, as excessive intake may stall weight loss.

When consumed in moderation alongside a well-formulated keto diet, vodka and other dry spirits can be an acceptable addition for some individuals. Just be mindful of your body’s response.

Focus on achieving your health and weight goals first before introducing alcohol. And as always, consult with your healthcare provider about whether drinking alcohol is appropriate for your lifestyle and health status.

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