Can You Drink Coke Zero On The Keto Diet?
Going on the keto diet requires a complete rewiring of not only how you eat, but also a reframing of your concept of what the word "healthy" actually means. Remember the days when you thought of bacon as "fattening," and of a yogurt parfait as a wholesome treat? Well, strike that and reverse it. A ketogenic diet is deliberately and strategically high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates and sugars, with the goal of getting your body into a fat-burning state called ketosis (per WebMD). Because you're eschewing sugar, what you drink will change, too. No more juice for you — and if you're out on the town, you'll be slinging back whiskey, vodka, and low-sugar wine, while avoiding beer altogether (via Insider).
What about soft drinks? Does going on the keto diet mean no bubbles for you? Coca-Cola is an obvious nope, with 39 grams of sugar in a 12-ounce can. But as it turns out, Coke Zero should not knock you out of ketosis (per Healthline). Even though Coke Zero tastes just like Coke Classic, it contains absolutely no sugar or carbohydrates.
Why keto dieters might still want to avoid Coke Zero
While you should have no trouble maintaining ketosis after drinking Coke Zero, there are still a few reasons why keto dieters might be better off avoiding the sweet black fizz — or at least not making it a regular habit. "They contain artificial sweeteners that can have a laxative effect when consumed in excess, and may boost sweet cravings," registered dietitian Edwina Clark told SHAPE. In fact, numerous studies have linked synthetic sugar, like the blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium used to sweeten Coke Zero, to overeating, according to Scientific American.
When in doubt, your best bet is to stick with plain old water — and lots of it, especially when you first start the keto diet. "Hydration is difficult for many on the keto diet, especially in the beginning. You need to make sure you're drinking a lot of water and replenishing electrolytes," Kendra Whitmire, a nutritionist and dietitian, told Everyday Health.