Hi Everyone!
Ok so i'm new here; been doing the Caloriecount.about thing for a few weeks, and hey- I'm seeing results! (just got my wife to try it too!)
So here's my beginner question;
BEER: as long as I factor in the calories for the beer I drink, is that all I should be worried about? (to explain further) there aren't any "hidden" calories I should be looking out for? (of course pending I don't "snack" on those high calorie foods which usually accompany beer)
Thanks!
As long as you count the calories correctly there should be no problems, however beer will shift your protein/carbs/fat ratio since it's about one third carbs, unlike vodka that is just about the alcohol.
The other thing to consider is that beer, like sugar and other "empty" calories, adds very little nutritional value to your diet. So consuming half your daily calories in a 6-pack every day won't be sustainable. The closer you are to your "minimum" calories (like 1500 for a guy), the less healthy having a beer regularly would be, in my opinion. You'd be better off replacing that beer with a larger portion of vegetables or meat. For myself, I wouldn't even include a daily beer in my caloric budget... Not worth it to me.
But having a beer or two occasionally won't derail your diet. Personally, I cut out all alcohol when I was actively trying to lose weight. Now that I'm nearing my goal and bumping up my calories to try to level off my weight loss, I've begun including an occasional beer (or two) and other treats. But only if I know I'm going to be under my target for the day or it's a cheat day (so I don't really care). I have a stomach issue where having more than three beer in an evening is a recipe for nasty reflux, so tying one on isn't an option for me in any case.
Clint
I'm currently maintaining my weight, lost all that I wanted to lose, and now I included about 4 beers a week, used to drink socially while losing weight but no more than 3 a week. It didn't stall the weight loss, but drinking it daily might.
Beer is good for your soul.
Drink it and just include it in your calorie count.
Maxx86 is obviously a very intelligent person. I agree with her whole-heartedly.
The real and often hidden danger in drinking beer while trying to lose weight is the temptation to eat high fat foods along with it. Would you rather have beer and chicken wings, or beer and a salad.
That said, years ago when I was exercising religiously and watching carefully what I ate, I was able to drink beer and still keep pretty lean.
Alcohol decreases the body's ability to burn fat by as much as 30 percent, actually, with alcohol in your bloodstream, your body prioritizes and starts burning that off, ignoring the fat in the process.
I love beer! I wouldn't want a lifstyle change that made me give up my beer! I've lost almost 50 pounds in the last year and I haven't stopped drinking it! I allow myself as much beer as I want (within reason) on the week-end but not on week-days (except for special occasions like vacation). Just allow for those extra calories and drink plenty of water the next day and you'll be fine! Enjoy your beer!
I agree that I am a very intelligent person. I also agree that alcohol makes it harder to burn fat, which is why college students who party a lot tend to become flabby by their senior year.
And I like beer and salad, especially if there are mushrooms on said salad.
I'm all for beer. I didn't realize there was another way to get your vitamin C other than in my weekend Blue Moons or Hefeweizens (sp?).
Thank god it is almost Friday.
Corona with lime...lime juice gets at A!! AND its very high in Vitamin C :)
I've gained 20 pounds since my last photo on this site, and when I ate like a horse (like 5000 at least a day) and exercised I gained like 5 lbs over 3 months. However most of the weight I've gained very quickly over the past few weeks happened coincidentally while I started drinking calories of alcohol rather than eating the calories.
So, I'd advise against it, look at the beer guts of even the skinniest of beer-enthusiasts.
Beer has been referred to as liquid bread.
That said I think its like any other treat. Have one occasionally if you like and include it in your calorie allowance.
I think a calorie is a calorie. If you can work a few beers into your day here and there, I say go for it. You might try playing with some lighter beers. It may surprise you that Guinness (which does not taste like more watery lighter beers, I can assure you!) has less calories than most sugary sweet mass consumed domestic beers. I (sadly) include my home and native land's Canadian beers in that group, too.
Many British beers have around 4 to 4.5% alchohol so they have fewer calories. Why not pick up a six of Newcastle, or Bass and give them a try? I think they have a paltry 120 calories each, so you might be able to fit a few more in that way.
Just drink lots of water. And check out the zig zag method of weight loss. Zig Zaggers find they lose faster by eating an average number of calories per week. We just eat more on one day, less the next, a middling amount, less, more... get the picture? On a more day you can have a few and still be right on track. It'll keep your body guessing and keep you entertained!
Cheers!
(Seriously...try the Newcastle!)
What's Newcastle like? I've never been into the dark beers, but maybe it's time to broaden my horizons. :) BTW, I'm up in Canada too!
Clint
Forgot to mention that Beck's Light has only 64 calories and Heineken Light has only 99 calories. They're not as good as the high-test beers, but I've had them a time or two and they are definitely drinkable. Of course I personally prefer an ice cold Corona or Peroni, and have recently started drinking Smithwicks once in a while.
I am looking for an old link I found once to the effects of alcohol use on the body - short term use - small amounts - not drunk but three or four beers kind of thing - it was an excellent article that made me think I should not be drinking more than 5 or 6 times a year!
I am still a once-or-twice-a-month 8-12 beer person - which is not good - but the article still made an impression - if I find it I will post it here.
Does anyone know if it really helps to drink lite beer instead of regular beer? Thanks.
i'm not sure if anyone mentioned this but, alcohol will make ya bloat. So... just keep that in mind ;)
oh and watch the drunk munchies.. gets me everytime.
... OH! and check before you drink. Found out my fave beer has almost 300 cals per pint. UGGHHH!
