Lucy Palmer
If you're on Weight Watchers, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy a beer. The good news is that you can! Beer is not generally considered a healthy drink, but it can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. The key is to be mindful of how much you drink and to choose lower-calorie options, such as light beer. On the Weight Watchers program, one beer is worth around six points, so it could put you over your limit for the day if you're not careful. If you're looking for a low-point alternative, consider wine, which is typically worth around four points per glass. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what's best for your weight loss goals, but as long as you're mindful of your consumption, beer can be a part of your diet.
What You'll Learn
Light beer is a healthier choice
While it is not recommended to drink alcohol every day while on Weight Watchers, the occasional alcoholic drink is allowed in moderation. Light beer is a healthier choice for those who enjoy a drink now and then and are looking to lose weight.
Light beer is a good option because it is widely available and low in SmartPoints. A 12-ounce serving of light beer is typically worth around three SmartPoints, depending on the brand. Popular varieties such as Corona Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, and Sam Adams Light are all three SmartPoints.
Light beer is also a good choice because it is low in calories. A can of mid-strength beer contains 375 kilojoules, while a can of full-strength beer contains 570 kilojoules. Lower-strength alcoholic drinks will generally contain fewer kilojoules.
Additionally, light beer may take longer to drink than a cocktail. This means that you will be able to savour your drink and may end up consuming less alcohol overall.
When trying to lose weight, it is important to remember that alcohol can be high in calories and sugar and can interfere with your body's fat-burning ability. Alcoholic drinks with sweet, sugary mixers or ingredients like cream can contain even more calories and kilojoules. Therefore, it is best to choose drinks with low-calorie mixers, such as soda or seltzer water.
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Alcohol is high in kilojoules
Alcohol is a source of energy, with every gram of it containing 29 kilojoules (7 calories). This means a standard drink contains at least 290 kilojoules just from the alcohol content alone. Alcoholic drinks that are made with sweet, sugary mixers or things like cream contain even more kilojoules – and often significantly more. A single shot of vodka with soda water, for example, contains 282 kilojoules, while a can of full-strength beer contains 570 kilojoules.
The number of kilojoules in a drink is important to consider when trying to lose weight, as drinks with more kilojoules will contribute more to weight gain. Lower-strength alcoholic drinks will generally contain fewer kilojoules, as will those mixed with soda water rather than sugar-sweetened mixers like coke, lemonade, or tonic, or cream and sugar syrup. A pina colada made with cream, for example, contains 1210 kilojoules.
When trying to lose weight, it is important to be mindful of how much alcohol you are consuming, as it can be high in kilojoules. A good way to reduce your kilojoule intake is to choose low-calorie options such as light beer or low-alcohol wine. You can also try mixing beer with a low-point mixer, like soda or seltzer water. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is best for your weight loss goals, but it is important to drink in moderation and stick to the recommended serving sizes.
It is worth noting that the relationship between alcohol consumption and weight gain is complex. While some studies show that drinking alcohol is linked to weight gain, others show the opposite or suggest there is no relationship between the two. However, regardless of the impact on weight, it is important to consider the other health risks associated with alcohol consumption, such as an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
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Alcohol affects you faster on an empty stomach
When you drink on an empty stomach, much of the alcohol passes quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, where most of it is absorbed into the bloodstream. This intensifies all the side effects of drinking, such as your ability to think and coordinate your body movements.
Light to moderate drinking on an empty stomach may not be a major cause for concern. However, drinking large amounts of alcohol on an empty stomach can be very dangerous. The inability to think clearly or move your body safely can lead to serious harm and even death in extreme cases.
If you plan on drinking more than one alcoholic beverage in a sitting, it is recommended to eat at least an hour beforehand. It is also important to drink water and pace yourself, drinking no more than one standard drink per hour. Knowing your limits is crucial.
While it is not recommended to drink alcohol every day while on Weight Watchers, occasional alcoholic drinks in moderation are allowed. Light beer, wine, and liquor on the rocks are all lower-calorie options that can help you stay within your points budget.
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Alcohol stimulates appetite
It is well-known that alcohol stimulates appetite. While some studies have failed to find a significant difference in appetite between those who consume alcohol and those who don't, other studies and researchers have found that alcohol can increase hunger and appetite.
Research has shown that alcohol can cause blood glucose levels to rise and fall, stimulating the brain to feel hungry, even if the body is not genuinely hungry. In addition, alcohol can influence hormones tied to satiety, or feeling full. For example, alcohol may inhibit the effects of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that inhibits food intake.
Alcohol can also lower blood sugar, which can cause cravings for sugar and carbs. Drinking alcohol can impair the liver’s ability to release glycogen, or stored glucose, into the blood to keep blood glucose levels stable. This can lead to a further increase in appetite.
Furthermore, alcohol can lower inhibitions and decrease defenses when it comes to portion control and making healthy eating choices. With a drink in hand, it is easier to overindulge in snacks and less healthy food options.
Therefore, while the effect of alcohol on appetite may vary between individuals, there is significant evidence to suggest that alcohol does indeed stimulate appetite.
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Wine is a low-point alternative to beer
While it is not recommended to drink alcohol every day while on Weight Watchers, the occasional alcoholic drink is allowed in moderation. Light beer and wine are great choices because they are widely available and low in SmartPoints.
Light beer is also an uncomplicated choice. Whether at a barbecue, a bar, or a friend's house, light beer is something you can find almost anywhere. If you like beer, it's a great fallback option if lighter cocktails are unavailable.
If you're looking to relax after a long week without halting your weight loss progress, it's best to choose a drink that is low in SmartPoints.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can drink beer on Weight Watchers, but it is important to be mindful of how much you drink. Beer is not generally considered a healthy drink, but it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Light beers are a better option as they are lower in calories.
There is no definitive answer as it depends on the brand and its nutritional information. However, as a general rule, most beers are worth around three points, with light beers typically having 2-3 points and dark beers having 4-5 points.
If you're looking to stick to your points limit, consider a low-point alternative like wine, which is around four points per glass. You can also mix beer with a low-point mixer like soda or seltzer water to reduce points. Remember that drinking in moderation is key, and it's important to stay within your daily points budget.
