Craft Beer And Weight Loss: Friends Or Foes?

Drinking craft beer and losing weight is challenging because beer is high in calories and can affect your sleep, self-control, and metabolism. Alcohol is metabolised differently by the body and can stop the process of fat burning. Beer is also an empty calorie as it provides almost no nutrients. The USDA states that a craft beer can contain 171 calories, and some even top 200 calories. However, it is possible to drink craft beer and still lose weight by being mindful of your consumption and making adjustments to your diet and exercise routine.

Craft beer calories: 170-350 calories per 12-ounce serving

Drinking craft beer can be enjoyable, but it can also be challenging for those trying to manage their weight. A 12-ounce serving of a higher-alcohol or craft beer typically contains 170 to 350 calories. This is significantly higher than the calorie count of regular beer, which is around 150 calories per 12-ounce serving.

The high calorie content of craft beer is due to the alcohol and the unfermented carbs present in the beverage. The alcohol content, expressed as a percentage of alcohol by volume (% ABV), is directly related to the calorie content—the higher the ABV, the higher the calories.

Craft beers, with their unique tastes, bodies, and colours, can have varying calorie counts. For example, a craft beer like Blue Moon has 171 calories, while some others can exceed 200 calories. This makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices, as beer containers are not required by law to display calorie information.

If you're trying to lose weight, it's important to be mindful of the number of calories you're consuming. While you don't have to cut out craft beer entirely, moderation is key. You can also opt for lower-calorie options, such as light beer, which typically has around 100 calories per 12-ounce serving. Additionally, reducing your portion size, such as choosing a 12-ounce can instead of a 16-ounce bottle, can help you manage your calorie intake.

In conclusion, while it's possible to include craft beer in your diet while trying to lose weight, it's important to be mindful of the high calorie content of these beverages. Combining craft beer consumption with other weight-loss strategies, such as exercise and a balanced diet, can help you achieve your desired results.

Alcohol and weight gain

Secondly, alcohol can reduce your inhibitions, making it harder to resist snacking or overeating. It can also negatively impact your sleep, which is linked to weight gain and muscle loss.

If you are trying to lose weight, you can still drink alcohol, but in moderation. Try to limit the number of beers you have per week, and be mindful of how drinking affects your eating habits. You could also try switching to light beer, which has fewer calories and less alcohol.

Calorie deficit and drinking

Drinking craft beer can be enjoyable, but it's important to understand the impact on your weight loss goals. A calorie deficit is essential for losing weight, which means consuming fewer calories than you burn. Drinking craft beer can make it challenging to maintain a calorie deficit due to its calorie content.

Craft beers tend to have a higher calorie count than regular beers. According to the USDA, a typical beer contains about 153 calories, while a craft beer like Blue Moon has 171 calories, and some craft beers can exceed 200 calories. These extra calories can quickly add up, especially if you're not mindful of your consumption.

To lose weight, you need to create a significant calorie deficit. According to Nutrition.gov, burning or cutting about 500 calories per day will result in losing approximately one pound per week. This is why many people who are trying to lose weight choose to cut out liquid calories, including those from craft beer.

If you want to continue drinking craft beer while losing weight, it's crucial to make adjustments in other areas of your diet. Here are some strategies to help you achieve a calorie deficit while still enjoying your craft beer:

• Reduce portion sizes: Opt for smaller glasses or choose a 12-ounce can instead of a larger bottle. This will help you consume fewer calories per serving.
• Drink less frequently: Limit your drinking to specific days, such as only on weekends. This will reduce your overall calorie intake from craft beer.
• Choose lower-calorie options: Look for light or low-ABV beers, as they tend to have fewer calories. Lower-carb beers can also help, as beer brewing and the resulting ABV and carb content determine the caloric content.
• Adjust your eating habits: When drinking craft beer with a meal, make conscious choices to consume fewer calories. Opt for lean protein sources and vegetables instead of high-calorie sides or snacks.
• Be mindful of drinking's impact on your eating habits: Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and stimulate your appetite, leading to increased food consumption. Plan ahead by preparing low-calorie snacks or meals to ensure you stay within your daily calorie intake goals.
• Increase your exercise: To create a larger calorie deficit, incorporate more physical activity into your routine. This can include activities such as walking, weight training, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to burn extra calories.
• Drink water: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates you. Drinking water before, during, and after consuming craft beer will help you stay hydrated, reduce the impact of hangovers, and maintain your energy levels for physical activity.

By implementing these strategies, you can work towards creating a calorie deficit while still enjoying craft beer in moderation. Remember, achieving a calorie deficit is crucial for losing weight, so make sure to track your calorie intake and make adjustments as needed to meet your weight loss goals.

Low-calorie craft beer options

It is possible to find low-calorie craft beer options, although it can be challenging to produce a light beer with a calorie count of less than 120 calories per 12 ounces that appeals to the craft beer crowd. The good news is that low-calorie beers also tend to be lower in carbohydrates.

• Slightly Mighty (Dogfish Head): This well-balanced lo-cal IPA is brewed with monk fruit, giving it a "muscular hop character", according to Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione. At 95 calories, it's a great option for those looking for a flavorful yet low-calorie beer.
• Swipe Light (Southern Tier Brewing Co.): With 110 calories, Swipe Light is a light-bodied beer with a fresh citrus hop appeal featuring Mosaic and Citra hops.
• The Purist (New Belgium Brewing Co.): This organic lager has a low-calorie count of 95 and is made with organic hops and malts sourced from Oregon.
• Lagunitas DayTime (Lagunitas Brewing.): DayTime is a session IPA with 98 calories and 4% ABV. It offers classic IPA flavor without the extra calories.
• Lakefront Eazy Teazy (Lakefront Brewing.): Lakefront turned to tea to help flavor this low-calorie beer, resulting in a flavorful 99-calorie beauty. Eazy Teazy brings in green tea with the citrusy Lemondrop hop.
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale (Kona Brewing.): To keep the beach bodies looking solid, Kona Brewing offers this full-flavored blonde ale with a touch of mango. It clocks in at 99 calories.
• Rec League (Harpoon Brewing.): Hopping on the hazy and low-calorie beer train, Rec League is a hazy pale ale with 120 calories and 3.8% ABV. It's brewed with a variety of healthy ingredients such as buckwheat kasha, chia seeds, and sea salt.

In addition to these craft beers, there are also some popular low-calorie options from bigger breweries, such as Miller Lite, Coors Lights, and Bud Light.

Adjusting eating habits when drinking

Drinking beer and losing weight can be challenging due to the high calorie and low nutrient content of beer. However, it is possible to achieve your weight loss goals while still enjoying a drink by making some adjustments to your eating habits. Here are some strategies to help you:

Reduce Portion Sizes

Choose a smaller glass or opt for a 12-ounce can instead of a 16-ounce bottle. By reducing your portion sizes, you can still enjoy a drink without consuming as many calories.

Limit Drinking Frequency

Consider drinking less frequently, such as only on weekends. This will help reduce your overall calorie intake and give your body more time to process the alcohol.

Choose Lower-Calorie Beers

Opt for light beers or those with a lower % ABV, as these tend to have fewer calories. For example, a light beer typically has about 100 calories, while a regular beer has around 150. Lower-carb beers are also a good option, as they tend to have fewer calories and can promote weight loss.

Adjust Your Meals

When drinking beer with your meal, make adjustments to the food you eat. For example, if you're having a burger, skip the fries and opt for a side salad or vegetables instead. Focus on lean protein sources and nutrient-dense foods to ensure you're getting the most nutritional value from your meal.

Plan Your Meals

Plan your meals in advance, especially if you know you'll be drinking beer. This will help you make healthier food choices and avoid making impulsive decisions that may hinder your weight loss goals.

Drink Water

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates you. To counteract this, drink a glass of water for every beer you consume. This will also help you stay hydrated, reduce the impact of hangovers, and improve your overall well-being.

Eat Before You Drink

Drinking on an empty stomach can cause you to become intoxicated more quickly and may lead to poor food choices. Eating a healthy meal before drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol and give you a better chance of making healthier choices.

Healthy Snacks

Prepare healthy, low-calorie snacks to enjoy when you get home or after a night of drinking. Options such as fruit, air-popped popcorn, or hummus with veggies can satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet.

Exercise

In addition to adjusting your eating habits, increasing your physical activity can help promote weight loss. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and heavy resistance training can boost your metabolism and increase your body's ability to burn calories, even at rest.

Remember, the key to losing weight while drinking craft beer is moderation and making conscious choices about your eating habits. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy a drink while still working towards your weight loss goals.

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