Calorie Counting: Beer Drinking Through Windows

Beer is a popular drink worldwide, but it is also high in calories. The term beer belly exists for a reason! Beer calories come from alcohol and carbohydrates, with about 60% from alcohol and the rest from carbs. The higher the alcohol content, the more calories a beer will have. For example, a 12-ounce beer that is 4% ABV has about 150 calories. So, if you're watching your weight, it's important to be mindful of how many beers you're consuming and opt for lower-calorie options if necessary.

Calories burned from cleaning windows

The number of calories burned from cleaning windows depends on several factors, including the intensity of the activity and your weight. According to one source, an hour of window cleaning burns 231 calories. Another source estimates that the average person burns between 170 and 300 calories per hour of cleaning.

To put this into context, 30 minutes of extra chores each day could help you lose 2lbs in a month. This means that window cleaning, as well as other household chores, can be a great way to stay active and potentially contribute to a fitness routine. For example, an hour of vigorous scrubbing of the bathroom burns 256 calories, equivalent to a 20-minute spin class. Similarly, an hour of washing the car or mopping floors burns 314 calories, which is the same as a 45-minute boxing class.

The formula for calculating calories burned per minute is: (MET x body weight in kg x 3.5) / 200. In this formula, "MET" refers to the energy cost of a physical activity for a specific time period. A task with a MET of 1 is roughly equivalent to the energy expenditure of sitting still at room temperature without actively digesting food. The MET value for different activities can be found on the chart provided by Arizona State University's Healthy Lifestyles Research Center.

Now, to answer your initial query about beer calories, the amount varies depending on the type of beer and its ABV (alcohol by volume). A lager with 4.5% ABV and 12 oz serving has 135 calories, while a barrel-aged stout with 10.5% ABV and 12 oz serving has 315 calories. Generally, beers with higher alcohol content will have more calories.

Running, swimming, football, cycling, badminton, or walking to burn calories

Beer is a popular drink worldwide, but it's important to remember that it contains calories that can quickly add up. These calories come mainly from carbs and alcohol, and the higher the ABV (alcohol by volume), the more calories the beer will have. For example, a 12-ounce lager with 4.5% ABV contains approximately 135 calories, while a 10.5% ABV beer of the same volume will have about 315 calories. A higher alcohol content, craft beer, or seasonal beer will generally have more calories than lighter beers.

If you're looking to burn off those beer calories, here are some activities you can try:

Running

Running is an excellent way to burn calories. The faster and longer you run, the more calories you'll burn. For example, a 155-pound person running at 6 mph (10 min/mile) for an hour will burn approximately 606 calories. Increase the speed to 7.5 mph (8 min/mile), and the same person will burn about 757 calories in an hour.

Swimming

Swimming is another great option for burning calories. Swimming laps vigorously can burn a significant number of calories, with a 155-pound person burning around 446 calories in half an hour. Even a leisurely swim can help, burning approximately 183 calories in 30 minutes for the same person.

Football

Playing football is a fun way to get some exercise and burn off those beer calories. A 155-pound person playing a casual game of football for half an hour can burn about 167 calories, while a competitive game will burn approximately 334 calories in the same amount of time.

Cycling

Hopping on a bike is an efficient way to get around and burn calories. The speed and intensity of your cycling will determine how many calories you burn. For example, a 155-pound person cycling at a leisurely pace of less than 10 mph for an hour will burn around 292 calories, while cycling at a vigorous 14-15.9 mph will burn approximately 604 calories in an hour.

Badminton

Although not mentioned in the sources, badminton is likely to burn a similar number of calories to racquetball or casual racquet sports, which is around 244 calories in half an hour for a 155-pound person.

Walking

Walking is a moderate-intensity activity that can help you burn off some of those beer calories. The number of calories burned depends on the speed and duration of your walk. For instance, a 155-pound person walking at a brisk pace of 3.5 mph for half an hour will burn about 100 calories, while a faster walk of 4 mph for the same duration will burn approximately 138 calories.

Remember, the calorie-burning potential of these activities can vary depending on factors such as body weight, intensity, fitness level, and metabolism. Additionally, combining these activities with a healthy diet and moderating your beer intake can help you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Calories in beer vs other alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic drinks can be a source of hidden calories, and it's easy to rack up 500 extra calories or more when going out for a couple of drinks. Most alcoholic drinks have little to no nutritional value, and the calories can quickly add up if you're not careful.

Calories in Beer

The calories in beer depend mostly on its alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, its carbohydrate content. A typical 12 oz beer has around 140 calories, which is similar to a can of Coke. Some beers have twice as many calories.

The general rule is that the higher the ABV (alcohol by volume), the more calories in your beer. For example, a lager with 4.5% ABV and 12 oz will have approximately 135 calories, while a 12 oz barrel-aged stout with 10.5% ABV will have about 315 calories.

Calories in Wine

A standard glass of wine can contain up to 158 calories, and a 9 oz glass can reach 220 calories. Even higher-sugar whites like Moscato or Riesling are in the same range. A glass of sangria, which includes fruit, juice, and sugar, typically has 200 to 300 calories.

Calories in Liquor

Liquor, such as gin, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey, provides around 100 to 120 calories per 1.5 oz shot. This is because all the calories in liquor come from its alcohol content, which is typically 40% to 50%.

Calories in Cocktails

Cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can be especially high in calories. For example, a margarita in a small glass has around 200 calories, but a frozen, sugary version can jump to 300 or more. A Moscow mule or mojito will typically give you about 200 to 300 calories.

Calories in Hard Seltzer, Cider, and Kombucha

Hard seltzers usually have no more calories than light beer, but high-alcohol hard seltzers can have twice the calories. A 12 oz hard cider can have up to 200 calories and up to 5 teaspoons of sugar, while a dry cider will have fewer calories, around 150, and less sugar. Hard kombucha, despite its health halo, generally has a similar calorie count to beer.

Strategies for Moderating Caloric Intake

To moderate your caloric intake from alcoholic drinks, you can try some of the following strategies:

• Drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
• Use a pre-measured cup to keep track of your portion sizes.
• Opt for non-alcoholic or low-alcohol versions of your favourite drinks, as these tend to have fewer calories.
• Pace yourself by taking small sips and drinking at your own pace instead of drinking in rounds.

Beers with the most calories

While many beer lovers may not give calories a second thought when ordering a pint at the pub, it is worth noting that the more alcohol in a beer, the more calories it will have. Ales, for instance, are known to be highly calorific, with some containing more than 250 calories per pint.

Calorific Beer Examples

• Bud Light Lime-A-Rita by Budweiser is the most calorific beer, with 495 calories per 12-ounce serving.
• Sierra Nevada Bigfoot is a Barleywine-style ale with 330 calories per serving.
• Samuel Adams Double Bock is a doppelbock with 323 calories per serving.
• Sierra Nevada Hoptimum is an Imperial IPA with 314 calories per serving.
• Coronado Idiot IPA, brewed in California, has 241 calories per serving.
• Sierra Nevada Torpedo, an Extra IPA, has 236 calories per serving.
• Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock, a bock-style beer that tastes like chocolate, has 230 calories per serving.
• Steel Reserve High Gravity, an American malt liquor-style beer, has 222 calories per serving.
• New Belgium Trippel Belgian Style Ale, brewed year-round, has 221 calories per serving.
• Goose Island Oktoberfest, brewed in the fall for Oktoberfest, has 217 calories per serving.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the type of beer and its alcohol content, other factors that can affect the caloric value of a beer include the type of glass and how full it is. For example, an Imperial Pint contains more liquid than a standard pint, resulting in a higher caloric value.

Beers that are low in calories

Beer is made from fermented grain, and the calories in beer come mainly from carbs and alcohol. The higher the ABV (alcohol by volume), the more calories the beer will have. So, if you're watching your calorie intake, it's best to opt for alcohol-free beers or those with a lower ABV.

Budweiser Select 55

With only 55 calories per 12-ounce serving, this is the lowest-calorie beer on the market. However, it is very light in flavour and alcohol content, so it may not be the best choice for beer connoisseurs.

Beck's Premier Light

This German beer manages to retain more flavour and body than other light beers, but it has a lower ABV. So, it's a good choice if you prioritise taste and low calories over alcohol content.

Miller 64

Miller 64 is an ultra-light beer with just 64 calories and a very low alcohol content. It's a good option if you want to drink several bottles without consuming too many calories.

Bud Light Next Beer

This is the first low-calorie beer with zero carbs. It has a super-light flavour, so it might not be the best choice for avid beer drinkers, but it's perfect if you want to enjoy a beer without the carbs.

Yuengling Light Lager Beer

Yuengling is a popular choice among beer drinkers, and its light version packs a crisp punch while maintaining the same flavour profile as its flagship beverage, which is known for its caramel malt flavour and mild hop character. With less than 100 calories, it's a tasty option for those watching their calorie intake.

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold

At just 85 calories per bottle, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is one of the lowest-calorie options on this list. It has a refreshing, slightly citrusy flavour and a super-light mouthfeel. It's also USDA-certified organic and free of artificial colours and flavours.

Heineken Light

Heineken Light has the same familiar flavour as the classic Heineken lager but with a milder and cleaner taste. With 50 calories less than the original, it's a good option for those who enjoy the taste of Heineken but want to cut down on calories.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA

This fruity beer from Dogfish Head has notes of pineapple, coconut, and citrus. It's sweetened with monk fruit to reduce sugar content, delivering the punch of a traditional IPA without the extra calories.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier is the lightest offering from the Corona brand, with nine fewer calories than Corona Light. It has the signature Corona sweetness and hoppy taste but in a milder form. At 90 calories, it's a good choice for BBQs and summer get-togethers.

Coors Light

Coors Light is one of the most popular light beers, and for a good reason. Its "cold as the Rockies" process ensures it stays cold until it reaches your fridge. With a familiar, reliable taste, it's a classic choice for those wanting a low-calorie option.

Blue Moon LightSky

This highly carbonated, citrusy beer tastes almost like an orange seltzer. It's brewed with real tangerine peels and Azacca hops, giving it a distinctive fruitiness. It's a good choice if you're not a fan of the strong beer taste.

Guinness Draught Stout

You might be surprised to find a stout on this list, but Guinness Draught is actually low in calories. With around 125 calories per serving, you can enjoy the legendary Guinness flavour without the calorie count.

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