Beer, Fasting, And Weight Loss: Hall's Lent Adventure

Del Hall, a man from Cincinnati, lost 44 pounds by giving up food and drinking only beer during Lent. Hall, who works at Fifty West Brewing Company, said he was inspired by 17th-century monks who would call doppelbock liquid bread and use it to sustain themselves during the 46-day period of Lent. Hall's beer fast was also an annual tradition for him, and he said it was a way to get back to a healthy mindset and look at food in a healthy way. While Hall lost weight, he also acknowledged that it was not a recommended way to lose weight and that he had consulted with his doctor beforehand.

Del Hall's motivation

Del Hall, a man from Cincinnati, embarked on a unique journey of fasting during Lent by consuming only beer, tea, coffee, and water. Hall's motivation was inspired by the ancient tradition of monks in the 1600s or 17th century, specifically in Bavaria. These monks, being master brewers, created a hearty style of German bock beer, known as doppelbock, which they called "liquid bread" and sustained them during the 46 days of Lent. Hall wanted to replicate this historical practice and challenge himself to push his limits. He saw it as an opportunity to break his addiction to food, especially carbs and sugar, and improve his poor eating habits.

Hall's motivation also extended beyond the personal challenge. He wanted to change the perception that beer is unhealthy and showcase its potential for renewal and healthy living. Hall believed that his beer diet was a way to develop a healthy mindset and perspective on food. He argued that everything in excess is bad and that the average American diet could be more harmful than craft beer.

Additionally, Hall's fast had a charitable aspect. In 2021, he raised more than $12,000 to support bar and restaurant workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. He planned to distribute the funds to 43 local businesses, aiming to provide each with $500 to share with their employees. In another year, he raised funds for the Ken Anderson Alliance, an organization supporting individuals with physical disabilities, including his 15-year-old daughter who has cerebral palsy.

Hall's motivation also stemmed from a desire to improve his health. After completing his fast, he reported feeling like he was in his 20s again, with reduced inflammation and improved overall health. He also experienced weight loss, going down three trouser sizes, which was a welcomed side effect.

Overall, Del Hall's motivation for his beer-only Lenten fast was multifaceted. He sought to challenge himself, improve his health, change perceptions about beer, and support charitable causes close to his heart.

Hall's diet and weight loss

Halls' Diet and Weight Loss

Del Hall, a man from Cincinnati, decided to give up food for Lent and only consume beer, tea, coffee, and water. Hall, a brewery owner and director of sales at Fifty West Brewing, was inspired by the ancient tradition of monks in the 1600s or 1700s who would sustain themselves on doppelbock, a type of German bock beer, during their 46-day fast.

Hall's beer diet was not primarily about weight loss, but rather about challenging himself to replicate the monks' fasting rituals and breaking his addiction to food, especially carbs and sugar. He described himself as "pretty addicted" to these food groups and wanted to improve his poor eating habits.

During his fast, Hall consumed a variety of beers, including stouts and fruit beers, to satisfy his cravings. He also drank water and took a daily multivitamin as per his doctor's orders. While he initially experienced hunger pangs, especially around noon or 1 p.m., he adjusted to the diet and reported feeling great mentally and physically.

At the end of his 46-day fast, Hall had lost a significant amount of weight, with reports ranging from 25 pounds to 44 pounds. He also went down three trouser sizes, from an XXXL to an XL. In addition to the weight loss, Hall reported feeling rejuvenated and experiencing reduced inflammation in his body. He also felt that the fast helped break his unhealthy relationship with food and empowered him to make healthier choices.

Hall's beer diet is not recommended by medical professionals as a sustainable or healthy way to lose weight. However, it served Hall's purpose of challenging himself and raising money for charity.

Hall's first meal after the fast

After 46 days of drinking only beer, Del Hall was finally ready to eat solid food again. But he didn't want to shock his system by tucking into a large, protein-rich meal. Instead, he planned to take it slow, starting with broth, then moving on to steamed vegetables, and finally, meat. He estimated it would take about five to six days before he could eat whatever he wanted.

And what was the food he had been dreaming of during his fast? Hall had been craving guacamole and was determined to make his own. "I make a killer guac," he said. And that's exactly what he did. His first solid meal after breaking his fast was his "special home-made guacamole". He described it as "wonderful" and "everything [he] wanted it to be". It was, in fact, the best guacamole he had ever tasted.

Of course, old habits die hard. Hall washed down his guacamole with a beer—he wasn't tired of it yet, after all. He also planned to celebrate with a margarita.

The monks who inspired Hall

Del Hall's beer-only Lenten fast was inspired by monks from the 1600s or 17th century in Bavaria. Hall, who works at Fifty West Brewing Company in Cincinnati, said:

> Just like the monks used to do it back in the 1600s, I'm going to do the same thing. It's not necessarily about the weight loss as it is the challenge of replicating what the monks did.

The monks were master brewers who decided to make an extra hearty version of bock beer, a popular style of beer in Germany. This would be their "liquid bread" during the 46 days of Lent. Hall refers to this beer as "doppelbock" and believes that it sustained the monks during their fast.

Hall's fast was also inspired by the active lifestyle and culture of 50 West Brewing, where he works as the director of sales. He was particularly influenced by the company's founder, Bobby Slattery, who embodied a health-conscious and active culture. Hall's goal was to change his unhealthy relationship with food and break his addiction to carbs and sugar.

Hall's Lenten fast is an annual tradition, and he has reported numerous health improvements, including weight loss, reduced inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improved blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Hall's health and addiction

Del Hall's health and addiction is a fascinating topic that has garnered media attention. Hall, a Cincinnati resident and director of sales at Fifty West Brewing Company, embarked on a unique journey by consuming only beer during the 46 days of Lent. This extreme diet was inspired by the ancient tradition of monks in the 1600s or 1700s who sustained themselves with "liquid bread."

Hall's motivation for this challenge was not solely weight loss but also to break his addiction to food, especially carbs and sugar. He described himself as "pretty addicted" and wanted to change his poor eating habits. By fasting and limiting his calorie intake to beer, Hall aimed to reset his relationship with food and make healthier choices. He also mentioned that he wanted to prove that beer could be consumed healthily and did not deserve to be "vilified as this evil alcohol."

During his beer-only diet, Hall reported losing significant weight, with estimates ranging from 25 to 44 pounds. He also claimed to feel healthier and more energetic, stating that he felt like he was in his 20s again despite being in his mid-40s. Hall's first solid meal after the fast was guacamole, which he described as "wonderful" and the best he had ever tasted.

However, it is important to note that Hall's approach to weight loss and addiction management is not recommended by medical professionals. Dr. Steve Feagins, Chief Clinical Officer of Mercy Health Cincinnati, stated that a "beer diet" is not sustainable and should not be considered a long-term solution. Feagins also highlighted the importance of being aware of alcohol-use disorder, with 14 drinks a week for men crossing the line into excessive drinking.

Despite the potential risks, Hall's story serves as an interesting case study in health and addiction. It showcases the potential benefits of intermittent fasting and the impact of breaking addictive habits. By challenging himself to replicate the monks' ancient tradition, Hall achieved weight loss, improved energy levels, and a renewed perspective on food and drinking habits.

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