Beer Diet: Healthy Diet?

Like all alcoholic beverages, beer carries a bad reputation that is largely justified. Now, what about the beer diet? Could it be as beneficial as it is proposed or is it an option that should be better studied before adopting it?

Health experts indicate that drinking alcohol daily is not recommended for health. Not even when done in moderation. However, there are those who believe that certain benefits could be obtained by ignoring these two guidelines and resorting to the beer diet.

Due to its alcohol content, it is not recommended to make a high consumption of beer, much less in the day to day. However, a moderate consumption of beer may be acceptable as long as it is non-alcoholic. Let’s see more about it below.

The beer belly is just a myth

Almost everyone associates the consumption of beer with an increase in abdominal girth, which is popularly known as “beer belly”. In fact, a scientific study published in the journal Diabetología links alcohol consumption with an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

On the other hand, excessive consumption of beer generates gases. Thus , the consumption of carbonated drinks is not recommended for all those individuals who suffer from gastrointestinal problems.

However, despite the fact that alcohol consumption is positively linked to weight gain, it is possible to drink beer and maintain body composition. As long as a balanced diet is carried out from the caloric point of view.

The beer diet

When we mention the expression “beer diet” we are not referring to a dietary consumption based on beer. Rather, we indicate that you are allowed to consume beer when you are dieting to lose weight.

As we mentioned, the consumption of beer without alcohol is possible within the framework of diets to lose weight.

Beer has nutritional properties

First of all, in the middle of a diet you can drink a certain amount of beer without fear of getting fat. Each standard beer (33 centiliters) contains only 148 calories. If you opt for the alcohol-free presentation, you will only be consuming about 68 calories per beer.

The latter is the most recommended. Not only because it contains fewer calories, but to avoid drinking alcohol, which is actually the source of beer’s bad reputation. In fact, alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of diseases of different kinds, according to a study published in 2017.

In turn, beer is rich in minerals and vitamins (especially B complex).

Aspects that you should consider in the beer diet

It is not a diet in itself

Beer is not a substitute for any food. However, it can be included in this diet. Keep it in mind as a drink that has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

For example, if you fancy a drink, non-alcoholic beer is much more beneficial for your body, and much lower in fat than a soda or commercial pasteurized juice, which have a high sugar content and provide you with too many calories, even in their light presentations.

Its consumption should be moderate and should not be combined with hypercaloric products

What is considered moderate is a daily consumption of 2 or 3 beers, in the case of men. And for women, between 1 and 2. An intake higher than described may be unhealthy.

Anyway, remember that beer consumption is much more caloric than water consumption. For this reason, you have to adjust your diet to reduce the energy provided by other foods and, in this way, create a caloric deficit that allows you to lose weight.

Use it as a moisturizer after exercise

Did you know that beer can be a great option to rehydrate and replenish mineral salts after exercise? Of course, always in moderation and in its version without alcohol.

Beer has maltodextrin, a type of carbohydrate that helps to regain fluids after physical activity.

You can include non-alcoholic beer in your diet and lose weight

It is possible to include beer in the diet and lose weight. As long as a caloric deficit is created, weight loss is assured. However, despite the fact that the “beer diet” can work, experts do not recommend the intake of this drink. And much less of its variety with alcohol.

There are other foods rich in vitamins of much higher quality than beer. However, you can use it if you like carbonated drinks and its refreshing power. Remember to do it in moderation, eat a varied and healthy diet and avoid alcoholic preparations.