16 Jul
Mmmm Beer!
Rick and I have posted here that we like a good beer. And since we live within 500 miles of some of the BEST beer in the country, it’s easy to become somewhat of a beer aficionado. Last week at the GP, they were out of my favorite Fat Tire Ale out of Colorado, so I gave Arrogant Bastard Ale a try (don’t you just love that name?). It was very good, with an agreeable ‘bite’ that you look for in your darker ales (only 4 points a pint).
OK, the purpose of this post is to comment on an email I got from WeightWatchers this morning. The email offers me a “Beer Cheat Sheet“. At first, I was expecting the typical run down of the mass market swill (Coors, Bud, Hamms, etc.), but I was pleasantly surprised that they offer suggestions for some pretty decent brew.
The most encouraging quote from the article:
Beer bellies are B.S. “This is a silly myth,” says Charlie Bamforth, Ph.D. chair and professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis and author of Beer: Health and Nutrition. “If folks get fat from drinking beer it’s because their total calorie intake is too high and they are not working it off.”
So, Gentlemen (and Lady Rose)… hoist a frosty mug… it’s good for you!
Posted by Rick on 16.07.07 at 9:52 am
I’m down at the GP right now. I’ve got a caffeinated beverage in front of me, but I’ll have to try the Arrogant Bastard next time I’m in here. Good stuff–I’m glad WW is working hard to target their information to guys like us.
Posted by 60 in 3 on 16.07.07 at 9:52 am
Well, it’s not “good for you”, it’s just not specifically bad for you. It still contains quite a few calories you don’t really need. However, I’ve been known to enjoy a beer or two myself
As with all things, it’s good in moderation.
Gal
Posted by Jesse on 16.07.07 at 9:52 am
Have Charlie show us his belly and I’ll believe him. The glycemic index of beer is beyond the charts…but having said that, my favorite is Pacifico…goes great with scrambled eggs and machaca, with a side of refried beans and hot, off the grill tortilla…yum!!!
Posted by Rick on 16.07.07 at 9:52 am
Good points all. Yes, beer can be fairly calorie-dense. But dang it, sometimes you have to balance what is “healthy” with some of the finer things in life. If you go through life and never take some time to enjoy it, I think you’re missing out. If you indulge way too often, then you’re going to end up paying the ultimate price. The key word here is moderation.
Posted by John on 16.07.07 at 9:52 am
I have NEVER had success with a DIET that RESTRICTED any item or group of foods. In 2000-01 I was on the PRISM Weightloss DIET (http://www.pwlp.com/), and yes, I lost alot of weight, 75 lbs in 6 mos. But it all came back with friends because it was a RESTRICTIVE DIET.
One of the key parts of the program was the prohibition of bread, potatoes, etc. (There were some others, Rick can help me out). They were very open in saying that there were some foods that you would NEVER be able to eat again. After six months plus of prohibition, I couldn’t take it anymore! I started to ’sneak’ fast food, pizza, ice cream, etc. Pretty soon it wasn’t just ’sneaking’, I was an addict and I was binging!
This is the AWESOMENESS of Weight Watchers. There are NO PROHIBITIONS. I can have beer, pizza, ice cream and even the fast food we talked about yesterday. The only caveat, you have to track it. So you learn to budget your days.
I am sure that over the next six months, I am going to lose a significant amount of points that I am allowed each day, I may change my tune then. But for now, a 4 point pint of ale is a great way to toast the 51 lbs. I have lost so far.
Posted by Jesse on 16.07.07 at 9:52 am
I have to agree with John it that a diet that restricts any item or group of foods may be doomed. However, there are foods that for medical reasons should be restricted or avoided, unless you place more value on the consumption of a food over your personal health. In this case, you really have no choice. For me, refined sugars causes heartburn and acid reflux, so the pleasure of the moment is quickly extinguished by the excruciating pain and sleep deprivation. But ALAS! BEER DOES NOT…POUR ME ANOTHER!…in moderation, of course ;)!