Milly Gaines
Beer is the third most popular beverage globally, but it can be challenging to find a brew that aligns with your dietary needs. Alcoholic beverages tend to be high in calories, but the good news is that the beer scene has diversified, and many delicious beers are now low in calories. If you're watching your weight, opting for lighter beers with lower alcohol content is a smart choice, as alcohol contains seven calories per gram. Non-alcoholic beers are a great alternative, typically containing only 50-75 calories. When it comes to gut health, unfiltered beers, including craft or artisan beers and darker ales, tend to have more beneficial microbes and chemicals. While beer is not a health drink, some types, such as light lager, ales, and stouts, can be consumed in moderation without derailing your diet. So, if you're on a diet, you don't have to give up beer entirely; just choose wisely and drink in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | The lower the better. |
| Carbohydrates | The lower the better. |
| Alcohol Content | The lower the better. |
| Flavour | Flavoured beers may include added sugar, pushing up the carb count. |
| Polyphenols | Guinness is thought to be rich in polyphenols. |
| Yeast | Belgian beers, craft or artisan beers, and darker ales may contain gut-boosting yeast. |
| Gluten | Gluten-free beer is made from grains like millet, sorghum, and rice. |
| Alcohol-Free | Alcohol-free beers are lower in calories. |
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What You'll Learn
Light beers have fewer calories and less alcohol
Beer is generally high in calories, with a 12oz IPA containing 200-300 calories, roughly double that of a can of Coke. Alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram, so it is recommended to limit your intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
If you are watching your calorie intake, you do not have to give up beer entirely. Light beers tend to have a third fewer calories than regular beer and also contain less alcohol, making them a sensible choice when drinking in moderation. Beers with around 100 calories or fewer and 10 grams of carbohydrates or fewer are a good rule of thumb. Budweiser Select 55, for example, has 55 calories and 1.9 grams of carbohydrates per 12 fl oz. Miller64 is another light beer with only 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per 12 fl oz.
Non-alcoholic beer is also a good option for those who want to limit their alcohol intake but still want to enjoy a cold beverage. These beers typically contain only 50-75 calories. Amstel Light, Lagunitas All Day IPA, and Mich Ultra are popular choices for those looking for low-carb beers.
While beer can be incorporated into a balanced diet, excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of liver disease, heart disease, early death, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is important to drink in moderation and ensure that you are getting your calories from nutritious foods.
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Non-alcoholic beers are lower in calories
Non-alcoholic beers are generally lower in calories than their alcoholic counterparts. Alcohol contains around 56 calories per unit, or 7 calories per gram, almost as much as in a gram of fat. With a non-alcoholic beer generally being 0.5% ABV or lower, they tend to be lower in calories. For example, there are 122 calories in a 330ml bottle of Carlsberg (3.8% ABV) compared to 73 calories in a 330ml bottle of Carlsberg "0.0" (0% ABV).
However, non-alcoholic beers are not completely calorie-free. Many alcohol-free beers are higher in sugar and carbohydrates than standard beers, as sugar is often added to improve the flavour once the alcohol has been removed. For example, Coors Non-Alcoholic has 58 calories but 12.2 grams of carbohydrates. Similarly, a 10-ounce glass of Beck's Blue Alcohol-Free Beer contains 42 calories and 9 grams of carbohydrates, while a 12-ounce bottle of St. Pauli Girl Non-Alcoholic Beer has 96 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates.
Some non-alcoholic beers, however, are very low in calories. For example, Partake Brewing's IPA has just 10 calories and 0 grams of carbohydrates, while Surreal Brewing Company Juicy Mavs Hazy IPA has 25 calories and 4.9 grams of carbs. Athletic Brewing Co.'s Athletic Lite has 25 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates.
When choosing a beer to drink while on a diet, it is important to consider the number of calories and the alcohol content. Light beers tend to have a third fewer calories than regular beer and less alcohol, making them a smart choice when drinking in moderation. Beers with around 100 calories or less and around 10 grams of carbohydrates or less are generally considered a good choice.
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Beers with lower alcohol content are healthier
Beer is a popular beverage, but it can be tricky to find options that meet your needs if you're on a diet. Alcoholic beverages tend to be high in calories, and excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of liver disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it's essential to prioritise drinking in moderation. Beers with lower alcohol content are generally healthier, and drinking in moderation can help mitigate the negative health impacts of alcohol consumption.
Lighter beers, such as light lager, ales, and stouts, are often recommended for those watching their calorie intake. These beers tend to have fewer calories and a lower alcohol content, making them a smarter choice. For example, Budweiser Select 55 is a lager with only 55 calories and 2.4% ABV. Similarly, Miller64, a light lager, has a refreshing taste and only 64 calories with a 2.8% ABV.
Non-alcoholic beers are also a great option for those who want to enjoy a cold beverage without the alcohol. These beers are usually lower in calories than traditional brews because alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram. N/A beers can have as few as 50-75 calories, allowing you to enjoy a few beers without the same health concerns.
When it comes to gut health, some beers may offer benefits. Unfiltered beers, such as craft or artisan beers and darker ales, tend to have more potentially useful microbes and chemicals. Belgian beers, such as Hoegaarden and Westmalle Tripel, are fermented twice, resulting in increased strength and a higher content of beneficial microbes.
While beer can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle, it's important to remember that it's not a health drink. The key is moderation. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests one drink per day for women and up to two for men. Additionally, it's worth noting that some beers may be gluten-free or gluten-reduced, making them suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
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Guinness is a low-calorie beer
While beer is not typically associated with dieting, some beers are lower in calories than others. Alcohol is the primary source of calories in beer, so beers with lower alcohol content are usually better when watching your weight.
Other low-calorie beers include Miller Lite, Miller64, Budweiser Select 55, and Corona Premier. Non-alcoholic beers are also typically low in calories, ranging from 50-75 calories. If you're looking to cut down on calories, opting for lighter beers with lower alcohol content is a good strategy.
It's worth noting that while moderate drinking may have some health benefits, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems like liver damage, cancer, and decreased brain function. Additionally, beer can be high in carbohydrates, which can impact blood sugar levels. As such, it's important to consume beer in moderation and be mindful of your overall diet and health.
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Budweiser Select 55 is a good low-calorie option
If you're looking for a beer to drink while on a diet, you might want to consider Budweiser Select 55. This light lager has just 55 calories per 12 fl oz serving, making it a good low-calorie option. It also has a relatively low ABV of 2.4%, which is below the 5% threshold that is considered ideal by some health experts.
When it comes to drinking alcohol while on a diet, it's important to remember that moderation is key. As one source points out, there are some concerning health implications associated with alcohol, especially when it's consumed excessively and frequently. So, while the occasional beer can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle, it's best to avoid drinking too much, too often.
With that in mind, Budweiser Select 55 is a smart choice for those looking to cut down on calories without giving up beer entirely. It has significantly fewer calories than a typical IPA, which can range from 200-300 calories per 12oz serving. It also has fewer calories than other light beers like Miller Lite and Miller64, which have 96 and 64 calories per serving, respectively.
In addition to its low-calorie count, Budweiser Select 55 also has a relatively low carb count, with just 1.9 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This is important because high carbohydrate intake from beer can lead to unregulated blood sugars and spiking, especially when consuming more than one. So, if you're looking for a beer that won't blow your diet, Budweiser Select 55 is a good option to keep in mind.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer is generally high in calories, so it's best to opt for lighter beers with lower alcohol content. Some good options include Miller Lite, Miller64, Budweiser Select 55, and Corona Premier. Non-alcoholic beers are also a good choice as they tend to be lower in calories.
Yes, some beers are believed to be good for gut health, especially unfiltered and craft or artisan beers, which contain more potentially useful microbes and chemicals. Beers such as Guinness are also thought to be rich in certain plant chemicals and polyphenols, which can have health benefits.
It's important to drink in moderation. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests limiting intake to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Yes, it's a good idea to choose beers with around 100 calories or less and about 10 grams of carbs or less. It's also beneficial to avoid high-ABV beers as they tend to have more calories and sugars. Additionally, drinking beer only when making dinner and avoiding drinking after 7 pm can help reduce the amount consumed and the associated snacking.
