How Fattening Is Light Beer?

Light beer is a good alternative to regular beer for those wanting to lose weight. The key when consuming beer, or any alcohol, is moderation. Beer in moderation can be part of a healthy diet or weight-loss plan. According to MayoClinic.com, moderate drinking for women is one drink a day, while men should limit their intake to 2 drinks a day.

About Light Beer

Light beer can contain anywhere from 60 to 120 calories per 12-oz. serving, while regular beer can run from 100 to 200 calories or more. Therefore, a light beer can save you over 100 calories per drink. Light beers contain no fat. They are also often lower in carbohydrates, typically containing from 3 to 5 g of carbohydrates per serving.

Fattening Qualities

What determines whether a food is fattening is directly tied to the number of calories it has and the number of calories your body burns. If the light beer you consume puts your total calorie intake for the day below the total number you burn, you will not gain weight. However, just one extra light beer of 100 calories per day can add up before you know it. Because it takes 3,500 excess calories to gain a pound of fat, that adds up to just over 10 pounds over the course of a single year!

Alcohol and Weight Loss

Switching from regular beer to light beer can still wreak havoc on your waistline if you do not practice restraint. Although light beers contain fewer calories than regular beers, the calories in alcohol are all empty calories, meaning they will not make you full. In addition, alcohol acts as an appetite stimulant for many people. By not drinking moderately, you can also impair your judgment and lower your willpower, making it easier for you to cave in to tempting treats after several drinks.

Suggestions

Switching from regular beer to light beer may be a good start. To control or lose weight while consuming alcohol in moderation, make sure to look up the nutritional information of the beverage of your choice. Working with a dietitian can help you come up with a meal plan that involves light beer, or you may discover that eliminating alcohol completely is the approach that best fits your health goals and lifestyle.