Side Effects of Beer

[TheMan]

I don't think beer is the whole culprit for gaining weight. It's a contributor, as others have said, diet is important. Eating well and not overindulging in unhealthy foods goes a long way. I try not to eat any processed foods, but have my beer regularly. This works for me at least. 6'4 190 lbs.

Also, I did p90x for a little...man does that drop the pounds. If running isn't working for you, this will.

 

[jdlev]

Just a tip to help manage the weight. Lift first, do cardio afterward. You burn more fat that way.

That got me wondering, so I did some research...surprisingly:

"If Your Goal is Burning Calories for Fat Loss
If your primary goal is to burn as many calories as you can in a single session, it's probably best to do cardio first and lift weights next. There isn't any magic behind this; it's simply easier for most people to burn more calories per exercise session when they do cardio first. However, almost any combination of burning more calories while eating fewer will result in fat loss.

Some people achieve significant weight loss exclusively though dietary changes; others do it simply through weight training. Weight lifting definitely burns calories; in fact, it often burns more calories per minute than performing endurance exercise. The problem is that most people fatigue quickly when lifting weights, and therefore cannot perform the exercise as long as they can walk, bike or use an elliptical machine. The end result is that the total calories burned per exercise session tends to be higher for those who do endurance exercise first, simply because the can exercise longer.

Ultimately, the best way to lose body fat is to combine endurance exercise and resistance exercise and, of course, to make dietary changes."

Looks like if I just cut my beer intake (CRAP!), and kept my routine, I'd drop weight pretty quickly (Just in time to plump back up for the holidays!)

To be honest...I had no idea that a single beer could have 300 calories (I thought it was around 100). It makes perfect sense why I've put on this weight...almost 1000 calories right before bed each night, is like eating a big mac value meal. Of course, I guess I could replace dinner with beer and be ok

 

[Yooper]

In my mind your closet is nothing but flannel and camouflage.

Yeah, that's pretty close!

Anybody try to limit food carbs in lieu of beer carbs?

.

Actually, yes. I started cutting carbs in July. I still drink beer freely, but really eat much more protein and very little carbs except for some fruits and vegetables. I am definitely leaner than I was in July, and I'm back down to my "fighting weight". Excercise helps alot- I can burn off a few beers playing hockey a few times a week. I probably average 25-30 ounces of beer a night.

 

[shecky]

That got me wondering, so I did some research...surprisingly:

"If Your Goal is Burning Calories for Fat Loss
If your primary goal is to burn as many calories as you can in a single session, it's probably best to do cardio first and lift weights next. There isn't any magic behind this; it's simply easier for most people to burn more calories per exercise session when they do cardio first. However, almost any combination of burning more calories while eating fewer will result in fat loss.

Some people achieve significant weight loss exclusively though dietary changes; others do it simply through weight training. Weight lifting definitely burns calories; in fact, it often burns more calories per minute than performing endurance exercise. The problem is that most people fatigue quickly when lifting weights, and therefore cannot perform the exercise as long as they can walk, bike or use an elliptical machine. The end result is that the total calories burned per exercise session tends to be higher for those who do endurance exercise first, simply because the can exercise longer.

Ultimately, the best way to lose body fat is to combine endurance exercise and resistance exercise and, of course, to make dietary changes."

Looks like if I just cut my beer intake (CRAP!), and kept my routine, I'd drop weight pretty quickly (Just in time to plump back up for the holidays!)

To be honest...I had no idea that a single beer could have 300 calories (I thought it was around 100). It makes perfect sense why I've put on this weight...almost 1000 calories right before bed each night, is like eating a big mac value meal. Of course, I guess I could replace dinner with beer and be ok

Ah, I stand corrected. My apologies. I applied my particular situation to this. Sorry about that.

I've gained about 8 pounds in the last year, on purpose. I'm 42, 6' tall and 162 pounds. In my situation, I've found that lifting first and then doing cardio builds muscle better and allows me to burn calories more effectively without harming the weight gain.

Which, of course, is the opposite of what you're trying to do. Ignore me.

Oh, and my beer intake is typically 2 per day, maybe one or two more on the weekends.

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

Anybody try to limit food carbs in lieu of beer carbs?

I just reached the 1 year point of this hobby. Last winter I was swimming 1 hour at least 3 days a week and 2 beers (12 oz) a night did not induce weight gain. In the spring I stopped swimming because of the longer days. I like gardening and working outside after work. Did very little if any formal exercise from Mar-Aug and went from 200-215 lb. I had to do something, both diet and workout, so started push-ups and pull-ups, curls, etc and changed the diet to mostly garden veggies, fruit and protein. Breakfast was now poached eggs and cantaloupe for example rather than and egg sandwich with cheese and all that good stuff. Cut all carbs other than beer down significantly. I've gained noticeable muscle mass over the last 3 months and my overall weight has decreased 5 lb. In the last 3 weeks I've started swimming after work 2-3 days a week depending if it's my friday off. This works well because on the workout days I only have time for 1 nice glass of beer afterwards. 1 less beer and a workout that burns at least 3 big beers I may have that following weekend. I guess it all comes to finding a nice balance.

I'm starting to make some of the best beer in the world right now (in my own little mind and want to continue to do this for a long, long time while not allowing it to get the best of me.

You can drink as much as you want as long as you can burn as many calories as you consume (for weight maintenance). Eventually you would reach a point where the alcohol was slowing your metabolism enough that you would have to work out considerably more to overcome the slower metabolism. (There are separate concerns if you are trying to build muscle...)

The biggest problems with alcohol consumption when trying to lose weight is: it slows the metabolism so you burn fewer calories throughout the day, you are more likely to consume food during/after drinking, liquids are quickly absorbed so you don't feel full the same as you do from eating (unless you are also eating) and it is carb-laden so you also have to factor in those carbs to your intake levels.

So no, it isn't impossible to drink beer and lose weight but it does make it more difficult.

 

[jdlev]

Yeah, that's pretty close!



Actually, yes. I started cutting carbs in July. I still drink beer freely, but really eat much more protein and very little carbs except for some fruits and vegetables. I am definitely leaner than I was in July, and I'm back down to my "fighting weight". Excercise helps alot- I can burn off a few beers playing hockey a few times a week. I probably average 25-30 ounces of beer a night.

 

[jdlev]

Ah, I stand corrected. My apologies. I applied my particular situation to this. Sorry about that.

I've gained about 8 pounds in the last year, on purpose. I'm 42, 6' tall and 162 pounds. In my situation, I've found that lifting first and then doing cardio builds muscle better and allows me to burn calories more effectively without harming the weight gain.

Which, of course, is the opposite of what you're trying to do. Ignore me.

Oh, and my beer intake is typically 2 per day, maybe one or two more on the weekends.

No worries lol...

You want to know something really sad...for the first month I was in the gym, I would have sworn their scales were broken rather than admit I was 235

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

Ah, I stand corrected. My apologies. I applied my particular situation to this. Sorry about that.

I've gained about 8 pounds in the last year, on purpose. I'm 42, 6' tall and 162 pounds. In my situation, I've found that lifting first and then doing cardio builds muscle better and allows me to burn calories more effectively without harming the weight gain.

Which, of course, is the opposite of what you're trying to do. Ignore me.

Oh, and my beer intake is typically 2 per day, maybe one or two more on the weekends.

Whatever you do first in a workout will get maximum effort because your energy supply is undepleted and your muscles haven't been stressed yet. That's why it's better to start with exercises that incorporate multiple muscle groups than kick off a work out with bicep curls. If you do cardio first your body will have less to give for strength training or vice versa.

 

[Cdreid]

is to change your lifestyle. The running and weight lifting is great but if its not something you normally enjoy you'll quit...

Im an ex trucker and its a VERY common problem for truckers. The thing is we're actually in "good shape". Truckers as a rule have killer arms and legs. We work them out all day long . But we dont burn calories because we're sitting all day and trust me.. you have to STARVE yourself just to hold your weight steady. I started making a point to walk a mile a day (youre at factories a lot and can always walk around the 70 foot long truck..) and to park away from entrances etc and it made a shocking difference.

You shoudl also change your diet. That subway diet thing is true. As long as you dont go to subway and order the superbadforyoustuff (bmt, meatball subs....). Cut out fatty meat. Eat chicken more. No more eggs and bacon. No candy or chips. YOu can still eat all the other stuff.

A 12" subway chicken breast is 320 calories. So you can eat those two pieces of candy because youre "hungry".. or that handfull of chips.. OR an entire sub. And cutting carbs is an incredibly fast way to lose weight. Cut your carbs to almost zero and your weight will plummet. Unfortunately your brain needs them and you'll literally stop your brain from working. I was 100% 0 carb and forgot where i was in the middle of pennsylvania Not good!

 

[shecky]

No worries lol...

You want to know something really sad...for the first month I was in the gym, I would have sworn their scales were broken rather than admit I was 235

Denial, it's not just a river.


On the flip side, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn just by doing nothing. Another thing to consider in the cardio before weights, weights before cardio debate.

 

[LuckyRVA]

Denial, it's not just a river.


On the flip side, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn just by doing nothing. Another thing to consider in the cardio before weights, weights before cardio debate.

While this is true, it's not nearly to the extent this wive's tale would lead you to beleive.

http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/news/cals.htm

Organ or tissue Daily metabolic rate
Adipose (fat): 2 calories per pound
Muscle : 6 calories per pound
Liver : 91 calories per pound
Brain : 109 calories per pound
Heart : 200 calories per pound
Kidneys : 200 calories per pound

That's 6 calories per pound of muscle a day. So, that extra pound of muscle ganied burns a whopping 6 calories!

In the past 3 years I started lifting 5 days a week. I started out weighing 155lbs, now 180. Same amount of body fat, much more muscle. I have to work out just as hard to keep the fat off as I did a few years ago.

 

[Skarekrough]

And don't forget the little things like coffee; no calories in coffee. But when you dump milk and sugar into it, then it becomes a different story.

Additionally there's an entirely new level of enjoyment in being able to appreciate a really good cup of strong black coffee!

 

[akthor]

LOL I can imagine! Gals that hunt and fish and drive a truck are usually pretty rare.

Ones that still look like gals??? Picking the right powerball numbers might be easier.

And to top it off she brews her own beer???

Finding a white unicorn seems more possible

I am indeed a girl.

I wear a size 6, which apparently surprises people from this forum when they meet me in person.

Revvy, especially. He kept going on and on about how "tiny" I was. I finally asked him, "What???? Did you think I was a big masculine type because I hunt, fish, brew, and drive a truck?" He answered, "Well, yeah. Actually".

 

[Yooper]

Sorry you missed the pictures. I have posted um, proof, in the past.

 

[KMKsuburbannoise]

there are good beers out there that are lighter. They still are not "light" beers, but good. Try an Amber Ale.

 

[ArtVandelay]

Down my steps to the basement.. To the left, kegerator. To the right, nearly full gym with treadmill, full dumbbell set and bench/squat rack. I try to go right once a day and left only twice (minus the occasional tasting between sets)

 

[bennyd]

I saw the title of the thread and thought that one side effect was that beer makes me really really smart........but then I realized that I'm sober and this was a thread about different kinds of side effects.

 

[jimmythefoot]

i would think since beer is mostly water that a low OG beer would be the lowest in calories but i'm just guessing. since it is sugars and carbs just go on a low carb diet and see what happens in 2-3 months. i do low carb not NO carb. it does make a difference. also do cardio. if your not a runner hit the pool or to circuit training stuff. i run, i love it. sometimes though i will go through a crunch, pullup, pushup phase where thats all i do for 30-40 minutes. rotating of course. feel the burn baby.

 

[Brewer_Bob]

I am a military officer so I am required to keep my weight in check. This has never been easy for me, it is a constant struggle. Exercise is important and regardless of your weight you should be doing it. But it is not the most important aspect of weight loss. It takes a hell of a lot longer to burn off 500 calories than it does to consume it.

Practice portion control but don't diet. Most diets fail in the long run. Eat what you enjoy but do it in moderation. Lose the "you must clean your plate" mindset. You can still go to restaurants occasionally, just don't eat everything on your plate. Eat half of it and get the rest to go and have that for a later meal.

If you reduce your portions throughout the day you should have no problems fitting in your beer calories. And just as good beer takes patience, so does weight loss. Don't rush it. Sure, you can lose 2-3 lbs a week safely but if you are only losing 1 lb a month that is nothing to get upset about. Losing weight slowly is easier to do.

 

[Fantastical]

Practice portion control but don't diet. Most diets fail in the long run. Eat what you enjoy but do it in moderation. Lose the "you must clean your plate" mindset. You can still go to restaurants occasionally, just don't eat everything on your plate. Eat half of it and get the rest to go and have that for a later meal.

This. Eat healthier and with smaller portions. You can't gain weight if you burn off everything you eat.

 

[akthor]

Story of my life

Sorry you missed the pictures. I have posted um, proof, in the past.