How Healthy Is the Beer Diet?

It's possible to drink beer and lose weight, as long as it is alcohol-free and you keep the diet varied and low in calories.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Written by Ivan Aranaga Amengual

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Like all alcoholic beverages, the beer carries a bad reputation that is largely unjustified as it’s actually a good addition to any diet. Ok, but is it really as good as some claim it is? Or does it require further research?

Health experts indicate that drinking alcohol on a daily basis isn’t good for the health, not even in moderation. However, others believe you should ignore that and adopt the beer diet instead.

As you can see, high consumption of beer isn’t recommended, much less on a daily basis due to its alcohol content. However, moderate consumption of the non-alcoholic kind is acceptable. Let’s see more about this below.

The beer belly myth

Practically everyone associates the consumption of beer with an increase in the waistline, which is popularly known as a “beer belly.” However, recent scientific studies have determined that beer is not related to an expanding waistline.

However, those who already have this condition can be more affected by excessive consumption of beer because it causes gas.

Furthermore, it’s possible to drink beer and maintain body composition despite the fact that alcohol consumption is positively linked to weight gain as long as you follow a calorically balanced diet.

The beer diet

By “beer diet” we’re not referring to a dietary intake based on beer, only one in which it’s OK to consume it as part of a weight loss diet.

As mentioned above, non-alcoholic beer consumption is possible within the framework of weight-loss diets.

Beer has nutritional properties

First of all, you can drink a certain amount of beer without fear of getting fat when you’re dieting. The standard individual size contains only 148 calories. However, you’ll only consume about 68 calories per beer if you opt for the non-alcoholic kind.

The latter is the most recommended. Not only because it contains fewer calories, but also to avoid alcohol intake. This is what gives beer its bad reputation, in fact. This is because alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of diseases of different kinds, according to a study published in 2017.

At the same time, beer is rich in minerals and vitamins (especially B complex).

Things to consider in regard to the beer diet

It isn’t a diet per se

Drinking beer isn’t a substitute for eating food but you can include it in any diet. Definitely keep it in mind as it contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

For example, non-alcoholic beer is much better for your body and much lower in fat than a soft drink or a commercial pasteurized juice. This is because these have a high simple sugar content and thus too many calories, even in their light presentations.

Exercise moderation and don’t consume it with other high-calorie products

A moderate daily consumption consists of two to three beers, in men and one to two for women. A higher intake may not be healthy.

In any case, keep in mind that beer has more calories than water. This is why you must adjust your diet to reduce the energy provided by other foods and thus create a caloric deficit that allows you to lose weight.

Use it to rehydrate after exercise

Did you know that beer can be a great option to rehydrate and replenish mineral salts after exercise? Of course, always do this in moderation and, if possible, in its alcohol-free version.

Beer has maltodextrin, a type of carbohydrate that promotes the recovery of fluids after physical activity.

Non-alcoholic beer can be a part of any weight loss diet

Indeed you can include beer in your diet and still lose weight as long as you create a caloric deficit. However, authorities don’t recommend drinking beer even if it’s good for you, especially the alcoholic kind.

There are many other foods rich in vitamins that are of higher quality than beer. However, it’s better to drink beer than other carbonated beverages as its refreshing power is unmatched. Be sure to do so in moderation along with a varied healthy diet and avoid other alcoholic products.