Debunking Myths and Redefining Beer

We all want to live a well-balanced lifestyle – but wading through the noise around healthy living can be exhausting. We’re programmed to believe that kale is good and beer is bad, but is that really the case?

Abbey Sharp, registered dietitian and nutritionist, is an avid believer that by taking a balanced approach, you can achieve a positive relationship with beer in the context of good health. According to Sharp, enjoying some beer after a long day is A-OK.

To help set the record straight, Sharp busts common beer-drinking myths.

The Beer Belly

One of the biggest misconceptions is that drinking beer will grow your waistline. The reality is that beer is low in sugar and calories. Plus, it’s fat free. Made with four natural ingredients including barley, hops, yeast and water, beer may not necessarily be the culprit for your belly – look to your food choices, instead. As an alternative to traditional nachos and wings, consider snacking on crudité and hummus or salad rolls alongside your brew.

Beer and calories

The calorie count for beer, wine and spirits is surprisingly quite similar when you look at serving size– and in some cases, lower for beer. With so many beer styles and options, there are several lower calorie beers on the market that are a great option when looking to incorporate beer into a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, beer contains essential vitamins and antioxidants from its raw ingredients, which can all contribute to a balanced diet.

Beer Bloat

Contrary to popular belief, beer doesn’t cause bloating. It’s the carbonation in beer that leads to a feeling of fullness. The next time you grab a beer, make sure to pour it into a glass. Pour the first two-thirds of your beer into a glass at a 45-degree angle, and straighten the bottle for the remaining third. You should have a head of beer that’s about 1 or 2 fingers thick. This releases carbonation and helps eliminate the bloating feeling.

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