FitSugar

Another Reason to Stop After One Glass: Weight Gain

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:00:27 -0700

You all know I am big fan of moderation, especially when it comes to vices like chocolate or red wine. While alcohol might be the new exercise motivator, another health study was recently published seemingly to remind us all to be moderate when it comes to beer, wine, and booze. The UK study found that binge drinking leads to weight gain. And not just all over weight gain, but it increases belly fat, which is known to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease.

Binge drinking is defined as drinking five or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting and doing so has measurable health consequences - women who tend to binge drink were found to have waists four inches larger than those who did not. The study found that drinking one drink a day for five days didn't have the same effect of increasing abdominal fat as binge drinking. The study was unable to determine how long one would have to regularly binge drink to create the weight gain. Regardless, add this one to your lists of reasons to stop after one glass.

Bone Up With Beer?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:00:32 -0700

Earlier this Summer we learned that the stout beer Guinness was good for the heart, and now Spanish research has found that beer may promote bone density. Out of 1,700 women participating in the study, those that were considered moderate beer drinkers had the highest bone density. It is believed that the plant hormone phytoestrogen found in beer, and not other alcohols, may be the key to building dense bones. Dr. Claire Bowring, a UK osteoporosis expert, said that while this study mirrored previous studies, her organization would not be recommending that women start drinking pints daily. Here's her explanation:
"While low quantities of alcohol may appear to have bone density benefits, higher intakes have been shown to decrease bone strength, with an alcohol intake of more than two units per day actually increasing the risk of breaking a bone. There are also many other health concerns linked with alcohol which cannot be ignored."

The bottom line: Drink one drink a day, and no more. Don't start drinking for health benefits or bone density. If you like to kick back with one brewski a day, it might benefit your bones.

Guinness Is Good For You!

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:00:22 -0700

It looks like this famous old slogan has some truth to it after all. A new study from the University of Wisconsin has reported that a pint of Guinness could have the same heart health benefits as a low dose of aspirin. When tested on dogs, antioxidants in Guinness helped reduce blood clots and slow down deposits of cholesterol on the artery walls. Dogs were chosen not because they love to lap up beer, but because they have narrow blood vessels similar to those of humans who suffer from heart disease. Blood clots and clogged arteries are bad news because they increase a person's risk for a heart attack.

Let me point out that the benefits were found from drinking Guinness, not any other beers. This news doesn't mean you should go on a Guinness drinking binge for your heart's sake, because beer still contains alcohol, so limit yourself to one or fewer drinks a day.

Source:Flickr User spleeney

10 Ways to Work Off a Summer Beer

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:50:47 -0700

For many people, kicking back and relaxing means kicking back with a cold one, and a regular 12-ounce beer contains around 150 calories. If you're worried about what that beer will do to your waistline, here are some summery ways to work it off.

All calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.

Jog for 22 minutes.
Swim laps for 19 minutes.
Play golf for 28 minutes, just be sure to carry your own clubs and walk the course.

To find out what else you can do read more.

Go on a 44-minute canoe ride.
Bike for 19 minutes.
Go on a hike for 26 minutes.
Catch some waves surfing for 51 minutes.
Play 22 minutes of tennis.
Go for a casual 44-minute walk.
Join a volleyball game for 51 minutes.

Summer Beverage Breakdown: Alcoholic Edition

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:00:16 -0700

When it's sunny and warm and you're craving a crisp, cold beverage, sometimes an iced coffee or fresh-squeezed tangerine juice just doesn't satisfy your thirst. Sometimes, you're in the mood for something with a little kick.

To see a breakdown of your favorite Summer alcoholic beverages keep reading

Drinking Beer Doesn't Lead to a Beer Belly?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:05:18 -0700

If you're kicking back and enjoying Summer by kicking back a few cold ones, and have noticed your waist is expanding, don't blame it on the brewskis. According to new research, a "beer belly" is purely genetic.

After an eight-year study of over 20,000 people, researchers found that heavy drinkers - those who drank at least two pints daily - did pile on the pounds overall, but it wasn't necessarily concentrated around their middle. Where people gained weight had to do with their body type, not how much beer they drank.

The study is in no way encouraging people to drink more beer, because as research proves, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol does lead to unhealthy weight gain. You just can't blame your love of beer for your round tummy.

Calories in St. Patty's Day Drinks

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:30:00 -0700

St. Patrick's Day falls early midweek this year, so many folks will be partying early and celebrating with Irish drinks. How do Guinness Stout, Harp Lager, and Jameson Whiskey all stack up against one another calorie wise? Take this quiz and see.

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Take the quiz

Top 10 Highest-Calorie Beers (and the 10 Lowest!)

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:30:20 -0800

You've got one holiday party after another, so chances are, you're probably kicking back a few brewskies. I'm all for celebrating, but liquid calories can make you gain pounds fast. If beer is your go-to beverage, you may want to skip out on these brands, since they contain the most calories per 12-ounce bottle.

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot: 330 calories
Samuel Adams Boston Lager: 180 calories
Guinness Extra Stout: 176 calories
Pete's Wicked Ale: 174 calories
Harpoon IPA: 170 calories
Heineken: 166 calories
Killian's Irish Red: 163 calories
Long Trail: 163 calories
Molson Ice: 160 calories
Anheuser Busch Natural Ice: 157 calories

Which beers contain the fewest calories? If you're curious read more.

These beers may be better options if you're watching your calorie intake.

Beck's Premier Light: 64 calories (fewest!)
Amstel Light: 95 calories
Anheuser Busch Natural Light: 95 calories
Michelob Ultra: 95 calories
Natural Light: 95 calories
Miller Light: 96 calories
Heineken Light: 99 calories
Budweiser Select: 99 calories
Coors Light: 102 calories
Corona Light: 105 calories

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Hard Cider vs. Heineken

FitSugar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Apple cider is practically synonymous with Autumn. Hard cider, the alcoholic counter part to the G rated apple juice, is often served at Fall fairs. But how does this fermented juice compare calorie wise with beer?

Take this one question quiz to see.

Take the quiz

Americans Are Drinking Less Beer - How About You?

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

In a recent study conducted over a 50-year span, scientists discovered that people's drinking habits have changed in the US. According to the new study published in the American Journal of Medicine, Americans drink less beer and more wine. I guess they've realized that beer isn't chock full of beneficial antioxidants like wine. It was also reported that hard liquor use hasn't really changed, but more people said they don't drink at all. Overall, the study found that people born later in the 20th century are drinking more moderately than people born earlier.

People are beginning to see that there are horrible health issues associated with heavy alcohol consumption (such as breast cancer), and since drinking a little alcohol has actually been shown to improve cardiovascular health and may fight aging, people are adopting healthier drinking habits.

I'm ready to conduct a little study of my own now. When it comes to alcohol consumption . . .

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