Beer!

So I just got back from Germany. And I want to talk about BEER. Yeah, you heard me.

Simply because beer is an alcohol, it likes to be frowned upon, especially for athletes. "We can't afford to have alcohol in our diets!" most would say. The thing about that is, not only can you have alcohol, but it can be beneficial to you as well.

First of all, beer, especially regular beer, is a high calorie drink with lots of carbs in it. Because of this, beer can be perfect to have after practices or games. Now, I wouldn't suggest it anytime before the late afternoon, but beer can be drunk after night training. If you are one of the people that likes to hang out with your teammates after events, beer can be the best option for you to grab simply because of its carbohydrate content.

Second, beer relaxes the body. Now hold on before everyone gets upset with me. For me, after practice sometimes I am so worked up that my stomach just does not want to tackle a huge meal or anything substantial. This is unfortunate because I need to replenish my body. It's drained! The alcoholic content of beer is pretty small, so having a can or bottle before eating can be exactly what the body needs to loosen up and prepare for food. Now I can eat more great food and get my calorie needs for the future.

Did you know drinking beer (or alcoholic beverages) regularly can be good for your health? The recommended servings per day is 2 for men and 1 for women. I didn't make up the rules ladies, it has to do with the amount of water men can hold compared to women. One serving is a 12 oz beer, 5 oz of wine, or a shot of liquor (1.5 oz of 80 proof). There have been studies that show regular intake is associated with lowered chances of heart disease and cancer.

Now, because it is beer, there are some things to look out for. Here they are real quick. If you drink a ton of beer, you are getting a TON of calories with not enough nutritional value (vitamins, minerals, protein, etc.). This can lead to a beer belly. Also drinking too many can lead to stupid accidents; we've all been there. Beer can and will dehydrate you if you don't watch out. My suggestion is to drink a glass of water in between beers if you really want to make sure. Another way is to drink a lot of water when all the beers are done or the next morning.

Here's a fun little fact too: dark beers, like Guiness, are even better for you! They have higher antioxidant counts because of the brewing process! Plus, Guiness is lower in calories than most other regular beers. Had to plug those facts; can you guess what one of my favorite beers is?

Prost! Chin chin! Cheers! Enjoy your drinks and keep it healthy!