I like to have a beer or two once in a while. Should I cut it out completely?
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Michael Collins: Having a beer or two once in a while is fine if you're staying within your bodyweight target.
 
If you enjoy having a beer once in a while, I'm the last guy to tell you to cut it out if you're firing on all cylinders otherwise.
 
However, if you're overweight, or just trying to lose those few pounds, alcohol would be the first thing I'd cut out.
 
In fact, when working with my personal clients, we cut alcohol immediately and create a list of alternatives they don't mind ordering when out on business, or just lounging with friends.
 
Beer is basically empty calories- and it's very easy to consume. Although it varies, the average 12 oz beer will run you 150 calories. Having 2 beers adds up to 300 calories.
 
Hell, if you're eating properly to lose weight and on a "6 small meal" schedule, that's almost a whole meal worth of calories!
 
The killer is usually what happens after drinking the beer. You're going to be eating something soon from the big drop in blood sugar. Judgment on what to eat usually goes out the window. Wings... pizza... awful.

Oh yeah, I didn't even mention that alcohol can inhibit fat from being released into the bloodstream to be used as fuel!

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