Drink beer and lose weight!

This morning I went back to the gym after a three month hiatus. I am one of the lucky ones who has a nice gym at my workplace with an employer who strongly encourages its employees to use the premises during office hours without having to compensate for the time taken. If things are this good, why did I stop in the first place? Let's just say that with the construction of the outdoor kitchen, I got all the workout I needed from shoveling gravel and lugging around 60 lbs slabs of pavers. But now, outside work is on pause for the winter season and my body is screaming for a good workout once again. Snowboarding season is upon us and those muscles need stretching.

So off I go to work this morning, lunch in one hand, gym bag in the other. Get to the cube, boot up the computer to check for any urgencies and off to the gym I went.

I always keep track of my weight when I workout. Not that I have a weight problem or anything, but just out of curiosity. I look at my workout log and notice that my last workout was dated May 16th where I weighed in at 183. I have to admit that I have felt a bit less than confortable with my level of fitness recently and was apprehensive about the scale.

Well wouldn't you know it? I weighed in at 178! I lost 5 lbs! No drastic weight loss I'll admit, but considering the fact that apart from the landscaping, my other activities mostly consisted of drinking beer or wine on the boat. After all, it's a well known fact that boating makes you thirsty!

No need to be Einstein to put 2 and 2 together and conclude that drinking beer and wine will actually make you lose weight. Slowly perhaps, but surely. And let's face it, a glass of jammy shiraz tastes much better then any diet bar! I actually think I'm onto something here.

Now the funny part of all this is that although the Urban Panther readily adopted the French way of living, she still has some guilt issues. She started off the week by saying that she would not drink wine during weekdays expect for a glass of port with chocolate in the evening. Well guess what? She put on 5 lbs!

Perhaps this is some kind of cosmic transfer of mass. If you just go with the flow, any excess weight will be transferred to people who lead stressful lives.

Have you ever failed at a task in which you were totally dedicated to only to later succeed without even trying? Have you ever found that when you're under stress, you feel the need to compensate by overeating or indulging in other unhealthy habits? More importantly, do you have healthy eating habits and if not, where do you need to improve?

Comments

[Brett Legree]

I think I'll print this out and put it up at work...

I'll tell you though, I once debated the nutritional value of beer versus Coke with my wife.

Although I was correct in saying that beer is a much better drink for you (as is wine), I ended up giving in so I wouldn't have to sleep outside in the garage with my empty beer bottles!

-Brett

[Urbane Lion]

Brett: I once opted for cranberry juice instead of beer. As I was drinking the juice I was comparing the nutrional values of beer VS cranberry juice and beer came out ahead. No more cranberry juice for me! Let me know if you need any supporting documents. Is your garage heated?

[Brett Legree]

Is my garage heated?

Not yet... :) but working on it!

[Sal]

I think I have it figured out...the pounds came from the chocolate she had with the Port. Ahhh it all makes sense now...go figure.

[Urbane Lion]

Brett: Let me know when you're done. I may have a comfy sofa for your garage. You'll be all set!

Sal: I also had the chocolate but, I usually have a second glass of port. First glass counter balances the effect of the chocolate. Second glass is the one that will actually melt those extra pounds.

[Brett Legree]

Either the garage, or the basement... I'm going to start making mead soon, maybe that will keep me warm as it ferments!

[Sibling Rob]

The mistake you made with the cranberry juice was the lack of vodka. Add sufficient quantities of vodka the cranberry comes on par with beer...well domestic, corporate brewery beer.

[Urbane Lion]

Brett: I just found an old bottle of mead that I'll crack open this w/e. Where do you get your honey from?

Rob: Good point! Will need to verify that next w/e when you're over. And let's not forget that my Quebec brewed beer is probably much healthier also.

[XUP]

I think it's appalling the relationship we have with food. For most people food is only for shovelling down to fill up an empty belly or empty life. No one takes time to shop properly for good, wholesome ingredients or spend time preparing a nutritious meal that's pleasing to the eye, nose, tongue and palate. And no one spends time eating it in a pleasant atmosphere with nice dishes and good conversation. No, we want it all ready to pop into the microwave so we can shovel it down while driving in a car. Is it any wonder that this food has become the enemy of our bodies? That every mouthful makes us feel guilty, fills us with stress? And stress puts on weight. Anyway, I don't want to hijack you blog -- I did a post on this once a long time ago and may do another one sometime. Good topic.

[Urbane Lion]

XUP: Your comment is totally in line with the French paradox. For the French meal times are a 'sacred' moment, not just a necessary inconvenience. When you take the time to enjoy good food, you also eat slower and it's a well known fact that it will take at least 15-20 min. for your brain to tell you that you should stop eating now because you're full. Of course what you eat is important but how you eat it is also an important factor in maintaining a healthy weight.

[Brett Legree]

Lion,

Enjoy the mead! I've just contacted the local rep for the beekeepers association (or whatever they call it) so I'll be getting some raw honey locally - I haven't picked anyone here yet. I've gotten it before from some Amish folks.

[Urbane Lion]

Brett: Let me know how it turns out. I'd eventually like to get back to brewing or distilling. Used to make some pretty amazing beers in my days and a buddy of mine once made absinthe totally from scratch. Grew his own herbs and everything!

[Brett Legree]

Lion,

I will - and if it is any good, I'll bring you some. Hey, absinthe from scratch, now that is really cool.

[Urbane Lion]

Brett: I'll hold you to that! Yup, he grew his own herbs, pressed his own grapes to make some wine which he then distilled. He then put it all together according to an ancient recipe. Designed his own label and bottled it in 375 ml bottles. I still have a full one too!

[Brett Legree]

Lion,

That's a deal then - by hook or by crook we'll have a visit (and if it involves alcohol, so much the better!)

[Advanced Acai]

Wonderful post... Very informational and educational as usual!