St. Patrick’s Day is almost synonymous with beer right? I’m sure those of Irish decent, and those who love the Irish, will be enjoying a beer or two this weekend.

If you are trying to lose weight, alcohol of all types can contribute a lot of extra calories. All beer gets most of its calories from alcohol. Light beers have less calories than regular beers, and the choice is usually a personal taste preference. Darker beers, like porters and stouts, actually have less calories than ales, and lagers usually are lower in calories still. But a Pale Ale (my favorite) and most craft microbrews are going to have higher calorie counts.

Like every other food or beverage, it’s all about portion control. I’d rather have one or two IPAs than three regular beers, so that’s my choice. Calories from alcohol count, so you need to manage liquid calories just as you do food.

Take the high road and enjoy your weekend: Drink responsibly, and eat good food along with your beers – never drink on an empty stomach! Try this Ploughman’s Lunch from Cooking Light®

Cheers!

APPROXIMATE CALORIES PER PINT (16 fl. oz)
Guinness Stout: 170
Guinness Draught: 210
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: 230
Budweiser: 195
Heineken Lager: 210
Killian”s (Coors): 220
Rolling Rock: 190
Coors Light: 135

But, if you’re enjoying a craft beer, with upwards to 6.5% or even 9% ABV? Then look out – the calories per pint are 260-360 calories.