Beer has always been on the weight watchers’ list of must-nots and we are no strangers to the stigma that surrounds this alcoholic beverage.We grew up referring to paunches as beer bellies and this term was conceived so long ago that we immediately assume beer to be the direct cause of the unsightly gut.
 
But do you know that beer (depending on its type) may have lesser calories than a simple lunch fare? The main culprit for that belly is the bar grub that accompanies the drinking habit.
 
A typical can(330ml) of beer can contain as low as 50 calories (light beer), but it varies with the different levels of alcoholic content. One gram of alcohol contains seven calories. However, your average beer has  approximately 135 calories, which is almost the same as a medium (170g) tub of yogurt or half a dairy milk chocolate bar. “The reason why light beer is lower in calories is because the sugar level in light beers is lower,” says Tan Jun Hui, a dietician.
 
A basket of 4 fried chicken wings on the other hand, piles on a whopping 804 calories while a similar portion of potato wedges carries an estimated 280 calories. These finger food choices are nevertheless, popular amongst beer drinkers which results in weight gain over time and hence the term, beer belly.
 
Our best advice? Drink glasses of water while enjoying your beer. Not only do you re-hydrate – alcohol dehydrates your system – but the liquid also makes lesser room for the delightful (but so sinful) fried snacks. However, like with most things, it’s best to consume with moderation. Oh, and above all else, always remember to not drink and drive.