Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Say "Cheers" to These Light Beers

Is beer drinking the best kept secret to a slim, trim physique? I am afraid not folks (I know...only in a perfect world, right?). However, should you choose to partake in the hops variety, great taste with fewer calories is the way to go. Beer won't offer any great nutritional benefits to your diet, but a few light beers here and there won't sabotage it either.

Photo By: Randy Mayor
http://www.cookinglight.com/

When it comes to an ice-cold beer, I have my favorite; which I was happy to see that it made list for "THE BEST LIGHT BEERS" taste test featured in the August 2010 issue of Cooking Light magazine. In this article, written by Brady Rushing, three blind tastings evaluated light beers with 125 calories or less and ultralight beers with 70 calories or less per 12-ounce serving. Here were the results:

BEST PREMIUM: Sam Adams Light, $7.97 (6-pack bottled)
Sam Adams' light offering is premium indeed. It features a thicker body and more substantial mouthfeel than others we tested. Its mild sweetness was balanced by a nutty flavor. Overall a great, well-rounded choice. STATS: 119 calories, 9.6g carbs, 4% ABV

BEST ULTRALIGHT: Beck's Premier Light, $9 (6-pack bottled)
This ultralight import had the lowest alcohol content of any beer we tried. But while its body was light and smooth, it still had character—a rich, nutty aroma and a stronger-than-expected finish. STATS: 64 calories, 3.9g carbs, 2.3% ABV

BEST OVERALL: Yuengling Light Lager, $5.47 (6-pack bottled)
The contender from America's oldest brewery had a light amber color that gave way to a medium body with depth and slight hoppy notes, proving light doesn't have to mean dull. STATS: 99 calories, 8.5g carbs, 3.5% ABV

GUYS' FAVORITE: Michelob Ultra, $6.47 (6-pack bottled)
Something about Michelob's 95-calorie contender brought a unified nod from the men on the panel. They noted its medium body, crisp and clean finish—even liked its faintly sweet aroma. STATS: 95 calories, 2.6g carbs, 4.2% ABV

Well, it turns out that the "Guy's Favorite" is actually mine too. With less than 100 calories a bottle and such a light feel, it really is a winning choice for the "livin' lean" beer drinker. Now remember, these beverages are meant to be enjoyed in moderation, on occasion. So when you feel like rewarding yourself or you're gearing up for a long day of football watching, keep these flavorful, light beers in mind.

What's your favorite light beer? I just might do a blind taste test of my own! Any suggestions?