Beer has gotten a bad reputation for being the alcoholic beverage that you absolutely cannot drink if you’re trying to lose weight. But is that true? What information is this based on? Let’s discuss.

• One can of beer contains on average, 13 grams of carbs and 150 calories.

• One glass of wine contains 4 grams of carbs and 120 calories.

• But one glass of wine is only 5 fluid ounces, while a beer has 12 fluid ounces.

• If you were to compare them by volume, 12 ounces of wine would give you on average 8 grams of carbs and 300 calories, which is more than double the calories you’re getting from 12 ounces of beer!

Of course, if you’re only focusing on carbs, then wine still wins. But if you’re focusing on calories alone then beer actually seems to be preferable. However, these are both very one-dimensional ways to think about nutrition and weight loss, which is something we try to stay away from at 4Q Method.

The bottom line is — if you prefer beer over wine, there’s no need to give it up! Whatever you choose to drink, just be sure to drink responsibly.

• Try not to drink on an empty stomach.

• Be sure to get in enough water to stay hydrated.

• Try to stick to moderation. (We realize that means different things to different people!)

• Don’t use alcohol as an excuse to lose control of food intake.