Exercising and opting for non-alcoholic beer instead of protein shakes as recovery drinks?
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In the world of fitness and sports, recovery is just as important as the workout itself. A sports dietitian, Laurel Wentz, PhD, recommends alcohol-free beer as a post-workout drink, especially after sports. This recommendation is echoed by James Richardson, another sports dietitian, who emphasises the benefits of alcohol-free beer, especially when it contains proteins.
For high-performance athletes and ordinary people who exercise, carbohydrates are essential. They are the body's preferred fuel source, and aiding recovery after training. Interestingly, non-alcoholic beer contains carbohydrates that the body needs after training, helping to replenish glycogen stores. An average can of alcohol-free beer contains 11 to 19 grams of carbohydrates, which can help meet the recommendations for carbohydrate intake after exercise.
Ken Rideout, a marathon runner, follows a post-workout routine that includes drinking water with electrolyte powder, a recovery drink with protein and carbohydrates, and then non-alcoholic beer as a reward. He finds that when paired with a protein-rich snack, non-alcoholic beer helps the body recover from training by hydrating and providing carbohydrates.
However, it's important to note that non-alcoholic beer is not a replacement for a sports drink during training. Sports drinks contain more sodium than non-alcoholic beer, contributing to recovery and preventing muscle cramps. They also provide simple carbohydrates for quick energy during workouts. Drinking a sports drink before or during training supports fluid intake through electrolytes and provides energy.
After exercise, consuming alcohol is counterproductive and negatively affects training results and overall health. Therefore, it's best to stick to hydrating and nutritious options like non-alcoholic beer and sports drinks.
There is a wide range of alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers available, marketed as refreshing and isotonic. Alcohol-free beers with a high protein content suitable for drinking after sports are typically wheat beers (Weizenbier) and some specially brewed alcohol-free variants like Clausthaler Alkoholfrei and Tucher Dunkles Hefe Weizen, which are known for their higher protein presence due to their yeast and malt content.
In conclusion, non-alcoholic beer can be a refreshing and beneficial addition to a post-workout recovery routine. When paired with a protein-rich snack, it can help the body recover from training by hydrating and providing carbohydrates. However, it's important to remember that sports drinks contribute more to recovery after exercise, as shown by scientific studies. So, keep your training regime balanced, and remember to hydrate and refuel effectively.
This article originally appeared in GQ US.
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