By Bridget Creel
The Daily Meal
When it comes to drinking beer, you are usually measuring a lot more than just the alcohol content. Beer tends to contain plenty of calories and carbohydrates, which are off limits to people trying to lose weight. With that being said, beggars can be choosers when it comes to finding the healthiest light beer options, and there are some beers that will not hurt your waistline as much as you'd think. With beers, you will have to decide which you’d rather avoid: calories or carbohydrates.
If you are drinking for a mission, these beers may not be for you. Lights beers typically have a lower alcohol percentage, so be sure you know your motivation before drinking your calories. It will defeat the purpose if you have to drink several light beers to get the same feeling as you would from one regular beer.
Similar to wine, beer -- in moderation -- can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you want to lose weight or not, you should monitor your alcohol consumption during a tailgate. "Drink a glass of water or two in between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated," says Lori Zanini, spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “[and] moderate the number of drinks you have."
Healthiest Beers For Your Tailgate Cooler
Butte Creek Organic India Pale Ale
Different from our other light beer suggestions, this beer is higher in calories, but low in carbohydrates. Butte Creek Organic India Pale Ale contains about 201 calories and has 1.9 grams of carbohydrates. The company uses 100 percent organic malts and hops for all four of their beers, which only adds to their health factor.
Guinness Draught
The popular dark Irish beer has about 126 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates. Although this number may be discouraging, there is research to support that darker beer has nutritional value. Guinness contains flavonoids, which are similar to the antioxidants found in red wine.
Yuengling Light Lager
This beer is below 100 calories, but contains almost 10 grams of carbohydrates. However, the company didn’t want to stray too far from the taste of their original lager, which explains why the beer isn’t as low in calories and carbohydrates as the rest.
Amstel Light
This beer is only 95 calories, but starts to creep up in carbohydrates at five grams. Interestingly enough, Amstel markets this beer as the “official beer of the burger.” Unfortunately, just because you are having a light beer doesn’t mean you should have a burger in your other hand. Try pairing this beer with a healthy burger option.
Michelob Ultra
Still under 100 calories, this beer has 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates. Michelob Ultra markets this beer as a part of a healthy lifestyle that includes activities such as running, cycling, golf, and tennis. You can decide how true that is.
Miller Genuine Draft 64
Low calories and low carbs. This beer clocks in at 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates; plus, it has a crisp, light taste.
Beck's Premier Light
This low-calorie option has 64 calories and 3.9 grams of carbohydrates. It is classified as a light lager with a low alcohol percentage of 2.3 percent, so it is a nice, refreshing option that’s perfect for a summer cookout or day at the beach.
Budweiser Select 55
The lowest-calorie beer we selected clocks in at just 55 calories and 1.9 grams of carbohydrates. If you’re looking out for your waistline, this is definitely one of the best options.
More From The Daily Meal:
-- Healthy Alternatives to Your Favorite Stadium Food
-- 10 Iconic College Tailgate Foods and Drinks
-- Healthiest Foods to Bring to a Tailgate
-- 10 Myths About Your Favorite Sports Drinks
