How does one Beer affect my workout today?

Drinking a beer (or glass of wine or shot of whiskey) should have no effect on your workout today.

Lots of empty calories is all and most likely negated any calories burned during the workout. But you picked a high quality beer and more than likely got a good slug of B vitamins and the alcohol probably let your relax after working the muscles….not all bad!

Alcohol, in moderation, should not affect your exercise program. If you overdo it, it may have an effect on all parts of your life.

As long as you had the beer after the workout, there shouldn’t be any effect. Alcohol before exertion can dehydrate you faster. If you drank it within an hour of your workout, your metabolic rate would still be up and burning those calories.

It’s a good thing. Carbs are carbs. As long as you had the beer within .45min, you’re within the glycogen window too.

Great answers people!

There are a number of myths about alcohol and carbs.
http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/HealthIssues/1110385823.html

Having an Amstel Light is like eating a single peanut. So yeah – all beers are not created carb equal. That’s a right and proper point to bring up @ItsAHabit.

Here is one of the best websites on beer. They show the alcohol level and carb level (g) for many beers, and gives you an idea of the massive range. (there are many others)

Lance Armstrong himself told me personally that as long as you’re within the glycogen window it really did not make a difference what kind of carbohydrate you consumed.

OK – I made that last part up. But it could have been true. Actually I think I heard that from his coach. My notes from various Carmichael books and meetings are thus:

”* 30–60min is optimal glyocogyn window – 150grams (after that 5% per hour) [60g for light woman up to 150 for large strapping boy]. Eat for glycogen – then eat for regular meal. (4:1 protein).”

I am not a doctor, and these are personal notes and opinions – best to get confirmation elsewhere as well