Monday Rant: American Laziness

Somebody used the word "wiry" to describe my physical build earlier last week. As I pondered about how I enjoyed being described as such, I recalled the numerous times I've heard comments concerning my weight, frame and the amount of beer I consume. Most of these comments are in the form of questions asking how in the hell do I weigh so little and still drink the beer that I do.

I don't really have a secret. I try to get myself to the gym about twice a week. I pretty much eat and drink what I want because I know I'm going to burn a healthy percentage of it off anyways. One thing is for sure when I get there. Approximately two pounds of water is coming out of my body by the time I'm done with my workout.

That being said, I haven't been doing any amount of scientific research here. Still, I've noticed that I tend to lose a tiny bit of weight or remain the same on weekend when I've had beer.

For an example, I was at the gym last Thursday. I was in the neighborhood of 135-136. By the time I left I was around 134 pounds. I don't remember the exact numbers. I went once again on Sunday and weighed myself prior to starting my workout. I was 134.2 pounds. I got it down to 132.4 with the loss of water. How the hell is that when I've consumed beer on Friday and Saturday evenings? I think some of it is refraining from eating late at night after having a few drinks.

I also find it ironic while at the gym on Sundays because some infomercials are on the gym's televisions. I'm talking about the diet infomercials. I crack a grin every time these are on because it drives me insane that people in this country are always looking for an easy way out. I can say to anyone that you can change your diets all you want. If you're not doing any amount of physical activity you're most likely not going to lose much.

Just seeing myself get under 133 pounds even for an afternoon before I rehydrate myself and eat something is enough of a mental victory for me. Two years ago I was 182 pounds. Yesterday marked being on the cusp of burning off 50 pounds withing two or so years and 40 since I began frequenting the health club last January. To hell with these fancy diets. To hell with the myth that beer is an easy weight gain.

Monday Rant: Nothing Good in Here

I'm sure you've had the same thing happen when you're on your way home from a workout or some form of physical activity. It's one of those situations in which you're returning from your exertions and need to fill those burnt calories and have just the thing in mind. You're excited only until you get back and find that someone else has devoured what you had your mind set on. It's excruciating.

This has become an almost weekly occurrence at the pad my father and I currently possess. He has finally infringed on territory that in my own head was considered free. See, my father has a bad snacking problem. Whatever stress he has in real life is smothered by constant snacking. Sunflower seeds, chips, MY BEER etc. Stuff that he already doesn't need to indulge with.

I've began noticing that he only likes to partake in beer that is recently bought. He obviously enjoys having new choices. I have to hide some of the beer I don't want him to drink. For example, I know hes lazy enough that he's not going to move cases of beer to get to whats in the back. The same goes for the fridge. What I don't want touched goes behind everything else and is usually safe. I recently overheard him declaring something that made me want to jump out of my skin.

"There's not any good beer in here."

Nothing good, huh? Five rows deep.

This just goes to reinforce my theory that he only likes to drink what's recently bought. See that Troegs Java Head? That's been in there for almost five months. Behind it is a Sierra Nevada Stout. Both as requested by him when I was at a bottle shop. They're still there.

I came home from work last Friday to perform my usual ritual of stocking the fridge with beers I want to have that night and for the following night. It was stuffed with beers from cases I irresponsibly left being easily accessible. My Anderson Valley Summer Solstice and Penn Pumpkin Roll Ale. Two of the most recently-purchased cases. It figures.

He failed to realize one thing in my beer habits. When I buy pumpkin brews it's only to have around the time we're supposed to actually drink them. That means September and October. It's not for stuffing the fridge immediately.

Monday Rant: Miller 64 Ad Campaign

I'm getting tired of having to sit through these new Miller 64 commercials every other television break. It's already enough that the existence of light beer annoys me.

The song is too catchy and annoying. I always find lyrics from it stuck in my head hours after I've seen the ad. The people depicted in it look like jackasses as well. First, you must give credit to Miller for some excellent marketing. That's how it's done. All of that and the fact that there are people out there that actually believe it's a healthier option.

Just because you consume a beer that's among the lightest in calories on the entire market doesn't mean you can still be a lazy bum every day.

Since I started this blog back in September of 2011 I've consumed more craft beer than I have at any point in my life. I also joined a gym at the beginning of January. I"m down approximately 18 lbs since I joined.

My weight loss certainly isn't because I decided to drink only the cheapest and lightest beer out there. I haven't changed my consumption of beer at all. I actually got off of my rear end to do something somewhat active. It's not like I put together this Schwarzennegger-esque workout either. I just try to be active and watch what I eat a little more closely.

By all means, keep thinking you're drinking of light beer will help you keep weight off if you're still a couch potato. I just hope you know that the next time you chug down six or seven beers and then to decide to consume half of a pizza with your buddy that once your liver is processing alcohol (regardless of what you drank) you're putting on weight once you choose to scarf something afterwards.