It's 5 o'clock somewhere!

I have a little routine on Friday afternoons after a busy work week: a beer.

MSNBC published an article on Tuesday entitled, "Is it beer-flavored water or water-flavored beer?" In recent years there have been efforts made in creating a lighter beer which is lighter in calories. Most standard beers have approximately 150 calories and are 5% alcohol by volume while domestic light beers contain approximately 100 calories and 4% alcohol by volume [1].

Miller came out with MGD 64 as of somewhat recently, a 64-calorie beer for a standard 12-ounce serving. And most recently, Anheuser-Busch InBev's Select 55 hit the market -- a 55-calorie beer for a standard 12-ounce serving. Both beers contain approximately 3% alcohol by volume [1].

While I have tried MGD 64, I am yet to try Select 55. MGD was acceptable, not great. Personally, I drink because I LOVE the taste of both beer and wine. So while producers are creating these low-calorie beers, I can't help but wonder, what population are they catering to?

Most people drinking beer are doing so for one of several reasons:

1. Because they like the taste of beer and probably will drink what they prefer, in which case they will probably prefer a beer with average to above average flavor.

2. To get a buzz or to get drunk, in which case a 3% alcohol beer by volume would not assist them in their goal.

3. To be social and have a drink with friends or family, in which case a lower-calorie and less flavorful beer would be acceptable. HOWEVER, those who are extremely health conscious or watching their weight would probably opt NOT to consume calories by means of alcohol.

What do you think? As the article goes on to explain, the population of consumers desiring lower calorie, lower alcohol content beer is marginal at best. Interesting, anyways. At least it's an option for consumers who would opt for a Select 55 or MGD 64 over a regular beer just because.

Yesterday's diabetic diet went like so...

Breakfast:

2 whole wheat waffles (2 carbs)

2 Tbsp peanut butter (0 carbs)

1 banana (2 carbs)

     Total: 4 carbs

Lunch:

tuna salad wrap in a spinach tortilla with tomatoes and lettuce (2 carbs)

1 serving baby carrots (0 carbs)

cucumber slices (0 carbs)

6 ounce fat-free Greek yogurt (1 carb)

     Total: 3 carbs

Dinner:

1 cup spaghetti squash (2 carbs)

2 Tbsp pine nuts (0 carbs)

1/2 cup marinara (1 carb)

4 ounces of broiled tilapia (0 carbs)

     Total: 3 carbs

Snack:

1 cup skim milk (1 carb)

1 sheet of graham crackers (1 carb)

     Total: 2 carbs

No real plans for the weekend. Husband is headed out of town so it's just the puppy and I. I'm planning to get in a few good workouts and catch up on sleep...as much as the puppy will allow, anyways. Have a wonderful start to your weekend!

[1]. Associated Press. Is It Beer-Flavored Water or Water-Flavored Beer? MSNBC. October 27, 2009.