5 Simple Steps to Wave Goodbye to Your Beer Belly
How to get rid of that 'six-pack of beer' you've been carrying around?
During lockdown, many of us have an opportunity to reflect on what's most important to us. With gyms not open and being stuck indoors, it is harder than ever before to achieve our health goals.
According to a new King's College London survey of 2,254 people, 48% of respondents said that they have put on weight during lockdown. Belly fat is one of the easiest places to gain weight but is also the hardest to lose.
If you found yourself drinking a lot of beer during lockdown and your belly growing more than usual - have no fear, this is how you can get rid of your beer belly quickly.
What Causes A 'Beer-Belly'?
Drinking alcohol, particularly among men, often leads to a beer belly - clinically called "abdominal obesity".
A study has found that the more alcohol you drink, the higher your waist circumference. It isn't surprising considering alcohol's calories.
While beer may be the main contributor, other things might also be indirectly responsible. We often have other goodies with beer: Pizza, Crisps and other high-calorie foods for a nice cold pint of lager to wash down.
Recently, studies have also found that drinking beer interferes with your body's ability to burn fat on its own, prioritising the breakdown of alcohol over fat.
For men here: too much alcohol consumption is also linked to reduced testosterone levels, which makes accumulating belly fat a lot easier.
How To Get Rid Of Them?
To be honest, there is really no shortcut to this. Many programs and supplements are claiming Targeted Fat Loss, but realistically, it most likely won't work.
If you lose weight in general, your beer belly will usually shrink as a side-effect. Many usually describe losing weight in simple terms such as:
"Consume Less Calories Than You Burn."
But that's not it. Remember, not all calories are created equal. Someone having 2000 Calories' worth of sweets vs someone having the same calories in a balanced diet will have significantly different results.
1:1 Beer and Water.
For every glass of beer, take a break and have a glass of water. This is one of the most practical and easy-to-keep techniques I've discovered when I was still drinking. The 1:1 ratio of beer and water does two things:
- Controlling Volume. You can only drink so much liquid at a time. If you substitute half of your consumption with water, it will reduce the total amount of beer drank, thus controlling your intake.
- Hydration. Not only will it flush out the alcohol quicker (which resumes fat-burning), staying hydrated is also an important element to staying lean.
If, like some of my friends, you simply just can't down a pint of water or you'd feel like it's a buzz-kill, there are also other ways to do it.
Intermittent Fasting.
While connotations of fasting can sound negative and extreme; a controlled, intermittent version of it has been known to be healthy and highly effective. There has been a recent surge in popularity with IF (Intermittent Fasting), with the likes of Huge Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Beyoncé swearing by it.
Not only do you lose weight, your blood pressure, blood sugars and cholesterol also improves.
There are quite a few ways of doing it, these are my favourites ranked from easiest to most effective:
- 5:2. Eat regularly for 5 days a week and 2 days of eating only 400-800 calories. An example would be eating normal every day of the week except Tuesday and Wednesday.
- 16:8. Fasting for 16 Hours a day (including sleep) and eating for 8. An example would be having your last meal at 8pm and your next meal at 12pm the following day.
- 20:4. This is one of the harder options, but if you want quick results, this is it. Fast for 20 hours and eat for 4. An example would be having your last meal at 6pm and your next meal at 2pm the next day.
Intermittent Fasting has been demonstrated to be completely safe, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine which summarises decades of research on intermittent fasting.
More Protein. Less Carbs. (+Vegan Tips)
Since beer is mostly carbohydrates and sugar, combined with alcohol, you have yourself a perfect recipe for inhibiting fat loss. One particularly effective way is to do the following:
- Increase your protein intake. At least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight (or 2.2 grams per kilo)
- Decrease your carbohydrate intake. Less than 1 gram of carbs per pound of body weight (or 2.2 grams per kilo)
Here is why it works:
- Protein Burns Calories. A high protein intake can make you burn 80-100 more calories per day. It also reduces your appetite.
- Carbs Make You Look Bloated. For every one gram of carbohydrate stored in your body (as glycogen), it retains about 2x-3x its weight in water.
What if you're vegan? Having enough protein is already difficult, how do we make it more realistic? Focus on more on these foods:
- Soybeans. One of the few 'complete vegan protein sources.
- Beans and Legumes. Naturally high in protein.
- Quinoa. High-protein grains (but some of its calories are carbs!)
- Nuts and Seeds. Great for snacking and easy protein boost.
- Plant-based Protein Shakes. Quickest and most effective way of boosting protein intake.
Exercise.
This is quite an obvious one. The more calories you burn, the more likely your beer belly goes away.
- Try and get 3-5 solid workouts in a week.
- If you can't, take 15 minutes a day to perform some mini-workouts during the day.
Drink Less Beer.
It's not easy going cold-turkey but you want to get rid of that belly, you'll have to moderate your drinking. Try and focus on one or two days a week where you drink and keep the rest alcohol-free.
Try to only drink in social occasions and avoid building up a habit of drinking alone, it reduces the urge to cheat when you're not supposed to.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beyond those tips above, saying goodbye to a beer belly doesn't have to mean giving up the relaxation and social aspect of enjoying a cold brew.
IMPOSSIBREW's non-alcoholic beer offers a delicious and refreshing alternative that allows you to unwind without the negative consequences of alcohol. Whether you're looking to improve your health, increase productivity, or simply avoid a hangover, IMPOSSIBREW is the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol.
So, next time you're looking to relax and unwind, consider picking up a non-alcoholic beer from IMPOSSIBREW and wave goodbye to your beer belly for good.
FAQs
Find our most commonly asked questions below or ask our AI Brewer for instant answers.
What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology*.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Unique Selling Point
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35 and to Northern Ireland (additional courier charges may apply).
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.