Posted on June 14, 2012 by Jenny Cromack

Calories and Weight Gain

Based on a 12 ounce serving, Bud Light contains 110 calories and Coke Classic contains 140. Most of the calories in Bud Light come from alcohol with a tiny portion of them coming from its 1 gram of protein and the remainder coming from refined carbohydrates. In contrast, all of the calories in Coke Classic come from sugar.

Most of the alcohol in beer is ultimately used to meet immediate energy needs. Although only a small portion of the alcohol is converted into fat, it contributes to weight gain by blocking the metabolism of body fat that already exists. In contrast, the sugar content of soda is likely to elevate blood sugar considerably, and in turn, cause a strong insulin release that will store the excess sugar as body fat. As such, soda has more direct potential to cause weight gain, and to add insult to injury, Coke Classic also happens to contain slightly more calories than Bud Light.

The consumption of beer or soda increases caloric intake, and as such, also increases the chance of the calories from any additional food or beverage consumption being stored as body fat. In addition, the calories from beer and soda, often referred to as empty calories, lack any notable amount of the nutrients needed by the body to sustain itself. Because of this, counting and restricting calories to compensate for alcohol or sugar consumption is one of the worst things you can do for your health.

The Sweet Misery of Soda

It’s primarily the effects of sugar that make soda such an unhealthy beverage. Sugar is highly addictive and can cause blood sugar fluctuation, mood disorders, poor digestion, suppressed immunity, weight gain, and tooth and bone decay. Long term, the effects of excessive sugar consumption can even lead to deadly diseases such as heart disease and cancer. As such, drinking soda on a regular basis can be a significant health risk, especially considering the many other sources of sugar and refined carbohydrates in the modern diet.

The Buzz Kill of Beer

In comparison to the dangers of sugar, alcohol is even worse. It causes many of the same issues as sugar, but in addition, can damage the brain, the nervous system, the intestines, and can even cause infertility and impotence. Based on this, frequent alcohol consumption is probably more of a health risk than frequent sugar consumption. If you doubt this, consider the typical health of a long term alcoholic.

Which is Worse?

Beer and soda are both a significant cause of the poor health that’s become so prevalent today. Does it really matter which one is worse? It’s like trying to choose between cancer and heart disease. Why choose between the disadvantages when you can choose to avoid them instead?

If you must know which is worse, then compare the health of a long term alcoholic to the health of someone who has a long history of excessive soda consumption. They’re both likely to be suffering from poor health and disease, but in my estimation, the health of the alcoholic is likely to be much worse.

The bottom line is that your consumption of beer and soda should be kept to an absolute minimum. If you’re going to indulge, simply choose whichever one will bring you the most enjoyment. There’s nothing wrong with consuming beer or soda within the limits of reasonable moderation, but keep in mind that even though it may only be slight, it will still come at a cost. When you do decide to enjoy some well deserved indulgence, savor every bit of it and don’t let guilt ruin the experience.