# How to make alcohol less bad? **URL:** \ **Category:** Nutrition\ **Created:** [March 11, 2019, 7:11pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117 "2019-03-11T19:11:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![alexfthenakis](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/alexfthenakis/32/115632_2.png) [@alexfthenakis](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/alexfthenakis)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2022, 3:50pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/87 "2022-10-21T15:50:34Z")
Poor language choice on my part there. When I say greater fitness what I mean is ‘less blunted fitness’. Classic case of using the language of ‘best’ options when what we’re really talking about is ‘least-worst’! ---
**Author:** ![koalb](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/koalb/32/90108_2.png) [@koalb](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/koalb)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2022, 4:25pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/88 "2022-10-21T16:25:51Z")
Not trying to be a jerk. I’m genuinely curious to learn if there’s a compelling case that any amounts of alcohol improve physiological / athletic performance. Haven’t see it yet. The strongest argument made in this thread is that alcohol doesn’t diminish athletic performance. ---
**Author:** ![alexfthenakis](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/alexfthenakis/32/115632_2.png) [@alexfthenakis](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/alexfthenakis)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2022, 10:32am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/89 "2022-10-22T10:32:43Z")
As you say, there’s definitely an argument in favour of drinking in moderation when considering mental, physical, and emotional health holistically. If it adds to overall quality of life without causing enough phsyical harm to outweigh that benefit, then I guess that makes it a net positive influence. Of course there’s no real way to assess that quantitatively, so once we’ve hashed out all the studies and stats it inevitably becomes more art than science when deciding how to implement what we know for each individual. ---
**Author:** ![koalb](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/koalb/32/90108_2.png) [@koalb](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/koalb)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2022, 12:37pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/90 "2022-10-22T12:37:14Z")
Beyond anecdotal evidence, is there a scientific basis for alcohol improving quality of life and happiness? ---
**Author:** ![NotRailingTurns](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/notrailingturns/32/71022_2.png) [@NotRailingTurns](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/NotRailingTurns)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2022, 7:11pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/91 "2022-10-23T19:11:53Z")
I haven’t seen any. But both in this thread and in life in general there seems to be an awful lot of anecdotal evidence about it. One might even say some are desperately trying to justify a drinking habit. He said, just after drinking a beer while watching football. But then again, it was the first in several months and I raced cyclocross earlier today in absolutely horrendous conditions. So I felt I deserved it. See end of first paragraph 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/joe/32/11680_2.png) [@Joe](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2022, 10:32pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/92 "2022-10-23T22:32:09Z")
> [@BCM](#): > > Good listening: > > [What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health - Huberman Lab](https://hubermanlab.com/what-alcohol-does-to-your-body-brain-health/) > > > Alcohol is far worse for us than most believe. Zero is indeed better than any & beyond 2 drinks per week, negative health effects accumulate. There are ways to offset/reverse that. All that & more including hangovers & remedies on the Huberman Lab Podcast: [https://t.co/obavwRbl60](https://t.co/obavwRbl60) > > > > — Andrew D. Huberman, Ph.D. (@hubermanlab) [September 30, 2022](https://twitter.com/hubermanlab/status/1575722982206414848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) I listened to this a few weeks ago, it was a big fat bummer from start to finish. For a few years I was into wine making…made over 800 bottles and had a lot of fun making them, drinking them, making them while drinking them. Had a few rounds every night during the last few working years. Now semi-retired in geezer central, drinking is a common past time. But that podcast killed it. I’m down to 2-3 per week. His logic and data is irrefutable, unfortuantely. Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you can’t make it less bad. It’s just bad news for health start to finish. Not so much make alcohol less bad…how about simply a whole new drug? More “neurotransmitter modulating” than toxin please. Any suggestions other than MJ? Joe ---
**Author:** ![rbonick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/rbonick/32/20908_2.png) [@rbonick](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/rbonick)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2022, 4:22pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/93 "2022-10-24T16:22:21Z")
> **[Is your beer consumption interfering with training?](https://insidesportsnutrition.org/2022/10/21/is-your-beer-consumption-interfering-with-training/)** > > Sometimes a post- run or ride beer just hits the spot. You may have heard that 1 drink/day for females and 2 drinks/day for males is generally acceptable, assuming 1 drink = 12 oz beer of ~5%ABV, 5… > Our suggestion: When possible, choose a light beer ~ 2-4% ABV and consume a salty carbohydrate-based snack or add an electrolyte drink containing sodium. Or try one of the many NA versions available, even beer lovers approve! . ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/joe/32/11680_2.png) [@Joe](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2022, 6:59pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/94 "2022-10-24T18:59:11Z")
> [@rbonick](#): > > Or try one of the many NA versions available, even beer lovers approve! . I can only speak for myself but I DON’T APPROVE!!! Joe ---
**Author:** ![SlowMobius](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/slowmobius/32/88107_2.png) [@SlowMobius](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/SlowMobius)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2022, 8:04pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/95 "2022-10-24T20:04:54Z")
> [@rbonick](#): > > consume a salty carbohydrate-based snack I can get down with this advice though. ---
**Author:** ![rbonick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/rbonick/32/20908_2.png) [@rbonick](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/rbonick)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2022, 8:06pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/96 "2022-10-24T20:06:49Z")
other than the stout, have loved Athletic Brewing NA stuff. and I say that as someone who prob drinks at least 10-15 (alcoholic) beers a week ---
**Author:** ![JSampson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e99b99/32.png) [@JSampson](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/JSampson)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2022, 12:36pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/98 "2022-10-25T12:36:11Z")
@Joe check out this one. It is pretty good if you like IPAs. > **[Special Effects Hoppy Amber | Brooklyn Brewery](https://brooklynbrewery.com/brooklyn-beers/non-alcoholic/special-effects-hoppy-amber/)** ---
**Author:** ![Brettn13](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/brettn13/32/78992_2.png) [@Brettn13](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Brettn13)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2022, 2:10pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/99 "2022-10-25T14:10:10Z")
The trick for me with NA Beers is to have 1 or 2 regular beers first. The Athletic Hazy (Free Wave) is usually my go to, after having a single full-strength IPA it just blends in and it would be hard to tell it is NA. Another important thing with NA beer is ensuring you can get it relatively fresh. The grocery store I usually go to had fresh craft stuff, but all the NA was pretty dated. You notice that little difference when you are drinking for taste. ---
**Author:** ![JoeX](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/joex/32/6640_2.png) [@JoeX](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/JoeX)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2022, 2:33pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/100 "2022-10-25T14:33:10Z")
> [@rbonick](#): > > Athletic Brewing £11 for 6 small cans of non alcoholic beer sees like a lot. > **[Upside Dawn Golden Ale 6-Pack (Alcohol-Free)](https://uk.athleticbrewing.com/products/upside-dawn-golden-ale-alcohol-free-6-pack)** > > Classic craft Golden Ale Style. Refreshing, clean, balanced, light-bodied. Aromas subtle with floral and earthy notes. Brewed with premium Vienna Malt along with combo of English and traditional American hops. Gluten Free. When you can get bitter shandy £2 for 8 cans: [https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/310095741](https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/310095741) ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/joe/32/11680_2.png) [@Joe](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2022, 2:33pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/101 "2022-10-25T14:33:40Z")
> [@JSampson](#): > > [Special Effects Hoppy Amber | Brooklyn Brewery](https://brooklynbrewery.com/brooklyn-beers/non-alcoholic/special-effects-hoppy-amber/) I’ll look for it locally, unfortunately the 18$ shipping just killed online ordering for me ☹ > [@Brettn13](#): > > The trick for me with NA Beers is to have 1 or 2 regular beers first. I’ve tried it but once I get one or two in me then I want to keep the party going!! For me it’s gotta be NA first and then stick with it. If I had a little more self control though your plan would be perfect 🙂 Joe ---
**Author:** ![rbonick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/rbonick/32/20908_2.png) [@rbonick](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/rbonick)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2022, 3:19pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/102 "2022-10-25T15:19:05Z")
yeah… same price as craft stuff ☹ but helps when I hit that “I need a beer” vibe but dont want alcohol (e.g. worknights). seltzers are good too but don’t always hit the same spot for me. ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/joe/32/11680_2.png) [@Joe](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2022, 11:10pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/103 "2022-10-26T23:10:00Z")
Picked this up today……gotta say it’s damn near the real thing! ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/7/3/73208ebd0ee1e330ead81e57b6f69e5a11dbecbf.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Larzi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/larzi/32/12893_2.png) [@Larzi](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Larzi)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2022, 1:42pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/104 "2022-10-29T13:42:09Z")
Thanks for the recommendation. As for NA beers I have mostly found the IPAs to be good. But as someone who craves dark beers, I am definitely missing something. Definitely gonna try this. ---
**Author:** ![jwellsallen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/jwellsallen/32/13638_2.png) [@jwellsallen](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/jwellsallen)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2022, 4:05pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/105 "2022-10-29T16:05:48Z")
I hate to be a stick in the mud. I haven’t read the rest of the posts, but alcohol is an addictive substance. Binge drinking (more than 4-5 drinks is in a setting) is the worst option. “Moderate” drinking really should be just 1-4 (units of alcohol) drinks per week, but 2 x 8% 12 oz IPA beers would probable count as 4 units (you can get all sorts of apps to figure out “unit of alcohol” - it is less than people think) and then you are done for the week. The health benefits of “moderate” drinking can be wildly exaggerated… my opinion and 2 cents since the question was asked, and I hope not to step on any toes and as this can be a touchy subject. A great NA beer option is Untitled Art Beers - I had to take a look at the can one time after I had a sip to make sure it was NA. A lot of NA beers are not worth drinking in my opinion… ---
**Author:** ![mrussotto](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mrussotto/32/7721_2.png) [@mrussotto](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mrussotto)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2022, 3:22am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/106 "2022-10-30T03:22:52Z")
That’s kind of an irritating article. It mentions studies showing 1-2 drinks a day of beer with perfectly normal ABV (5.4%) don’t affect training. Then it says otherwise without even pointing to supporting information. ---
**Author:** ![jwellsallen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/jwellsallen/32/13638_2.png) [@jwellsallen](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/jwellsallen)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2022, 5:46pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117/107 "2022-10-30T17:46:41Z")
This is a follow-up post from yesterday about ‘moderate’ alcohol consumption. I am posting links for Dr. Huberman’s podcast about the effects of alcohol on our health and wellness. He is a neuroscientist at Stanford and reviews the current literature on the subject. I highly recommend a listen > **[‎Huberman Lab: What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health on Apple...](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-alcohol-does-to-your-body-brain-health/id1545953110?i=1000576901433)** > > ‎Show Huberman Lab, Ep What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health - Aug 22, 2022 https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2ebY3WNejLNbK47emgjd1E?utm_source=oembed [Previous page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117.md?page=4) [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/how-to-make-alcohol-less-bad/13117.md?page=6)