The Beer Diet

[Tracy Rainwater]

Not exactly doctor approved, but one man sees the "beer fast" as a chance to cleanse his mind and body.



It may seem like a dream diet: Substitute beer for food for two weeks, and never have to worry about a hangover.
Well, it’s because you only drink three beers a day, and snack on lots of water. Paul Fierro, owner of Primo’s Craft Beer in El Paso, Texas, underwent a beer and water diet, inspired by Bavarian Monks who drank only beer during their fasts in the 16th Century.

“I started to see it as a personal challenge and a personal journey when I can kind of cleanse my body, cleanse my mind and see how I would reexamine things,” said Fierro.

Fierro and his friend Albert Salinas started the diet over a week ago, drinking beers with heavy calories and carbohydrates -- one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A nursing student agreed to check on Fierro’s and Salinas’ heart rate and blood pressure every other day.

“The first few days you get a big pain like in your stomach. Then after the third day it stops, but you still have mental cravings. You’re always thinking of food,” said Salinas.

On day seven, Salinas had to quit the diet as he picked up a bad cold. In total, Salinas lost 13 pounds. So far, Fierro has lost nine.

“These past few days I’ve woken up with a lot of energy. No hunger pains yet,” said Fierro, on day eight of the diet. He said that he feels great.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a general practitioner and member of the Fox News Medical A-Team, said there are no medical benefits to this diet.

“There’s no way of knowing what someone’s underlying health issues are. You don’t know if you strain the body to this extent what’s (going to) happen,” said Siegel.

Siegel also said there are no real nutrients in beer. There is no protein and no fat.

“I would urge them, if they are going to do this crazy thing, to at least have fluids with electrolytes in it, not just plain water,” Siegal said.

Salinas said his sense for smelling became a lot stronger during his fast. At his desk job, where he works as an insurance agent, he could smell foods at a greater distance than before.
He said he also experienced what it’s like to live in an area of the world where food is not so readily available.
“[You take] food for granted and you’re realizing other things in your life you’ve taken for granted,” said Salinas.
Fierro finished his diet on Super Bowl Sunday. He broke the fast by eating wings, burgers, and what he was most excited for--his grandmother’s cooking.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/17/one-mans-crazy-diet-nothing-but-beer-and-water/#ixzz1msKYZLjs

[KennyT]

I'm willing to try it bug can't go to work those weeks.....

[Jerry Del Colliano]

Eat less. Workout more.

The diet that works but hard to do.

[Jerry Del Colliano]

Honestly, this diet sounds dangerous.

[Tracy Rainwater]

I think this story was a mixture of a really slow news day and a store owner looking to get some free press.

[Mike Cason]

I find this article to be a good one.

I drank more than my share of the "light" beer and quit 9 years ago. It was easy to apply myself and dropped a fast 50 lbs with a minimal diet plan. I've been able to manage that weight more easily and have saved a ton of bucks without the beer purchases. That equates to more money for my audio ventures...A clear winner on two fronts!

[Jerry Del Colliano]

Beer packs on the weight. Very yeasty. Lots of carbs for the good ones.

A glass of wine is a better choice with some (granted limited) health upsides.

j