Sometimes, an ice-cold beer hits the spot after a long day at work. And, it’s often a go-to beverage to grab at parties or when you’re out socializing with friends or co-workers. 

"Happy hour” might feel a little less happy when you’re sober curious and stuck sipping on plain water. Because alcohol can impact multiple facets of your lifestyle it can be smart to reduce your intake (or cut it out altogether) when training for a race.

January is an opportune time to start the New Year on a positive note. As you likely begin a new or more challenging training program, consider "Giving Dry a Try” by going booze-free for one drink, one day, etc. If you’re sober curious but not ready to completely remove alcohol from your life, taking it one drink or one day at a time can be a great place to start. 

"Giving Dry a Try" and swapping beer for a non-alcoholic alternative on occasion can make a big difference, and it can make a transition to a month-long dry spell much easier. 

If you’re curious about what options are out there and need help finding a non-alcoholic beer that won't negatively impact your training, then check out the epic (and delicious) options our friends at Athletic Brewing Company have been brewing up!

What’s in Non-Alcoholic Beer?

Non-alcoholic beer contains a very low amount of alcohol, meaning there is less than 0.5% alcohol content by volume.

“It's made using the same ingredients as regular beer, including water, grain (usually barley or wheat), hops, and yeast, but the alcohol content remains below 0.5%,” registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, explains. 

Generally, it’s also low in calories and contains fewer carbohydrates. And, there’s a wide variety in flavor notes and food pairings to choose from, so you don’t need to worry about getting tired of drinking the same type of non-alcoholic brew. 

For instance, Athletic Brewing Company offers a rich selection of tasty non-alcoholic beers, and you can even customize a case, try a limited selection (like Wit's Peak Witbier), or sign up for a monthly subscription to enjoy special deals, free shipping, and discounts, too.

Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Beer

The great thing about “Giving Dry a Try” is that you don’t need to sacrifice taste or miss out on having a good time with your social network. Non-alcoholic beer allows you to enjoy the taste and social aspects of beer without the negative effects of alcohol. 

Plus, you don’t need to play a guessing game and risk getting stuck with a lackluster option that’s mild in flavor or contrasting in profile to the foods you’re pairing it with. Athletic Brewing Company provides a handy guide for every brew that lists nutrition, flavor notes, and ideal food pairings to help you make the most of your beverage experience while always feeling satisfied.

Related: How Being Mostly Booze-Free Amplifies My Performance

Athletic Brewing Company's Athletic Lite has just 25 calories and only 5 grams of carbohydrates, so it’s a terrific option for athletes training and monitoring calorie and alcohol intake. The crisp and refreshing taste complements many different foods, too — from fresh salad greens to thin-crusted cauliflower or whole-grain pizza.

Tips for Drinking Non-Alcoholic Beer When Training

Here’s how to consistently include non-alcoholic beer as a delicious reward and celebration for all of your hard work and dedication to training.

1. Don't rely on it as your primary source of hydration.

While non-alcoholic beer can help keep you hydrated, it shouldn’t be your go-to source of hydration.

“Water, sports drinks, and other hydrating beverages are still important for maintaining proper hydration,” Best says.

2. Drink it as a “reward.” 

Non-alcoholic beer can be a nice reward after a hard training session, as it’s super refreshing and can help you cool off, but Best asserts that it cannot substitute for the entire comprehensive recovery process.

“Proper nutrition, hydration, and rest are still the best ways to recover from a workout," she explains. 

**Giving dry a try this January? Keep it going all year long. Join the Athletic Club before January 31 and get 50% off your first month!

 

**This promotion only applies to the Athletic Club Subscriptions. Discount is applied automatically at checkout on Athletic Club first month's subscription. Valid for one-time use only. Valid for first time subscribers only. Limit one 50% Off Subscription offer per customer, and a maximum of six (6) 6-packs. This promotion cannot be combined with other discount offers except where indicated and it may not be applied to previous purchases. After the first month's charge, regular pricing will resume. While supplies last. Void if altered, copied, transferred, auctioned, or sold. Use of this promotion constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions, except where prohibited by law. Offer ends 1/31/2023 at 11:59 PM ET.

Does not apply to taxes, additional fees, shipping and handling, or products purchased through third parties. Not redeemable for cash, gift certificates, or gift cards. We have the right to cancel/void purchases of restricted items, such as gift cards. This offer has no cash value. Return of discounted item(s) will be for the price actually paid and the value of this offer will be forfeited. Other restrictions may apply.

Milford, CT. San Diego, CA. Near Beer.