After a good physical activity you always want to drink - the body demands to restore the water balance as soon as possible. And you also want to relax and reward yourself for your efforts. That is why many non-professional athletes believe that it is possible to kill several birds with one stone and drink a mug of their favorite beer after training instead of the water or protein cocktail. But is alcohol compatible with sports in principle, and if so, in what quantities? Let's find out.
Scientists from Granada recently conducted an experiment in which they offered volunteers to restore water balance with beer after a workout. The subjects exercised on a treadmill and drank a glass of beer after exercise. The study gave unexpected results: it turned out that people who drank beer much faster restored the water balance than those who drank normal water. On the basis of the results the head of the research group, Professor Manuel Garzon, even suggested the optimal dose: 0.5 liter for men and 0.25 liter for women.
But should the results of such studies be considered the ultimate truth? Hardly, because a small group of people participated in the experiments, and there is no information about their health status and other individual features. This means that what did not harm one person may well be unsafe for another.
In general, doctors are unanimous: it is better not to combine workouts with alcohol. During physical activity, especially if we are talking about cardio, the heart works more intensively, and since alcoholic beverages also affect the cardiovascular system, this will provoke additional strain on the body. In addition, beer, like any other alcohol, blocks the production of protein, which leads to slower muscle growth. This means that the positive effect of the workout automatically comes to naught.
Ideally, you should not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before and 24 hours after your workout. That is, athletes who work out several times a week will generally not be able to enjoy their favorite beverage. But coaches often allow athletes to indulge in 1-2 glasses of beer after training. But on one condition: since the end of the workout at least 6-7 hours must pass, and it is better to choose a dark beer. It contains a lot of antioxidants, almost as much as red wine, which in moderate amounts is beneficial for the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. It is also recommended to drink water intensively the day after drinking alcohol and to take vitamins. Also, refrain from exercising for at least a couple of days after hanging out with friends.
You can try the best dark sorts of foamy drinks in a beer restaurant. In our menu you can also taste tasty non-alcoholic beer, which certainly won't harm your regimen. Come to us!
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belgian beer. But what to pair it with? When it’s hot outside, you want something light, fresh, yet rich. And that’s where seafood, cheeses, fruits and desserts come in, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of Belgian brews. Seafood In summer, chilled shrimp with lemon and garlic sauce are especially good — they set off the malty sweetness of pale ales and wheat beers. But other seafood can pair well with Belgian beers, too. Here are some ready-made tips: — Blanche de Bruxelles or Hoegaarden — whizbiers with citrus notes — can be served with mussels and low-fat sauces. — Saison Voisin, a farmhouse ale with a spicy hop bitterness, will accentuate the flavor of grilled oysters or calamari. Cheeses The Belgians know a lot about cheese, and their beers harmonize well with different varieties: — Sharp aged cheeses (such as gorgonzola) are a great pairing for a strong Tripel Karmeliet.— Delicate goat cheeses with honey go perfectly with fruity lambics like Lindemans Kriek. Fruit salads and berries In the heat of the day, it’s especially nice to snack on fresh fruit — it enhances the fruity notes in the drink itself: — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — a win-win for Kriek or Framboise.— A fruit salad with citrus and mint is a refreshing pairing for a blanche, such as Corsendonk Blanche. Desserts If you want to end the evening on a sweet note, give these a try: — Waffles with berries and whipped cream — duo with St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Chimay Blue.— Lemon tart — will emphasize the citrus tones of the vitbiers or lambics.— Chocolate desserts — the perfect accompaniment for Kasteel Rouge, Petrus Aged Red and Delirium RED, as well as all chocolate and coffee varieties. And remember: summer appetizers should be light and should accentuate, not overpower, the flavor of the beer. It is best to serve them chilled to keep the balance and enjoy every sip. Come to Lambic — in our beer restaurants you will find the best beer from all over the world and the perfect accompaniment to it. We look forward to seeing you!
21 June 2025