More beer and less beer belly for expat retirees

We say in jest that beer and soccer are two of the most important things in a Costa Rican man’s life, but not necessarily in that order. There is saying here, “Con cerveza, no hay tristeza” (with beer there is no sadness). Beer is omnipresent in Costa Rica. It seems that almost every couple of blocks there is a bar displaying an emblem with an Imperial beer logo. The later is the most widely consumed beer in the country.

There used to be three different types of Imperial: the old classic ‘aguila’ (called ‘eagle’ in Spanish because there is one on the label) , Silver and Imperial Light. But, this week the cervecería (brewery) announced a new version of its famous brand called Imperial Ultra.

This new light beer contains only 85 calories and four percent alcohol per bottle. A regular beer contains 140 to 180 calories, so the new Ultra beer has about one-half. One of these light beers is the equivalent in calories of eating a pack of saltine crackers, a slice of bread, a bowl of fruit, a third of a cup of rice, half a cup of frijoles (beans) or half cup of pasta. Health conscious retirees can now indulge and feel less guilty. In fact, the goal of the brewery is to reach a market of so-called ‘healthy drinkers’, I.e. those who exercise, eat well and have an occasional ‘cold one.’

According to nutritionists men can drink 2-3 three beers and women 1-2 beers daily and stay within healthy limits. It is also recommended to consume water between each beer. If light food is eaten with beer alcohol is not absorbed as quickly. A bowl of ceviche is the ideal dish to accompany an ice-cold Imperial beer.

Don’t get me wrong by reading the above. I am not advocating the consumption of alcohol. During the 40 years I have lived here I have seen many expats become alcoholics due to boredom. The purpose of this article is to offer a healthier alternative for those retirees who do like to drink beer. Also they will have less of a barriga cervecera (beer belly).