Alcohol/Beer

Question
Martial
Might be a bit unorthodox but hoping you have an opinion.Does alcohol 'slow down your metabolism' or negate the effects of exercise/playing hockey.
I play rec hockey a couple times a week, and go for a run and stretch at least once a week. After that its its off to the the bar that sponsors us to pound back some beers.
After all we deserve it and we worked it off anyway right?
However, even though I am watching my calories, I am not losing weight I am slowly gaining.If I could lose the gut I know I would be a better player.
Is it the booze?
Is it a coincidence that the guys that dont drink or will only have one or two are skinny?
I havent had a drink since Xmas and havent played as I am nursing a sore back, but even though I am eating as much as before I have lost a little on my belly.
I am hopefull that once I get back to on the ice-booze free, I will see results.'As a sidebar,I was at a bar a while back and the Dallas Stars dropped in.
I noticed they drank pretty light and went for Coors or Bud Light. I even saw one drinking wine!
Also, a friend's good buddy is Mike Modano.He was at a BBQ one summer and I swear he nursed one Coors light the whole night!
Your comments appreciated!

Answer
Hello Terry!  

Great question!!  I am no nutrition expert but I can share my experience and observations!!

It's not so much the "beer" itself that is not so good for us - it's the carbs and the alcohol!!

Like anything, if you take things in moderation - it won't make much of a difference.   With beer - I am thinking like 1 in any sitting and 3-4 a week is about the most we should drink!!  

Like you, I have certainly noticed a direct correlation between "beer drinkers" (2-3+ in any one sitting) and being in SHAPE - ROUND!!! LOL!

And the thing is - as we get older ... 30+ - 40+ and even worse at 50+ it effects us even more!  We have to "work out" twice as much to burn half what we used ... so DO THE MATH!!

Yes most pros of today totally understand NUTRITION and have it down to a science of calories, carbs, protein intake proportions...  so I am not surprised seeing them all being real moderate about their intake!!

It all boils down to how bad you want something eh?  (Making 1-2-10 Million $$ a year can be a big motivator --  cuz if you ain't in shape (FLAT %26 LEAN!!) you ain't playing in the NHL for long!!!

Yup, in my opinion, less carbs, less alcohol are BIG factors in weight and "shape" control!!!

Hope this helps!

CHEERS!

Martial