First, the good news: Beer bellies, the traditional male malady that would put either sex off downing a cold one, are a total myth, says Charlie Bamforth, PhD, chair and professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis and author of Beer: Health and Nutrition. "If folks get fat from drinking beer it's because their total calorie intake is too high and they're not working it off," says Bamforth.

And now the less-good news: beer is just about as caloric as any alcoholic beverage. "The most significant source of calories in beer is the alcohol itself," says Bamforth, "The stronger the beer, the more calories." Alcohol is calorie-dense, packing seven calories per gram. That's almost as much as fat, which has nine calories per gram.

On the bright side, beer has very little sugar and even contains some B vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Some studies show that moderate drinking may help lower risk of heart disease, particularly in women over 55 and men over 45. Keep in mind: "moderate" for women means no more than one drink per day. (For men, it's no more than two.) Exceed your quota, and the risk of heart and liver disease, stroke and accidents negate any health perks.

So can a cold one fit into your daily PointsPlus target? Sure, as long as you choose your brew with care.

Don't follow the lite.The terms "light" and "lite" (or any other cutesy variation) have no legal definition. They could mean the beer is light in color or lighter than lead — or anything else the staff at the brewery decided. Instead, look for the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) on the label.

Look for “low carb” labeling. If the labels reads "low carbohydrate," the beer must have no more than 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. But any beer can tout "reduced carbohydrates" or "lower carbohydrates" on its label, just so long as the brewery makes a more carb-heavy beer. Sneaky, right?

Use a glass. A tip that adds civility and can shave PointsPlus values: "Pour a beer into two glasses at dinner like you would with wine," says George F. Reisch, brewmaster for Anheiser Busch, Inc. "I actually think people should share beers more. It's smart and your last sip will still be cold."

Nix the nuts Those autopilot grabs of peanuts, cheddar fish or any salty snack food can add up to triple the calories and PointsPlus values of the beer you drink. Be prepared: Drinking can lead to snacking, so keep the right stuff on hand — think unsalted pretzels, fat-free popcorn or even radishes (a German favorite).