I've decided to take a break from beer and lose some weight. Though it's only been a couple of days, the pounds are already coming off. Beer and alcohol absolutely have an effect on my belly and brain. I'm actually more concerned about the negative aspects of alcohol on my brain than extra inches on my waistline, though belly fat is a hazard in its' own right. I've taken breaks from beer and alcohol before (sometimes for several years), and it was always a good thing. So here's to sobriety and weight loss!