Hangover SOS
- ciaralitchfield
- Dec 22, 2014
- 3 min read
Figures released by Cancer Research UK estimates that the average Brit will consume around 4,000 calories in pure alcohol over the Christmas period. This equates to a long time spent hung-over!
A general rule I give to clients is to stick to clear spirits such as Gin and Vodka. They contain fewer calories and can be successfully coupled with low cal mixer such as soda water of diet drinks. Diet tonic water is preferable to diet coke as it doesn’t trigger sugar cravings in the same way.
Light alcohol also contains fewer toxins called congeners, which are created during the fermenting process, than darker spirits. This helps to reduce the hangover. More expensive brands of alcohol also contain less of these toxins (Sorry Glenn!) so stay classy where possible. That being said bubbles are the devil when it comes to headaches and hangovers. The bubbles help the alcohol increase blood absorption of alcohol and carbon dioxide aids the delivery of alcohol to the system. You therefore need less to feel light headed so go steady.
When we drink we naturally binge on salty high fat foods that are easy to grab while we are out. These foods exaggerate our dehydrated state and lead to weight gain. Many people feel better the day after if they have had something to eat after a session, but are you choosing the best things?
Foods that are high in fat take longer to digest than other foods. This increased digestion time means your body is distracted from the metabolism of alcohol. This delay means you are more likely to wake up with alcohol in your system. Other than feeling bad this is also dangerous if you were planning on driving home the next day.
Sticking to smaller portions aids the metabolism of the alcohol and leads to a better night’s sleep as your digestive system isn’t working all night.
High salt foods cause us to become more dehydrated as salt absorbs water. Try leaving salt out in the open for a while, you will see it even pulls moisture from the air. The diuretic nature of alcohol means you lose water and salts leading to that shaky feeling the next day.
When you get drunk make sure your kitchen is stocked up with these better alternatives! Not only will they keep you satisfied while in your drunk state but they can help you to feel better the next day. This way you’ll be ready to do it all over again!
Whole grains:
Whole grain foods such as crackers, pitta and bread are made up of complex carbohydrates which are great at absorbing alcohol. Stay away from high fat spreads like butter or peanut butter and go for something that’s easier to absorb like light hummus or jam. Jam will also help to stabilise blood sugars reducing the hangover shakes.
Pop Corn:
Microwave popcorn is a dream as it helps to hit your salt craving while not overdoing it. It’s also low maintenance as drunk people don’t tend to be very patient or skilled when it comes to cooking. The fibre helps to fill you up without hitting you with loads of calories.
A Banana
Bananas are a low maintenance fruit, which we like, and contain a load of Potassium. Potassium is one of the electrolytes that gets depleted when we drink alcohol. Replenishing it will help you feel better the next day.
Tortilla Chips
If you want to be a bit bad and nothing else will do go for the baked version of these. Get some salsa and your good to go. Salt and crunch craving hit with much fewer calories and less fat than a bag of chips.
Water!
This is obvious but just get it in, even if it’s diluted juice/squash. Stay away from caffeine which can cause further dehydration, keep to this the next day even if you feel like a coffee to perk you up. Going for a Low cal isotonic sports drink or Rehydration sachets can also help to replenish electrolytes, you can continue this the next day. Berocca is also a good bet.
