So we like to keep it real here at Kettlebelle and although we choose to eat healthy nutritious food and exercise regularly we also believe that you can enjoy a treat now and then, even a glass of wine or cocktail and still be leading a healthy life! It’s all about balance and enjoying life while taking care of your body and mind!
In saying that we also realise that once in a while one or 2 may lead to 3 or 4 (slightly off balance) and the dreaded hangover of times past returns! On the rare occasions when this happens to me (3 glasses of red wine is enough for me to cross the line into a state of whiney mehhhness the next day) I think it’s possible to eat and drink your way to feeling balanced again (no hair of the dog here!).
Therefore with that in mind and the acceptance that we all may have those moments where we believe we are 20 again!
Here are some healthy food and drinks to help soothe the soreness brought on by alcohol excess!
- WATER This should be your top priority upon waking up. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it pushes liquids out of the body. Drinking some water before heading to bed can help a lot too and also having a glass of water between alcoholic drinks the night before can help with hydration and not drinking excessively.
- Sports drinks Sugary sports drinks I would never normally recommend but they can aid with a hangover helping to restore electrolytes and hydrate while giving a sugar boost
- Coconut water however would be my personal preference over sports drinks. It’s got more electrolytes and is also full of potassium which also aids those nasty feelings! If you don’t like the taste of the plain version you can go for the fruity versions and get that fructose sugar boost as well.
- Coffee we all know, love and go to but why? Caffeine dilates blood vessels, which helps you get rid of your headache quicker. Plus, caffeine perks up brain functions and helps us get through the foggy haze!!
- Green tea is packed with antioxidants, good for healthy cells and a healthy liver! Detoxify!
- Ginger and peppermint tea– these will aid nausea and tummy cramps
- Bananas, kiwi, and spinach.These brightly coloured fruits and veggies are full of potassium an important electrolyte that is often depleted due to alcohol’s diuretic effect. Also bananas are gentle on the stomach.
- Eggs. These bad boys are full of amino acids like cysteine and taurine which help boost liver function and break down chemicals left over from alcohol consumption. Plus they are full of protein and healthy fats too so its win win all round!
- Oats. A hot bowl of oatmeal has loads of essential nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Oats can help neutralize acids in the body and raise blood sugar levels, giving you an instant energy boost.
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycophene, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation in the body. Tomatoes also contain fructose and vitamin C to give the liver a boost too! Virgin Marys only recommended!
Foods and Drinks to Avoid:
- Greasy food. It’s a myth, it does not help. A large, fatty meal is better suited to preventing a hangover than curing one. A heavy meal can help insulate the stomach, preventing alcohol from being absorbed into the stomach lining and bloodstream. A fried feast the morning after can actually irritate a sensitive tummy.
- Hair of the dog. , boozing in the morning is not the solution to a hangover. An alcoholic beverage can lead you to think you are taking the edge off, but it will further dehydrate the body and lead to just postponing the pain till later. Dont do it!!
- Orange juice... Sour citrus like orange and grapefruit can irritate an already sensitive stomach.
Personally I choose to make a protein shake with banana and almond milk after drinking some water then an hour or so later I would have scrambled or poached eggs and coconut water.
Alternatively I make oatmeal and I usually will add some whey protein to it. Also of course coffee!
Another top tip is get moving, get outside . Exercise helps . Get some cardio in and some stretching . Or a long walk and some fresh air! Get the good endorphins flowing!
Xx