The end of the year, like some wedding receptions, have people shall we say, indulging in a bit more liquid libation than they should. The one thing you don’t want to do is wake up the day after any night of celebrating with a splitting headache. You know...the kind that makes you swear it off for the New Year (or at least until you get the bottle of Excedrin extra strength)?
How about making some smart choices? From the liqueur you choose to the food you eat, making smart choices may help you wake up in 2013 with a clear head and ready to take on the new year. At the very least, you’re eyes won’t be as blood-shot and you won’t have to chase the hair of the dog.
Clear Liquids, including Cocktails
To prevent a horrible hangover, focus on clear liquids not just the day after, but while you're drinking, too. Rum, vodka, and gin are spirits that are lower in hangover-causing congeners. Avoid more congener-rich spirits like brandy, champagne, bourbon, cognac, whiskey, red wine, and tequila. Personally, one or three classes of Champagne to welcome in the New Year won’t hurt. No matter what remember that drinking water in between cocktails to stay hydrated will dilute the alcohol already in your stomach.
If you forget and over indulge, clear organic broth will help replace the salt and potassium lost through drinking.
Asparagus
Eating asparagus before you go out, or while you're drinking, can help prevent or ease a next-day hangover. The leaves and shoots of asparagus boosted levels of important enzymes that break down alcohol after heavy drinking. Have the munchies, make an omelet and include our little green friend - eating asparagus the next day can help tame hangovers, too.
Coconut Water
For those of you that love Coconut Water, you may want to pass this time. You may also want to pass on Gatorade and other sports-related drinks. Yes, they replenish the electrolytes to your body but in the end, they won’t help you much with a hangover. Sorry!
Bananas
If you feel like your entire body is dragging, it’s because your muscles are the body part that pay the price when you over do. A little potassium will go a long way and help you put that spring back in your step in no time.
Toast
There's something extremely comforting about toast. Whether you're hugging the porcelain throne due to the flu or a hangover, it seems like toast is always there to help you get back on your feet. There is something about toast (and tea) that calms. Your liver will love you after a few slices of toast after a night of drinking. Toast is also easy on the tummy, making it a perfect hangover food for queasy mornings.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice can send a natural jolt of vitamins and minerals into your alcohol-ravaged body. It hydrates and the fructose in the juice will help flush out lingering alcohol. That’s plain Tomato Juice….not a bloody Mary.
No matter what you do to help you through the night, just remember to be careful out there. Don’t Drink & Drive (we want you around next year). Most importantly, be with the people you love.
Here’s wishing you a very happy, healthy 2013. Cheers!!
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