Figuring out what to eat before a night out might not seem like the biggest decision, but nothing is worse than waking up the next morning hanging over the toilet because you drank on an empty stomach the night before.
Maybe you’ve heard that you need to load up on carbs or even chug a bottle of Gatorade before going to bed. But despite what advice is going around, there are certain foods that contain the nutrients that can actually help.
“It’s a good idea to incorporate heart-healthy fats like fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, and unsaturated oils,” suggests Temi Dolenc, MS, RD, LDN. “Fatty foods particularly slow down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Eating these types of foods will also increase your body’s chance of feeling good the next morning.”
Next time you’re getting ready for a night out on the town, try eating the following six foods. These will help you not only feel good for the rest of the night, but prevent a terrible hangover the next day.
1. Salmon And Vegetables
The natural fats in salmon can help with the absorption of alcohol, and the added fiber of vegetables will help you stay full so you don’t get sick from drinking on an empty stomach.
2. Prickly Pear
Though prickly pear may not be the easiest thing to find in the grocery store, it’s an epic hangover preventer. Studies have found that prickly pear extract can help prevent nausea, dry mouth, and aversion to food, overall reducing hangover symptoms by 50 percent.
3. Eggs
Eggs are not only a good source of protein and natural fat, but they contain an amino acid called cysteine, which help breakdown the toxic byproducts of alcohol that contribute to your hangovers.
4. Asparagus
Eating asparagus before drinking can help your body more easily break down alcohol, and eating the green vegetable can help prevent headaches and nausea later on.
5. Chicken
Like eggs, chicken also contains amino acids that help detoxify the body after drinking, which helps boost liver function and make you feel better the following day.
6. Complex Carbohydrates
Though you should still include a healthy fat in your meal, it can also help to include some complex carbohydrates in your pre-drink meal. Eating a healthy grain like whole wheat, quinoa, or brown rice can help keep your blood sugar steady throughout the night.
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