Planning on having one too many drinks this weekend? While drinking alcohol in moderate proportions is the best recipe for preventing a hangover, there are some foods which are excellent for those weekend evenings when you want to binge drink after a hard week of work. Eating before drinking reduces the pace at which alcohol is absorbed by the body because food lines the stomach and keeps alcohol inside for longer.
Eating a meal rich in fats, proteins and carbohydrates right before heading out for a party also slows down the level of intoxication so not only will you be able to enjoy drinking but also ward off hangovers the next morning. Read on below to know more about some foods which fill up the stomach and act as a hangover preventative:
Eggs
Protein-rich foods like eggs make the body feel full for a longer time and delay alcohol absorption. Eggs are also rich in micronutrients which means that the feeling of satiety after eating a good scramble reduces late-night food cravings after a drinking binge. Not only do you end up eating in moderation but also wake up next morning without a headache!
Bananas
Bananas are a good source of electrolytes like potassium and sodium which are important for muscle function, fluid regulation and blood pressure. Alcohol tends to lower the levels of potassium in the body so eating a couple of bananas before having a few drinks ensures that potassium levels are properly regulated.
Greek Yoghurt
High in protein content, Greek yoghurt is digested by the body rather slowly which means that it also reduces the speed of alcohol absorption. Additionally, Greek yoghurt is also filled with fats and carbohydrates which flood the body with a lot of energy and prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Berries
Strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries are rich in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and manganese. Alcohol can induce dehydration which can lead to a bad hangover the next morning. Having a small bowlful of berries keeps the body hydrated while reducing oxidative stress caused by drinking alcohol.
Sweet Potato
A complex carbohydrate, sweet potato is a good addition to any snack dish eaten before heading out for drinking. Sweet potato fries take a long time to break down and digest thereby reducing the risk of feeling intoxicated quickly. The vegetable is also known to reduce food cravings and helps to prevent overeating, a tendency induced while drinking excessively.
Oats
Another potent source of carbohydrates and fibre, oats promote a feeling of satiety and fullness, beneficial to contain the effects of alcohol. Having oats in a porridge or as a flatbread or base for pizza crusts are tasty ways of incorporating them into pre-drink snack options. Along with making the body feel full, oats also promote overall liver function. Reduce the risk of a hangover by snacking on some oat chivda or kheer before stepping out to drink.