‘Tis the season for holiday parties for family, friends and work, which means an abundance of mulled wine, spiked eggnog, champagne, beer and other spirits that always seems like a good idea – that is until “The Morning After” when you wake up looking about as pale as the snow thanks to a super-sized holiday hangover. Never fear, the doctor is IN and I’m here to share tips on how you can prepare and take care of your body before, during and after Christmas and New Year’s celebrations – including foods that actually help beat hangovers.
Consider Dr. V’s tips a Christmas present to your health and happiness! What to do Before, During & After you Head Out To Prevent a Wicked Holiday Hangover:
BEFORE:
• Plan ahead: This means hydrating before heading out and being sure you are hitting the parades and parties on a full stomach!
• Know how you’re getting home before you leave the house – have a plan that is safe and secure that you won’t have to think about while out celebrating. If you’re in a city that uses the Uber ride App get acquainted with it and get it on your phone prior to heading out to parties.
• Prepare for your arrival home and the morning after: eye cream and bottled water in fridge, alarm clock set for Monday!
• Avoid any holiday body glitter, hair color or anything else that will impress at a party but not the day or two after at the office.
DURING:
• Try to match each cocktail with a tall glass of water. An even more clever move is switching to soda water and lime (this way you don’t have to tell anyone it’s not a cocktail) which will allow you to feel festive while keeping yourself in check.
• Know what you’re drinking before you imbibe: some specialty drinks could be super tasty and also super alcoholic, something that could get you way too drunk before you know it!
• Be SURE you have a buddy system to keep you as well behaved as possible and to tend to you should you celebrate a bit too much – they can also make sure you have a safe trip home.
LATER THAT NIGHT:
• When you get home rehydrate with water or coconut water – get the Potassium, electrolytes and sodium back into your body!
• Prep your face for The Morning After – wash it, hydrate it, use your fabulous face creams!
• Sleep with an elevated pillow to relieve eye puffiness!
THE MORNING AFTER:
• More hydration, which includes water and also fruit juices like cranberry or apple juice to put some natural sugars back into your body.
• Eat a banana for a natural potassium boost!
• Wholegrain bread or toast is next – a great source of detoxifying B vitamins!
• Eggs for breakfast! When you drink too much, your body produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which gives you hangover symptoms. Your body reacts by producing a counter-active chemical called glutathione. But that supply is quickly depleted. Eggs, however, are packed with cysteine (contained in glutathione), which can help to clean up leftover toxins in the process.
Happy Partying
XO
Dr. V