The silly season is finally upon us – and that usually means parties, celebrations and a whole lot of drinking. Christmas has a way of stretching into weeks of get-togethers, festive drinks and “why not?” moments… after all, it is December!
If only a miracle hangover cure existed. Sadly, it doesn’t. However, there are things you can do to minimise the damage and help yourself feel more human the next day. Before we get into the tips, let’s quickly look at what alcohol actually does to the body.
Alcohol is essentially a toxin. The calories you consume from alcohol can’t be stored, so your body has to work hard to process it as quickly as possible. While it’s doing this, other metabolic processes are put on hold.
Alcohol also suppresses fat burning in a similar way to carbohydrates. In simple terms, when you drink, your body stops burning fat until the alcohol has been dealt with. It’s not just about the calories either (alcohol contains 7 calories per gram compared to 4 in carbs and protein) – it actively affects how your body uses energy.
Because your body can’t convert alcohol calories into stored fat, it has to burn them off first. One of the ways it does this is by increasing body temperature, which is why you often feel hot or flushed when drinking and why sleep quality tends to suffer.
All in all… it’s not ideal.
We’re all familiar with the delightful symptoms of a hangover: headaches, fatigue, nausea, an upset stomach and dehydration. Not exactly how anyone wants to spend the morning after a party. So, what can you do to enjoy a drink without sacrificing the next day?
Before
- Never drink on an empty stomach.
- Eat protein-rich meals throughout the day to keep blood sugar stable and help you avoid the inevitable beige party snacks.
- Hydrate well – drink plenty of water during the day.
- Add a squeeze of lemon to your water to support liver function and toxin removal.
- Avoid too much caffeine, as it acts as a diuretic and can dehydrate you before you even start drinking.
During
- The less alcohol you drink, the better you’re likely to feel the next day.
- If drinking spirits, order single measures and choose triple-distilled vodka or gin with slimline tonic or soda.
- Avoid darker spirits, as they contain higher levels of congeners, which contribute to hangovers.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
- If drinking wine, add a splash of still or sparkling water. White wine generally contains fewer tannins than red.
Later
- Try to eat something light when you get home – even a banana or a slice of sourdough or rye toast will help.
- Avoid the kebab van! Going to bed full of food and alcohol can cause indigestion and disrupt sleep.
- Drink a few glasses of water before bed.
The Morning After
Even if you don’t feel like eating, it’s important to get your blood sugar back on track.
- Try a cup of green tea with a little honey (fructose can help metabolise alcohol).
- Add fresh ginger to help ease nausea.
- While a full fry-up is often praised as the ultimate hangover cure, the combination of high fat, salt and heavy meat may not be ideal.
Some elements of a cooked breakfast, however, can work wonders:
- Eggs (rich in cysteine, which helps break down hangover-causing toxins)
- Tomatoes (high in vitamin C to support liver function)
- Sourdough or rye toast to gently restore blood sugar levels
Bananas are another excellent option, helping to replenish potassium. Strawberries and citrus fruits are great sources of vitamin C and can also help lower alcohol concentration in the blood.
Most importantly, keep drinking fluids throughout the day. Coconut water is a great choice to restore electrolytes and rehydrate quickly.
It may sound boring avoiding sugary cocktails and festive drinks, but with a few sensible choices you really can enjoy a drink, maintain your weight and avoid a brutal hangover too…
Sounds like a win-win to me!
Cheers!
PS When you are ready to draw a line under the festive season? My 21 Day DROPiT21 Programme, starting on 5th January, is the perfect way to reset after Christmas. Designed specifically for women who want results without punishment, this three-week programme combines simple nutrition guidance, effective workouts and daily support to help you lose the Christmas bloat, regain energy and feel confident moving into the new year. Spaces are limited, so if you’re ready to start January feeling focused and motivated, this could be just what you need.