There are some simple dos and don’ts that everyone should follow when drinking. Following these tips won’t only make you have energy all through the night but, it’ll definitely ease the blow of the morning after hangover. Our article includes simple tips that involve knowing your body, science and a little bit of common sense.
Dos
Eat A Balanced Meal
Eating before is important but, to get the most out of your meal, it should be balanced. Soup won’t do much and the myth about carb loading is just that, a myth. A balanced meal that contains healthy grains, good fats, a lot of fruits and veggies and a source of protein will keep you full and keep your blood sugar stable ensuring that there aren’t any unnecessary crashes or surges of drunkenness at the fete. We recommend yogurt and granola because it has carbohydrates, fats and protein and will keep you full for a solid 4 to 6 hours.
Drink Coconut Water or A Sports Drink During And Before
Keeping hydrated before the fete stops you from getting incredibly dunk extremely fast and softens the blow of the morning after hangover. But, surprise—we’re not recommending water. Of course drink water, however, try to drink coconut water (without the Scotch) and a sports drink before and during. They contain a lot of the nutrients that you lose when you drink alcohol and keep you feeling pumped and energised, instead of the usual lag you feel at about 3 in the morning. If it’s a cooler fete then remember to stick a bottle of either in your cooler, if it isn’t then, just ask for straight coconut water at the bar.
Eat Eggs The Morning After
There’s an actual scientific reason for eating eggs the morning after a night of boozy fun. Eggs contain a high level of cysteine, an amino acid which breaks down acetaldehyde, the chemical responsible for the hangover. Eggs also contain specific minerals which can help in ridding your body of toxins built up in your body from the night before. We recommend a plain fried egg on toast mostly because anything fancier or with more ingredients may just make you want to hurl. Also, it helps that you have a simple breakfast in the morning rather than trying to make an omelette in a hungover stupor.
Have Leftovers (Or Some Food) In Your Fridge
This is a lifesaver. You don’t have to go searching for food in a drunken state or resort to less than desirable fast food. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of having leftovers so, a good idea is to purchase food before and leave it in the fridge. You can enjoy home-cooked or at least, substantial food in the comfort of your own home. If you don’t have leftovers, we suggest buying a smoothie bowl or banana as they both have nutrients that get lost once you binge drink.
Donts
Not Eat Before A Fete
We have no idea why anyone would ever do this. Alcohol gets absorbed much faster by your body when there isn’t food in your stomach. You risk getting drunk or sick after your first drink, forgetting the entire night (not just half) and really just not enjoying it. Plus, with zero food to ease the blow of the morning after, you can be certain that a serious throw-up session and hangover is in order. So, even if there is caraille in the fridge, suck it up and eat it. Your digestive system will thank you.
Eat Very Spicy Foods Before
This one probably doesn’t need much explanation. Every Trini loves pepper sauce and yes, it is a must-have but, unless you want a very un-welcomed visit to the portable potties then, don’t risk it. If you are craving pepper then, stick with a dish or pepper sauce that your body is accustomed to and that doesn’t react poorly with your digestive system. Other than that, do not risk it.
Drink Coffee Right Before
This ‘don’t’ has more to do with its effects on your bowels than your energy. If it doesn’t affect you in the ‘lower-part’ of your body then (lucky you), can have a cup before so you’re wide awake for the fete. However, if you do have to run to the bathroom after caffeine, then either ensure you make a trip to the toilet before you leave your house or, just don’t drink it.
Experiment With Your Usual Drunk Food
After you’ve been drinking for hours, trying out the new gyro truck on the street is not the best idea. Even though there are certain foods that are best suited to eat while drunk, everyone has their go-to food. Golden rule: Do not deviate. If you know your body takes kindly to a hot cup of corn soup, don’t go chasing the doubles man for ‘two with slight’ because that will land your gut in trouble. Sure, it’s not certain you will throw up however, stay away from all possibilities that you may—puking at a fete is just not attractive.