Being hungover is, quite possibly, one of the worst feelings in the world. It’s like being sick, but it’s totally your fault and the illness was 100% preventable. Plus, no one feels bad for you and you can’t take off work.
We recommend you try to never be hungover, but we understand that it happens. And when it happens, you’ll probably be tempted to reach for greasy junk food with zero nutritional value on a good day. Instead, reach for foods packed with protein, vitamins, and other things that are good for your bod when you’re feeling bad. I can’t make any guarantees (I am not a dietician, but I am currently hungover), so blame science if these don’t pan out.
According to Healthline, eggs have a great deal of an amino acid called cysteine. Long story short, cysteine helps with the breaking down of alcohol in your body. This is why people believe a big, greasy breakfast helps with a hangover. It’s not the grease—it’s the eggs! These Spinach & Bell Pepper Egg White Bites from Three Bridges have eggs, plus added vitamins from the veggies. Next time you’re at the store grabbing some Tito’s, grab some Three Bridges as well.
Potassium and sodium are necessary for your body to function properly (at least that’s what the CDC tells me). Sadly, you lose both when you drink a lot. A snack that contains both potassium and sodium can help your body “maintain fluid and blood volume so [you] can function normally” after you’ve had a lot to drink. Luckily, guacamole has both! Pair this Good Foods Chunky Traditional Guacamole with chips for some extra sodium and carbs and you’ll hopefully be in better shape soon.
Alcohol can be rough on your gut and the Mayo Clinic says that’s because it “irritates the lining of your stomach.” Try snacking on something really easy to digest, like Good & Gather Unsweetened Applesauce Cups. The fiber and extra vitamins may also benefit you if you’re the type of person who struggles with bathroom-related issues after a night of heavy drinking.
If you’re looking for a savory snack for your upset stomach, reach for a cup of Minute’s microwaveable rice cups. My favorite is this cilantro lime flavor, but there are a bunch to choose from. Medical News Today calls white rice a “good source of energy and protein,” and that certainly goes for anyone who has had a big night (or day, I don’t judge) of drinking.
Ginger is always good when your stomach isn’t in the best shape. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center: “Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility―the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn’t linger as long in the gut.” That includes alcohol and the $25 worth of Taco Bell you ate at 1 a.m. Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Herbal Tea should help fix you right up. Grab a box and thank me later.
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!