Prepping for the Party

While we are all in the midst of last minute planning, obsessing, and sorting out everything for the big night out that somehow new years has become synonymous with, we can't forget that the next day often results in the aftermath: the inevitable hangover.

To learn how to start this New Year right while still having fun boozing and not being left feeling hung over the next day, then first we have to understand what a hangover is, and not the movie.  A hangover is the result of alcohol consumption in excess of what the body can properly metabolize.  It can result from a number of reasons including dehydration, the liver’s inability to rid itself of the poisons in alcohol, too much sugar when drinking, and if you don't have the enzyme to metabolize alcohol. 

Your hangover may resemble the feeling you imagine of what its like to be hit by a bus.  Maybe you have a headache that is pounding so hard you think your head might implode, or your stomach feels like it has been replaced by an active volcano, or any thought makes you so sad you can't understand or explain it.  All of these things clearly are not a desirable way to feel - and with that, let’s move on to my healthy suggestions of how to avoid these terrible symptoms or how to cure them if they do occur:

How to AVOID the hangover:

 - Drink water before, during, and after you are done drinking alcohol (keeps you properly hydrated)

 - Eat a hearty, well balanced meal prior to drinking, interestingly enough I just learned a meal that includes asparagus of all things (thanks E! Entertainment for that tidbit) is a great addition to your meal.  Other recommended dishes might include pizza, pasta, subs and other well balanced dishes of grains, vegetables, and protein.

 - Don’t mix too many different forms of alcohol, and when in doubt, choose clear alcohols over darker colored ones.

How to CURE the hangover:

 - Surprise, surprise --> drink more water

 - Drink a glass of juice, the fructose in fruit juices helps yours body rid itself of the excess alcohol toxins it's fighting.

 - As simple as it may sound, sleep and a showers can really help as well

 - Often drinking a bloody mary will help because the spicy combo of  new alcohol for your body to play with and vegetable juice with antioxidants and vitamins help replenish your system

 - Eat protein and vitamin rich foods - sorry everyone (including myself) that wants to reach for yummie greasy fries and food, but this can actually worsen your hangover, especially if you have the volcanic stomach kind.

I hope these simple suggestions help you all enjoy your best new year of partying yet! :)  CHEERS!!