With New Year upon us, evoking images of feasts, fun with family and friends and fond
memories, remember not to overlook your physical health. Prepare for the effects of indulging
in your favourite alcoholic ‘potables’ by keeping the following hints and tips in mind, with some
remedies to suit your party schedule…
In general it is best to eat before, during and after drinking! But if you cannot manage that, a
good ‘stomach lining’ before you pop that first top will go a long way towards bribing your body to
remain quiet when you wake up the morning after. The ‘South African Way’ means a protein and
fat combination, such as boerewors and chips, or bacon, egg and cheese sarmie. Some vitamins and
minerals – fruit juice/salad, Essentiale, Berocca, etc. – round off the alcohol inoculation nicely.
This may not be good news for those of you who are driven to diet over the festive season, but at
least fool your system with some salad or veggies.
In so saying, do not be fooled into thinking that you can take in more calories in beverages because
you are skimping on your meals! Alcohol interferes with the body’s normal processes of fat
absorption and burning of energy. Also, your body is vindictive and will go into storage mode if you
suddenly start limiting your normal meals. This has been proven by scientists, so if you don’t believe
me consult your search engine!
Drinks to avoid if you are watching your calorie intake: almost anything mixed with cooldrink,
beer (sorry about that), sparkling wine/champagne (or the non-alcoholic pseudo-stuff), vodka (it’s
made from potatoes), cider, and definitely those chick-type coolers and cocktails (like pina colada,
Bootylicious Berry, etc.).
Low-calorie drinks: whiskey/whisky (with water, soda or rocks, not with lemonade!), wine (the drier
the lower in calories; there are ‘extra lite’ varieties available on the market, as with beer), spirits (not
with cooldrink), tequila (oh happy days).
You’ve all heard the thing about the water – a hangover is caused by dehydration, and includes
symptoms such as a headache, dry mouth, general listlessness, blurred vision, etc. So drinking water
in and around your partying, no matter how little alcohol you plan to take in, has been proven to be
a good way to limit the effects of drinking. Don’t knock it before you try it! Half a glass of water for
every alcohol unit is advisable.
Some swear to a couple of paracetamol pills before falling into bed, so if you think you need to head
your hangover off at the pass, have two with a large glass of water before you got to sleep.
How to Avoid Hanging Out with your
Hangover…
Hair of the dog: A favourite of many, due to it being a sign that the party is to go on… Have two
quick shots of whatever it was you were drinking the night before. If you can’t remember, have one
of what you started with and one of the last thing you remember drinking.
That bloody Mary…: A virgin bloody mary is a great idea – that’s tomato cocktail, Worcestershire
sauce, black pepper, lemon juice, pepper sauce and a stick of celery (or any combination as long as
there’s tomato juice).
Traditional remedy: Greasy breakfast, all the way! A skottel will ensure best results, and will
create a social atmosphere as well. Don’t forget the fried bananas – they are high in minerals that
trick your brain into thinking you’re in a good mood.