Foods to eat and avoid before ‘Going Big’

There’s a saying – ‘Go big or go home’, but before you decide to do so this New Year’s Eve, have a look at the list compiled by various experts on what you should rather eat/ drink before the drinking celebrations of New Year’s Eve kick off.

Although we are nobody’s parent, we share the world-wide sentiment to please drink responsibly.

Foods to avoid:

• Chocolate, tomatoes and spices: These foods increase reflux and if you already suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn, it’s best to stay away from them.
• Caffeine: According to www.health.com, “Caffeine and alcohol don’t always mix” and can even be a “dangerous combination”.
• Salty snacks: One of the worst things alcohol does to your body is dehydrate you. So, snacking on treats like popcorn, chips and pretzels, which are known for drying your mouth and body out, is a no-no! Instead, eat something that’s filled with water, like cucumber slices or watermelon.
• Salad: Eating a simple salad before you go on a party spree is like going out on an empty stomach. Make sure your salad at least has some form of protein in it like chicken, which takes longer to digest.
• Sushi: Once again, the crunchy tuna roll in soya sauce contains a lot of salt which causes more dehydration.
• French fries: The grease from french fries causes a layer of grease in your stomach and only ensures that your food is going to come up later.
• Spicy wings: We all know what spicy food does to the tummy when you are sober. Now imagine how it will upset the stomach during a night of heavy-drinking? Bad idea.

Foods to eat:

• Low-fat yoghurt: You’ll get all the important macronutrients in one dish, namely carbs, protein and fat.
• Salmon: Alcohol depletes your body’s vitamin B12 levels and because this fish has super-high levels of the said vitamin it might be a good idea.
• Eggs: Believe it or not, eggs are allegedly “One of the best foods to cure your hangover” and also “One of the best foods to eat before you do things that cause you to get one in the first place”. This because of the amino acids contained in eggs, which help break down some of the alcohol.
• Pear juice: According to research from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the federal government agency for scientific research in Australia – specifically “Asian pear juice can reduce the side effects of drinking by up to 20 per cent”.
• Green juice: Liquidise or extract the juice from any green vegetables or fruit you may have in the house, and drink the result. It will flood your body with vitamins and minerals, boosting your defences when you switch over to alcohol.
• Low-glycemic carbs: According to Kerry Bajaj, a certified health coach at Eleven Eleven Wellness Centre in New York City, “Taking the time to cook a hearty meal before you go out will keep your blood sugar stable and give you lasting energy. Always drink on a full stomach. Eat a [balanced] meal with some low-glycemic carbs, like sweet potato or brown rice”.
• Chicken breast: Combined with low-glycemic carbs, it will help keep your blood sugar steady.
• Cucumber: Cucumber is 95 per cent water, so munching on a few slices of cucumber before you go out will not only hydrate you, it will also help flush out any toxins lingering in your body.
• Water: Alternating water with your alcoholic drinks is a no-brainer.

• Sources: www.delish.com, www.mensfitness.com, www.thrillist.com and www.health.com.