Drinking alcohol is a common social activity that can be enjoyed responsibly by many adults. However, consuming alcohol on an empty stomach can lead to a quicker onset of intoxication and a higher risk of negative side effects. Eating the right foods before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your system and reduce the likelihood of experiencing hangovers and other unpleasant symptoms.
Here are some of the best foods to eat before drinking alcohol:
- Complex Carbohydrates
Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and rice can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Complex carbs take longer to break down in the body, which means they can provide a steady source of energy for several hours. This can help prevent the rapid spike in blood sugar that often accompanies alcohol consumption, which can cause dizziness, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms.
- Healthy Fats
Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can also help slow down the absorption of alcohol. These foods take longer to digest and can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. This can help reduce the urge to drink too much too quickly, which can lead to more severe hangovers and other negative side effects.
- Lean Protein
Eating lean protein like chicken, fish, or tofu before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and keep you feeling full. Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which means it can help keep you feeling satisfied for longer periods of time. This can help reduce the temptation to drink too much too quickly, which can lead to negative side effects.
- Vegetables
Eating vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and carrots before drinking can help provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals that can help prevent hangovers and other negative side effects. Vegetables are also high in fiber, which can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
- Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. They also contain cysteine, an amino acid that can help break down the toxins in alcohol and prevent hangovers. Eating eggs before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects.
- Cheese
Cheese is another food that is high in protein and can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. It is also rich in calcium, which can help protect your bones from the negative effects of alcohol consumption. Eating cheese before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects.
- Whole Grains
Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and barley are high in fiber and can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals that can help prevent hangovers and other negative side effects. Eating whole grains before drinking can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects.
- Fruit
Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that can help prevent hangovers and other negative side effects. It is also high in fiber, which can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Eating fruit before drinking can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects.
- Water
Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after drinking alcohol is one of the best things you can do to prevent hangovers and other negative side effects. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration and other negative side effects. Drinking water can help prevent dehydration and keep you feeling hydrated throughout the night.
- Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to combine several of the foods listed above into a single meal. They can be made with a variety of fruits.
