Taking an alcoholic drinks on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster, as it can lead to rapid intoxication, hangovers, and other health issues. To mitigate these effects, it’s crucial to consume certain foods that can help slow down the absorption of alcohol, provide essential nutrients, and keep you feeling fuller longer.
The Best Foods to Eat Before an Alcoholic Drinks: Pre-Drinking Food.
Going out for an enjoyable evening on the town is great fun—until you have one too many drinks and wake up the next morning with a debilitating headache, nausea reminiscent of a seasick feeling, and an insatiable thirst. Such outcomes are rare when drinking in moderation, which is defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans as up to one drink for women and up to two for men.
However, excessive drinking has a number of detrimental health effects, including high blood pressure, liver disease, depression, anxiety, and, of course, the crippling hangovers.
The only surefire way to stay away from alcohol’s harmful consequences is to never drink. However, if you know you’ll be having a few drinks and aren’t ready to give up alcohol, there are methods to avoid getting a hangover from alcohol.
What is on your mind, Is 'drinking an empty stomach good'?
A smart place to start would be to eat before you go. In order to feel intoxicated (and hungover the next day), you would need to consume more alcohol because food slows down the pace at which alcohol is taken into the body and keeps it in your stomach longer.
Alissa Rumsey, a registered dietitian in New York City, says that eating something before drinking slows down the pace at which alcohol is absorbed, preventing you from becoming inebriated rapidly. A meal that consists of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is the best kind since it will make you feel fuller longer and cause your body to absorb nutrients more gradually.
‘We’ll look at the top ten things to consume before consuming alcohol in this comprehensive guide. While reducing the harmful effects of alcohol, each of these dishes has special, advantages that can help you enjoy a night out.’
1. Avocado
Benefits:
- Healthy Fats: Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can slow down the absorption of alcohol.
- Potassium: This helps maintain electrolyte balance and can prevent dehydration.
- Fiber: Keeps you fuller for longer, reducing the urge to consume alcohol quickly.
Read Also: When does Preakness 2024 begin? Mystik Dan is going for a second Triple Crown.
How to Eat: Enjoy avocados in a salad, as guacamole, or simply sliced with a bit of salt and pepper.
2 . Nuts
Benefits:
- Healthy Fats: Similar to avocados, the fats in nuts can slow alcohol absorption.
- Protein and Fiber: These nutrients work together to keep you satiated.
- Easy Snack: Convenient to carry and consume before heading out.
How to Eat: Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are great options. Enjoy them raw or roasted with minimal salt.
3 . Bananas
Benefits:
- Potassium-Rich: Helps prevent electrolyte imbalances caused by alcohol consumption.
- Natural Sugars: Provides a quick energy boost without spiking your blood sugar.
- Fiber: Assists in keeping you full and regulating digestion.
How to Eat: On their own, in a smoothie, or sliced over yogurt.
4 . Lean Proteins
Benefits:
- Slow Digestion: Proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish are digested slowly, helping to moderate the absorption of alcohol.
- Nutrient-Dense: Provides essential vitamins and minerals needed for overall health.
- Satiating: Helps keep hunger at bay, reducing the likelihood of over-drinking.
How to Eat: Grilled chicken breast, turkey sandwiches, or baked fish with a side of vegetables.
5 . Oats
Benefits:
- Complex Carbohydrates: Provides long-lasting energy and stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Soluble Fiber: Slows digestion and alcohol absorption.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron.
How to Eat: Overnight oats, oatmeal with fruit, or added to smoothies.
6 . Eggs
Benefits:
- High Protein: Eggs provide a significant amount of protein, which helps slow the absorption of alcohol.
- Amino Acids: are essential for detoxification processes in the liver.
- Versatility: Easy to prepare and incorporate into a pre-drinking meal.
How to Eat: Scrambled, boiled, or as part of an omelet loaded with vegetables.
7. Greek Yogurt
Benefits:
- High Protein: Excellent for slowing the absorption of alcohol.
- Probiotics: Supports gut health, which can be compromised by alcohol.
- Calcium and B Vitamins: are essential for overall health and reducing hangover symptoms.
How to Eat: On its own, with honey and berries, or as a base for smoothies.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Benefits:
- Complex Carbohydrates: Provide sustained energy and slow digestion.
- Vitamin A: Supports immune function and overall health.
- Fiber: Helps keep you full and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
How to Eat: Baked, mashed, or as sweet potato fries.
9. Quinoa
Benefits:
- Complete Protein: Contains all essential amino acids.
- Fiber-Rich: Helps in slowing digestion and absorption of alcohol.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium.
How to Eat: As a base for salads, in soups, or as a side dish.
10. Hummus
Benefits:
- Protein and Fiber: Both help to slow alcohol absorption and keep you full.
- Healthy Fats: come from olive oil, which aids in slowing digestion.
- Versatile: Easy to pair with vegetables or whole grain crackers.
How to Eat: As a dip with carrots, celery, or whole grain pita.
Foods To Eat Before Alcoholic Drinks
You might wish to consume foods high in protein, electrolytes, and other important elements before you drink. Your mood at the end of the evening and the following morning might be greatly, influenced by the food you consume before consuming alcohol.
In actuality, eating the correct foods in advance of consuming alcohol can help regulate appetite, maintain electrolyte balance, and lessen some of the negative consequences of alcohol consumption.
Key Points Recap
- Avocados: Rich in healthy fats and potassium.
- Eggs: High in protein and amino acids.
- Nuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Bananas: High in potassium and natural sugars.
- Lean Proteins: Slow digestion and provide essential nutrients.
- Oats: Complex carbs and soluble fiber.
- Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics.
- Sweet Potatoes: Rich in complex carbs and fiber.
- Quinoa: Complete protein and nutrient-dense.
- Hummus: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Conclusion
The meals you eat in advance of the event may have a significant influence on your mood during and after it. By choosing nutrient-dense, protein-rich, and fiber-filled options like avocados, eggs, nuts, bananas, lean proteins, oats, Greek yogurt, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and hummus, you can slow down the absorption of alcohol, maintain your energy levels, and reduce the risk of a hangover.
Implement these foods into your pre-drinking routine to enjoy a healthier and more balanced approach to alcohol consumption.
Always keep in mind that moderation is necessary and that staying hydrated is just as crucial. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages and consuming these recommended foods can help you have a more enjoyable and less taxing experience with alcohol.
