Don't give in too all the temptation on offer
The party season is nearly upon us and with it comes the obligatory food fest and cocktail consumption. To help you and your body survive the onslaught, here are a few top tips from Nutrition Expert at Go Coco, Ross Currie.
- Despite there being an endless offer of food during the festive period, make time for breakfast – this will ensure you’re waking your metabolism up and gearing it up for what lies ahead. A good option is an omelette or a bowl of porridge – both will provide you with energy and be filling enough to starve off any temptations in the office until lunchtime.
- If you know you’re heading to a party straight from work and may not have time to eat dinner, make sure you’re not tempted to fill up on greasy take-away food on your way home by having a filling, substantial lunch such as a baked potato with cheese and beans – this is full of complex carbohydrates, fibre and protein, to give you energy to burn on the dance floor and help your body digest alcohol slower, saving you any embarrassment of “peaking to early”
- Stay hydrated. With everything else going on at this time of year it’s easy to forget the daily basics, such as drinking plenty of water. One of the most common complaints of a hangover is dehydration and because hydration levels play an important role in how well your body functions, including brain, liver and kidneys, it’s vital to keep your water levels topped up before, during and after drinking alcohol. If plain water isn’t your thing opt for an 100% coconut water such as Go Coco, which also has the added benefits of naturally occurring isotonic properties and electrolytes.
- Another benefit of coconut water is its naturally occurring potassium levels. When you drink alcohol you lose potassium due to its diuretic effect, Go Coco has twice as much potassium as a banana, which is great for replenishing the potassium lost from drinking alcohol.
- Avoid eating for the sake of it….this may sound obvious, but it’s so easy to reach for another mince-pie or canapé, just because they’re there. Try and be “food aware” and ask yourself, do I really need a sixth sausage roll? If there are crudités, such as raw carrot and cucumber, on offer, try fill up on those first – you’ll feel much better for it the day after.
- Avoid a food hangover. Believe it or not, what you eat can affect how you feel the next day, just as much as alcohol can, making you feel bloated, nauseous and sluggish. Avoid spicy, and fatty foods that are harder for your body to digest and also try to avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and white pasta, as these can affect your blood sugar levels and stop your body burning fat for energy - try and opt for a wholemeal or granary versions to avoid the crash and burn symptoms following a white bread binge!
Femalefirst Taryn Davies