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December 28, 2015 | | Lifestyle, Nutrition

Hangover Help Kit

It’s almost 2016! The latest Really, Truly Fit podcast is out and we have Jim and Jess talking on ways to ring in the new year and end on a good note with their hangover help kit. From preparing for the big night ahead to healthy drink alternatives – we have some details below but you won’t want to miss listening to the full show here.

Hangover_Help_Kit_Funny

Prepare for the Night

Most of us won’t be celebrating for New Year’s Eve until later in the evening, so it’s important to prepare for the big night ahead!

  • Eat small, healthy meals frequently throughout the day. Try to eat something small and healthy close to the time you’re supposed to go out for a party to help you stay full and allow you to remain in control.
  • DRINK WATER! Especially if you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages later in the night. Alcohol dehydrates your body and contributes to the terrible hangover you could wake up with.
  • Get in a workout. Think of how great you’ll feel before you head out after a hard sweat session at the gym. Plus, if you plan to drink alcohol – you’re less likely to go the next day.
  • Make a plan. Figure out how many drinks you’re going to have and stick with that number. Alternate water and alcoholic beverage to help slow you down and hydrate you throughout the night.

Cheers to the New Year

Your favorite alcoholic beverage could pack more calories than you’re aware. Here are a few popular drinks and their calorie content. If you can’t live without them, try a lower calories option or stick with just one for the evening.

  • Mojito (8oz) – 214 calories
  • Margarita (8oz) – 280 calories
  • Red/ White Wine (5oz) – 120 calories
  • Beer (12oz) – 150-198 calories
  • Light Beer (12oz) – 136 calories
  • Vodka & Tonic (8oz) – 200 calories
  • Rum & Coke (8oz) – 185 calories

Or! Celebrate in style with wines, light beers or simple cocktails that have low calorie mixers. Check out these:

Wine Spritzer – combine 1/2 wine with 3/4 seltzer water

Vodka & Soda Water – a shot of vodka and soda water with fresh fruit or lemon juice

Light Cranberry & Vodka – 2 shots of no sugar added cranberry juice, 1 shot of vodka, seltzer water and garnish with a lime

Tequila Sunrise – 1 shot of tequila, orange juice and a splash of no sugar added cranberry juice

Watermelon Mojito – 1 cup Watermelon (no seeds, roughly chopped), 1/2 lime, juiced, 4 mint leaves, 1 oz white Rum, Club soda and ice.Use a blender to liquify (is that a word? I’m going with it) the watermelon, then pour in a glass. In a separate bowl, combine the lime juice and mint leaves – pressing on the mint leaves to help release the flavor. Pour over the watermelon and top with club soda and Rum.

And if you just ignore all of those tips above, AT LEAST follow these for the morning after.

  1. Don’t “Hair the Dog”. If you’re not familiar with the term “hair of the dog” it refers to waking up with a hangover and drinking more alcohol as a way to relieve your hangover symptoms. Unfortunately, this isn’t a real thing and will end up dehydrating yourself even more which could cause an even worse hangover.
  2. Don’t exercise if you have a bad hangover. Consider this your rest day. You’ll be back at it tomorrow.
  3. Add some ginger to your morning tea. Ginger is used as a remedy for nausea and can help you feel better in no time.
  4. Replenish the body with lots of water and electrolytes. Sports drinks, coconut water or Pedialyte can help add replenish sodium and potassium levels in the body.
  5. Tale a multivitamin. Alcohol will take the nutrients out of your body. Take a multivitamin with folate and B12 to help replenish your body.
  6. Read up on Jim’s 12 Resolutions you shouldn’t make from the Huffington Post here.

May your squats be heavy and deep in the new year – cheer! K&J

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