Drinking alcohol is something that can be enjoyed in moderation and paired with delicious food. However, it’s important to remember that alcohol is still an intoxicant and should be consumed responsibly.
That’s why it’s important to know how to mix alcohol and food in a healthy way that won’t negatively impact your body or mind. Here are some tips:.
Eat Before You Drink
Eating a meal or snack before drinking alcohol can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. This means you’ll feel less drunk, less quickly, and you won’t experience a crash in energy levels later on.
Focus on eating healthy, satisfying foods like protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Some good options include:.
- Grilled chicken with vegetables and brown rice
- A salad with grilled salmon, mixed greens, and avocado
- Roasted sweet potato wedges with hummus
- A bowl of vegetable soup with a slice of whole-grain bread
Stay Hydrated
Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration and make you feel sluggish and tired. To counteract this, make sure you drink plenty of water while you’re drinking alcohol. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice, which can dehydrate you further.
Instead, drink water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for some flavor.
Stick to One Type of Alcohol
Drinking different types of alcohol in one night can increase the risk of a hangover and make it harder for your body to metabolize the alcohol. Instead, stick to one type of alcohol throughout the night.
This means choosing between beer, wine, or spirits and mixing drinks is the quickest way to get drunk. If you’re going to stick to wine, choose a dry wine as the residual sugar in sweet wine may give you a headache as opposed to dry wines which may help you prevent a headache.
Avoid Fried and Salty Foods
While it’s tempting to indulge in fried and salty foods when you’re drinking alcohol, these types of foods can make you feel bloated and dehydrated. They can also exacerbate the negative effects of alcohol on your body.
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Instead, choose healthy, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Some good options include:.
- Grilled vegetables with quinoa and roasted chicken
- A stir-fry with mixed veggies, tofu, and brown rice
- A baked sweet potato topped with grilled chicken and veggies
- A side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and roasted chickpeas
Avoid Drinking on an Empty Stomach
Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can quickly lead to feeling too drunk too quickly. That’s because the alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly when there is no food in your stomach to slow it down.
Make sure you eat something before you start drinking, even if it’s just a small snack like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit.
Choose Low-Alcohol or Non-Alcoholic Options
If you’re not in the mood to drink alcohol, or if you’re trying to reduce your alcohol consumption, there are plenty of low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options available.
These options can be just as enjoyable and satisfying as regular alcoholic drinks, without the negative effects on your body or mind. Some good options include:.
- Mocktails made with fresh fruit juice and sparkling water
- Non-alcoholic beer or wine
- Kombucha or other fermented drinks
- Sparkling water with a splash of juice or fruit
Don’t Drink and Drive
Finally, it’s important to remember that drinking and driving is never a good idea. Not only is it dangerous and illegal, but it can also have serious consequences on your life and the lives of others.
If you’re going to drink alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver or plan to take public transportation or a ride-sharing service.
Conclusion
Drinking alcohol can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially when paired with delicious, healthy food. Just remember to drink responsibly and make informed choices about what you consume.
By following these tips, you can mix alcohol and food in a healthy way that won’t negatively impact your body or mind.
