Best Foods to Eat Before Drinking

It's a Monday morning and you are unable to pull yourself out of bed to prepare for work. You know the feeling too well - you’re hungover from overindulging the night before. Well, you probably did not overdo it this time. You simply did not eat right. Did you know that what you eat plays a big role in how alcohol affects you?

How alcohol is processed in the body is influenced by several factors. In this article, we’re addressing one of the biggest culprits behind bad hangovers: not eating properly. We’ll also touch on supplements, like CBD for seniors, that can provide extra support.  With the tips shared here, Monday hangover blues will be something of the past. 

Why Does Eating Before Drinking Matter?

How fast you get intoxicated depends on how fast alcohol hits your bloodstream. Alcohol is processed in the stomach and small intestines before it gets to the bloodstream. If the stomach is empty, the alcohol will be absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly, leading to quicker intoxication. But if the stomach is well layered up with the right foods then the process of absorption will be much slower. This will slow down how soon you get intoxicated. Drinking on an empty stomach also leads to lower energy levels and more severe hangovers. The reverse is true; that's why it is important to “stock up” adequately before a drinking spree.

What Makes a Good Pre-Drinking Meal?

Now that you understand why it is important to eat well before drinking, let's look at what a good pre-drinking meal plan looks like. The secret is to always work with foods that you enjoy and that are easily within your reach. This will ensure that you always stay motivated and don't fall off schedule with your plan. Here are other important factors to consider: 

1. Choose foods that are digested slowly

You want to have some food in your stomach as you drink to slow down the absorption of alcohol. Stocking up on foods that are quickly digested is as good as drinking on an empty stomach as these foods pass through the stomach quite quickly.  It is advisable to stock up on foods that take longer to digest as this will slow down alcohol absorption.

Choose foods that are rich in nutrients

Processing alcohol takes a lot of energy. This is why you feel so drained after a night of drinking. As you make your pre-drinking meal plan, make sure to include foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins that will speed up your recovery.

Include lots of water

Alcohol is a diuretic; it makes you urinate a lot, which causes your body to lose a lot of water, that then needs to be replenished. Hangover headaches are usually a result of dehydration. Drinking sufficient amounts of water can prevent dehydration and reduce the severity of hangovers.

Include healthy fats in the plan

Fats take longer to digest, meaning they stay in the stomach longer and create a “cushion” that slows the absorption of alcohol. Your pre-drinking plan should always have fats but go for the healthy kind that will not leave you bloated. 

Throw in some proteins

You need a sufficient amount of proteins to keep your energy levels up and to also stabilize your sugar levels. Proteins are also good for slowing down the absorption of alcohol.

Those are the five cardinal rules to guide your pre-drinking meal plan. Also, remember to stick to foods that you love, or can at least tolerate; you are not out to punish yourself for choosing to indulge in alcohol. With that in mind, here are some foods that are great for a pre-drinking meal plan.

10 Best Foods to Eat Before Drinking

1. Avocado

Avocados are a rich source of healthy fats and fibre.  This produces a good cushion that slows down the absorption of alcohol. In addition, avocados are a rich source of potassium, a nutrient that gets depleted during drinking. Hence, avocados help to maintain electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration post-drinking. 

How to incorporate it: a guacamole salad before you step out is a good idea.

2. Eggs

Eggs are not only easy to whip up, but they are a good source of healthy protein, this will help to stabilize your sugar levels and maintain good energy levels. 

How to incorporate it: Scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast works magic!

3. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is loaded with probiotics and protein. This not only protects your gut from damage by alcohol but also slows down the absorption of alcohol. 

How to incorporate it: snack on greek yogurt and some banana slices before stepping out.

4. Oatmeal

If you want to throw in some carbs, go for the slow-digesting ones such as oatmeal. Oats are simple to prepare and are rich in fibre. As much as they are carbs, they will not spike your sugar levels. This makes them a safe bet.

How to incorporate it: A bowl of oatmeal topped with healthy nuts will keep you satisfied.

5. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This reduces the negative effects of alcohol on the body. It’s also a great source of protein, which slows alcohol absorption. 

How to incorporate it: Grilled salmon served with a side of vegetables is both nutritious and filling.

6. Nuts

Nuts are a rich source of healthy fats and protein. This ensures that the stomach is adequately lined and the absorption of alcohol happens at a slow pace. 

How to incorporate it: A handful of almonds, walnuts, or mixed nuts as a snack before you step out will work.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, are good for slowing down digestion and boosting energy levels. They also prevent blood sugar crashes. 

How to incorporate it: Roasted sweet potatoes are tasty and easy to make.

8. Hummus

If you can invest some time into layering up your gut before a drinking spree, then hummus is a good consideration. Hummus, made from chickpeas, is a wholesome meal that is rich in fats, fibre and protein. It will keep your sugar levels in check and offer good satiety.

How to incorporate it: With hummus, there’s no shortcut, don’t fall for those store-bought ones. Here is a good hummus recipe to try out.

9. Bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium, which helps prevent dehydration—a common issue when drinking alcohol. But they are digested quite quickly. So have this in mind.

How to incorporate it: begin with a filling meal such as hummus and add a banana to prevent dehydration.

10. Lean Proteins 

Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and tofu are rich sources of protein. They also help to stabilize blood sugar levels before drinking. The protein provides energy, slows down digestion, and supports liver function.

How to incorporate it: Grilled chicken or turkey alongside vegetables and whole grains is fantastic.

Foods to Avoid Before Drinking

Layering up your gut doesn't mean going blindly. Now that we have looked at foods to go for, here are some foods to avoid at all costs as they are likely to worsen the effects of alcohol or irritate your stomach. 

• Salty snacks: Salty increases dehydration so this will worsen your hangover.
• Spicy foods: alcohol irritates the stomach lining. Spicy foods will make this worse. 
• Sugary foods: Sugar will cause blood sugar spikes, leading to crashes later in the night.
• Fried or greasy foods: while fats are good, greasy foods are likely to leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, especially when combined with alcohol.

Can You Take CBD Before Drinking?

It is not advisable to take CBD prior to drinking. However, CBD may help you relax and recover from a hangover after a night of drinking. This is especially helpful for seniors as they tend to get intoxicated faster and have more sensitive livers. Remember that alcohol is toxic to the liver. Hence, CBD for seniors may offer relaxation as well as liver-protective benefits. It is advisable for seniors to drink in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD with alcohol.

Conclusion

Eating the right foods before drinking can help you feel more balanced, reduce alcohol’s impact, and make your night more enjoyable. The trick is to incorporate slow-digesting carbs, healthy fats, lean proteins, and foods that are rich in potassium to prevent dehydration. CBD for seniors is also a good addition to the arsenal, especially after a drinking spree. Find out more about our Top 12 Best Electrolyte Powders of 2024 to help you before you drink as well as after to get you through the aftereffects.

Remember, moderation is key, and pairing your food choices with responsible drinking habits will help you enjoy your night out without getting a bad hangover.