WHAT: New Year's Day survival guide.
WHY: Because a little pre-production can go a long way when you are hungover.
You've probably received all kinds of advice to aid planning your New Year's Eve celebrations: champagne recommendations, cocktail recipes, dinner ideas, the best bars to hit. But, what about the day after. We're not saying it's going to happen... but there is a slight chance you might wake up with a hangover on New Year's Day. Here is a quick cheat-sheet to plan for the morning after.
Here is a breakdown of science vs. real life.
Science: Caffeine is a stimulant and a vasoconstrictor, so it reduces the size of blood vessels.
Real Life: You are groggy. You have a pounding headache. A good cup of coffee will start you on the right foot.
Consider: Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes dehydration. Not the best cure, but it might help jump start your day. (credit:Flickr:Refracted Moments%u2122)
Science: Eggs replenish certain amino acids, which break down the hangover-causing toxin acetaldehyde in the liver's easily depleted glutathione.
Real Life: Eggs are the perfect accompaniment to bacon. It's like the breakfast holy trinity: eggs, bacon, toast.
Consider: The cholesterol? After what you did to your body on New Year's Eve, just get on the mend. Work on the New Year's resolutions on January 2nd. (credit:Flickr:Minimalist Photography)
Science: Fructose naturally increases the body's energy and increases the rate which the body rids itself of toxins. Juice helps replenish nutrients that were depleted from alcohol's diuretic effect.
Real Life: There is nothing quite as reviving as a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
(credit:Flickr:Kyle McDonald)
Science: Bread is high in carbohydrates and bacon is full of protein, which breaks down into amino acids and helps clear the head.
Real Life: Just the smell of bacon can revive some from the dead. Two words: Bacon Butty.
Consider: Nothing to consider here, it's been proven by science. (credit:Flickr:pink_fish13)
Science: It reintroduces ethanol (alcohol) into your system at a point when your liver is breaking down an alcoholic compound called methanol, which is more toxic than the ethanol.
Real Life: Convince yourself there are vitamins in the tomato juice and feel better in the short term. Give McClure's Spicy Bloody Mary Mix a try as a good starting point.
Consider: You're delaying the inevitable, the hair of the dog approach won't eliminate the hangover.
Science: None.
Real Life: Try the Southern staple Hoppin' John, made with black-eyed peas, smoked ham hocks, and onion. It's said to bring a year filled with good luck, if served on New Year's Day.
Consider: Is it really worth risking a year of bad luck? (credit:Flickr:DorkyMum)
As you're recovering, we hope you'll come over to Find. Eat. Drink. for some "hair of the dog" recipes, as well as food and drink recommendations from chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and food artisans.
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