Christmas is a hard time of year to stick to any eating regime, but as a nutritionist I know that no one is perfect and so a little cheating now and then is to be expected! The key is not undoing all the wonderful work you’ve done throughout the year by making poor food and alcohol choices.

1. Water

Number one rule for hangovers is to rehydrate. Try to drink alternate glasses of water during your drinking session, have a big glass before bed and continue to drink throughout the morning after. The dreaded hangover headache is caused by dehydration and simple steps will avoid this! If water isn’t doing it for you, try coconut water – it’s full of electrolytes and will restore your moisture levels. Never opt for fizzy, sugary drinks as they won’t help give you the hydration you need.

2. Bananas

This fruit is loaded with potassium and will be a much-needed electrolyte source for your dehydrated body. If you don’t fancy having it by itself, mix in a smoothie with some natural yoghurt as a refreshing drink.

3. Eggs

Eggs are not only rich in protein, which can settle upset stomachs, but they contain cysteine, which can actively fight alcohol-created toxins in your body. They’re hugely versatile too!

4. Ginger

This is particularly good for nausea, try some ginger tea or add some fresh ginger to your stir fry or into a smoothie.  

5. Tomatoes

High in Vitamin C and glutathione, the substance our bodies produce to help counter-act hangover toxins, tomatoes can be a great helper for cleansing the body – try juices, whole or cooked, just not in Bloody Mary form.

If you require some other tips for surviving Christmas parties, or parties in general, I have written another blog you can read here.

So have a wonderful Christmas and be kind to your body, it is the only one you have and if you ruin it, it won’t take you far into this life.