Hung Over? Exactly What To Eat (And Avoid!) To Feel Better, Stat

One of the downsides to eating an overall clean and healthy diet is that when you do indulge in, say, a cocktail, you feel it a lot more. A lot of my nutrition clients get annoyed when this first happens as they find their new limit, but it shows them how their body is getting used to better nourishment and a higher quality of life and as such can actually be a powerful motivator to keep up the great work.

It’s also definitely an argument for drinking only stuff you absolutely love! There’s nothing like waking up in the middle of the night, unable to get back to sleep, wondering whatever could have made you think that second $5 glass of house red was worth it.

Put water at the top of your hangover helpers list. It’s key to helping you rehydrate. You also want to replenish potassium and magnesium, two electrolytes that are essential for proper muscle and nerve function that can be affected by alcohol. Some awesome potassium-rich foods include avocado, banana, citrus fruits, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, tomato, and yogurt. Magnesium-rich foods to reach for include dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, whole grains, fish, chicken, and dark chocolate. When it comes to beverages, coconut water is a great choice because it’s packed with electrolytes but without the added sugar, coloring agents, or other no-thanks additives you’ll find in commercial sports drinks.

Alcohol also causes your blood sugar to drop, which can make you weak and shaky. Starchy carbs like oats and whole grains can help get your blood glucose back on track and also provide important B-vitamins like vitamin B6 and thiamine that you lose when drinking. Since alcohol also depletes vitamin C levels, fruits and veggies help with that as well.

If your stomach feels off, take it easy with very high-fat or very high-fiber foods—they could make you feel worse. Ditch the sugar and artificial sweeteners and opt for naturally sweet foods. Working some protein into that first meal you eat will also help you stabilize. Eggs are a great option, but you could use egg whites if you need to take it easy on higher-fat foods until you feel up to it. An unflavored protein powder (try pea protein for a palatable, versatile plant-based option) is also handy if you’re feeling like you just want to throw some stuff in a blender.

Serves 4

We usually autopilot to omelets when we think about egg-and-vegetable breakfasts, but a frittata gets my brunch-at-home vote for the fact that you can let it cook in the oven while you shower (or lie in bed with the shades drawn until the timer goes off) and because you don’t have to worry about wrecking it when you try—and fail—to flip it without making a mess, something most of us have trouble with even when we’re firing on all cylinders.

Serves 1

If the idea of a hot breakfast makes you want to gag after an indulgent evening, try this delicious smoothie bowl recipe. You’ll get a balanced meal packed with electrolytes to help you get back to baseline.