We've all been there—buzzed, hungry, and stripped of any rational thought that might make you think twice before feeding your face a Denny's Grand Slam breakfast, a size-of-your-face slice of pizza, or half a box of Lucky Charms. Or maybe, if you're like me, you've stumbled home from the corner bar only to trip right into a late-night garlic knot special (4 for $1…how can you say no?!). We get it: Accidents happen, guys. But with a little planning, you can prevent them. (Here are 8 drinks you can drink all night and not get fat.) Here, we've rounded up the absolute best post-booze-binge snacks that can help you wake up feeling rested and hangover-free—not like there's an evil creature taking up residence in your stomach.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
That's right, even a drunk person can whip up this comforting (and freakin' delicious) childhood classic. Just be sure to make it on whole wheat or whole grain bread. Why it's awesome: The complex carbs in whole grains help absorb excess booze in your stomach, along with replenishing some of the B vitamins that get wiped out when you drink.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Keep a few BPA-free cans or Tetra-Paks on hand for your next bender. Chicken soup helps replenish liquids and sodium lost to alcohol consumption (booze is a diuretic, after all), and delivers a dose of cysteine—an amino acid that helps your liver break down the headache- and chill-inducing byproduct of alcohol metabolism called acetaldehyde.
Veggie Omelet
Like chicken soup, eggs contain cysteine, which can minimize headaches and chills. (Try one of these 10 easy egg recipes.) They also contain the amino acid taurine, which may help reverse the liver damage induced by a booze binge and flush toxins from your body more quickly. Stick to a veggie omelet or scrambled eggs, though, not a cheese- and bacon-laden diner special—greasy foods can irritate the digestive system more and make you feel worse.
MORE: 8 Things that Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol for 2 Weeks
Ginger Kombucha
Instead of reaching for ginger ale, grab this low-sugar alternative. Not only does this fermented tea deliver a dose of stomach-soothing ginger (an anti-spasmodic that relaxes the digestive tract, minimizes bloating, and combats nausea), it also replenishes B vitamins lost to alcohol, and packs beneficial probiotics, which may help reduce alcohol-induced damage to the gut lining.
Bananas
These wonders of nature are loaded with potassium, which gets wiped out when you drink alcohol. Not feeling fruit when you're drunk? Slice up a banana and toss it on top of our next pick…
Whole Grain Waffles
We're not talking about the overly processed kind you ate as a kid. If you're going to do waffles, do them right—we suggest Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Waffles, which are loaded with booze-absorbing complex carbs, B vitamins, and protein, thanks to their combo of whole sprouted grains (when you're not drunk, try making your own sprouted grain bread), seeds, and lentils.
Better-for-You Ice Cream
Maybe you're the type who just wants to sit in peace with a pint of mint chocolate chip and a few episodes of Sex & the City when you get home from the bar—and no damn article can change that! We feel you, but let us recommend a few cleaner picks that won't break the calorie bank if you eat the entire pint—Arctic Zero and Halo Top, both of which come in insane flavors like birthday cake and key lime pie, are free of sketchy ingredients, and pack under 300 calories per pint.
Stephanie Eckelkamp is a freelance writer, health coach, and former associate editor for Prevention covering health, food, and nutrition. She’s a graduate of Syracuse University and obsessed with dogs, exploring the great outdoors, and chunky peanut butter.
As a health enthusiast and someone well-versed in nutrition, I understand the importance of making informed choices, especially when it comes to post-booze binge snacks. My knowledge extends beyond casual awareness, delving into the science and practicality of selecting foods that can mitigate the effects of alcohol consumption. Allow me to guide you through the concepts presented in the article, providing evidence-based insights to help you make better choices for your well-being.
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Complex Carbohydrates in Whole Grains: The article suggests opting for whole wheat or whole grain bread when enjoying a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich after a night of drinking. This recommendation is rooted in the presence of complex carbohydrates in whole grains. These carbs aid in absorbing excess alcohol in the stomach and replenishing B vitamins depleted during alcohol consumption.
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Chicken Noodle Soup for Rehydration: Chicken Noodle Soup is highlighted as an effective choice for replenishing liquids and sodium lost due to alcohol's diuretic effects. The cysteine in the soup helps the liver break down acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism responsible for headaches and chills.
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Eggs and Cysteine: The article suggests a Veggie Omelet or scrambled eggs as a post-drinking meal. Eggs contain cysteine, which can alleviate headaches and chills. Additionally, the amino acid taurine in eggs may help counteract liver damage induced by alcohol and facilitate the faster elimination of toxins from the body.
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Ginger Kombucha for Digestive Relief: Instead of traditional ginger ale, the article recommends Ginger Kombucha. This fermented tea not only provides stomach-soothing ginger but also replenishes B vitamins lost during alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the probiotics in Kombucha may assist in reducing alcohol-induced damage to the gut lining.
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Potassium-Rich Bananas: Bananas are suggested as a snack due to their high potassium content, which tends to be depleted when consuming alcohol. This fruit is an easily digestible option, offering a natural source of replenishment for essential nutrients.
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Booze-Absorbing Whole Grain Waffles: The article advises choosing whole sprouted grain waffles as a source of complex carbs, B vitamins, and protein. These nutrients aid in absorbing alcohol and replenishing essential elements. The recommended brand, Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Waffles, is specifically highlighted for its nutritional profile.
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Healthier Ice Cream Options: For those craving ice cream after a night out, the article suggests cleaner options like Arctic Zero and Halo Top. These brands offer flavors like birthday cake and key lime pie, containing fewer calories and avoiding questionable ingredients.
In conclusion, the recommended post-booze snacks are carefully selected based on their nutritional composition and their ability to counteract the adverse effects of alcohol. Understanding the science behind these choices can empower individuals to make more informed decisions for their post-drinking recovery.
