Gone are the days when hydrating foods like watermelon and apples were unappealing as snacks that accompany alcohol. Fruits and vegetables, in general, are a great go-to, especially when you’re trying to avoid complete dehydration while drinking.
Eating protein-rich foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, trail mix, and lean meats can help too by slowing down alcohol absorption and keeping you full for longer (thereby preventing late-night binging after a night out). Other foods to consume before drinking alcohol include complex carb sources like sweet potatoes, magnesium and potassium-rich foods like quinoa, bananas, and apples (to minimize electrolyte imbalances brought on by consuming alcohol), and healthy fat sources like avocado (again, because they can slow down alcohol absorption) and salmon (owing to its inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids and protein content).
Alcohol is also thought to significantly influence vitamin C loss, so consuming fruits and juices that contain lots of vitamin C is also a good idea, per the experts. Your liver is another organ that alcohol impacts, so you may want to add in some foods that help protect it — we’re talking turmeric, cinnamon, kale, broccoli, lemon, oats, chia seeds, blueberries, grapefruit, asparagus, and beets. Last but not least, water. “Aim to drink at least two liters of water during the day. I’d also recommend having a pint of water with your dinner before going out,” explained nutrition scientist and dietitian Kathryn O’Sullivan, per Cosmopolitan.