Saturday mornings for many of us college students usually aren’t complete without our (not so) favourite raging headaches, confused state of minds, and the very mysterious combination of nausea and a deep craving for greasy food (did someone say bacon?). Don't we all love a good ol' hangover to remind us of our fun night before?
Even though we think that getting an oversized portion of a greasy bacon burger with fries on the side might be the right thing to do for that hangover, we usually regret our choice of food a couple hours later. I hate to break it to you, but grease does not absorb alcohol. You'll end up irritating your stomach and intestines even more, and that will only make your hangover feel worse than it already is.
But don’t be afraid, party animals, because there are non-greasy foods that will not only taste good, but will also help you restock those dehydrated bodies of yours with plenty of minerals in no time. Below is the survival guide, put together from one hungover student to the next, of non-greasy foods that will settle your stomach after a night of drinking.
Bananas
Who doesn’t love bananas? This beautiful yellow fruit contains a lot of potassium, which is an important electrolyte for our bodies to have, especially when we are feeling the way we do after a night of drinking. What is even better about this non-greasy fruit is that you can combine it with a lot of other different ingredients, such as yogurt for a smoothie or a replenishing snack.
Soup
Okay, hear me out on this one. I know that soup might not sound very appealing after a night of drinking, but think about all the (disguised) water you're drinking and how warm your stomach will feel. Not only does soup aid your digestion, but it also restores your water and sodium levels. Not to mention, soup can also be made out of many different ingredients, although miso soup or chicken soup are said to be the most effective.
Toast
If you love carbs as much as I do, then this is good news for you. Whole wheat toast or light crackers are both simple carbs that raise your blood sugar without upsetting the stomach, thus proving to be perfect ingredients for the morning after. Remember that it doesn't have to be bland. You can always decorate your toast with avocado, tomatoes, boiled eggs, or light cheese. Never be afraid to mix it up!
Oats
This one is a great choice if you still want to enjoy a sweet breakfast option. Oats do a great job at neutralizing the bad acid that has been building up in your body from all the alcohol. They're not only packed with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B, but will also really fill you up for the day, keeping you from snacking on all the bad stuff.
#SpoonTip: Use honey as a topping because the fructose in it will help to break down the alcohol in the liver.
Eggs
Yes, eggs could be considered a greasy food, but it's all up to how you make them. Eggs contain a high amount of amino acids, which get rid of toxins and boost your liver function. For these reasons, eggs should really be at the top of everyone's list of hangover foods. Whether they're sunny side up, poached, boiled, or scrambled, this is an egg-celent way to get your body kickstarted again.
Salmon
Alcohol can actually deplete important vitamins in your body that cause you to feel weak and light headed. Salmon is the type of protein you want to opt for because it's rich in fatty acids. Not only does it help you get in a hearty and healthy meal, but it also recharges your body with important nutrients.
Avocado
Similar to bananas, avocados are a nutritious source of potassium, vitamins, and fiber, which will help you get those muscles restarted after a night of drinking (and hopefully a lot of dancing). Not only are they delicious on their own, but avocados are known for their supreme versatility. I assure you that whether you're having it plain, with an egg on toast, or smushed into a bowl of guacamole goodness, your hangover-self will thank you.
I'm not against having a perfectly greasy plate of sausage, hash browns, and eggs in the morning, but for the sake of a speedier recovery I think that trying something a little different might actually surprise you. Even research suggests that greasy food is actually good for you when eaten before you start drinking. That way, a grease layer builds in your stomach, which in turns slows down the process of alcohol absorption. So the good news is you don't need to give it up completely!