Drinking and eating seem to go hand in hand, especially at university where typical drunk food is available anywhere and anytime.
We all convince ourselves that we're just doing it to prevent tomorrow's hangover, but end up cursing that last slice of pizza when we're hunched over the toilet bowl the next morning.
How can you satisfy your drunchies (drunk munchies) when your alcohol-filled stomach is waging a war against your gag reflex? Thankfully, there's a moment in your party timeline that actually calls for greasy, processed foods:before you ingest alcohol.
The Science Behind It
If you eat before ingesting alcohol, your body will thank you later on. The fat in something like a greasy burger actually sticks to the stomach lining longer, which slows the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. In parts of the Mediterranean, swallowing a spoonful of olive oil is even a thing.
"Fatty foods" can technically also mean nuts and avocados, but we all know that if you don't get your junk food beforehand, Drunk You will use it as an excuse to go crazy later.
When Not to Eat Junk Food
Once you're already drunk, you enter the danger zone. Greasy drunk food is going to sound amazing, and nothing will get in between you and all-day breakfast. Unfortunately, heavy, fatty meals aren't useful once the alcohol has been in your bloodstream for a few hours. Think about it: How can carbs absorb alcohol that has already been digested?
Being drunk makes you dehydrated, too, which actually translates to a food craving. Next time you want that plate full of fries, try drinking water first. Plus, if you're prone to getting the spins when you try to go to bed, a stomach full of greasy food will only increase your nausea.
The morning after a night of heavy drinking, your hungover self might want nothing more than to wolf down some diner food alongside your painkillers and Hydralyte. I don't think people will stop going to diners by saying this, but typical unhealthy breakfast food will just make your hangover much worse.
Since you feel sick when you're hungover, it only makes sense to eat typical sick food. Try a light, nutrient-rich breakfast and drink a lot of water. You might not feel as satisfied at first, but it will pay off in the long run.
The Worst Thing to Do
I don't care how quickly you want to get wasted on any given night: drinking on an empty stomach is a terrible idea. There's such a thing as drinking too much too fast, which you might realize after waking up on a park bench with no recollection of the night before. Without food,alcohol absorbs into your bloodstream at an insanely fast rate, leading to stupid decisions and a terrible hangover the next morning.
Hopefully, your drunk self will remember these facts the next time you consider buying a family-sized pack of chicken nuggets after a night of drinking. Think of it as getting permission to eat as much junk food as you want before going out — if anyone judges, you now have science on your side.