Our friends over at Virginia Hayward Hampers asked us to put together some hangover ‘cures’ in preparation for the inevitable post-pandemic parties. Here are a few of my top tips to help kick that hangover to the curb.
1) Drink plenty of fluids! This goes without saying, but water is your friend! Drink a couple of large glasses as a starting point, and throughout the day.
2) Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea. Try fresh ginger tea – grated ginger, plus honey and a squeeze of lemon in hot water.
3) Caffeine – no prizes for guessing that caffeine helps you feel more awake, especially if you need to function the next day. Now summer is here, why not swap your usual cup for an iced-coffee instead? Blend your coffee with half the amount of milk (dairy or plant-based) and a handful of ice until frothy. If you’re not a coffee fan, then a large mug of green tea should hit the spot.
4) Fresh fruit and vegetable juices – fluids and vitamins all in one. Try apple, orange, ginger and carrot.
5) Carbohydrates are important in helping refuel the body. As hard as this may be, try to resist greasy food as it will overload the system and make you feel even more sluggish than you already do (easier said than done when a fry-up is calling your name!). If possible aim for complex carbs mixed with protein to refuel your body the right way.
Some ideas for you:
Banana smoothie – bananas are great as they contain potassium, an electrolyte you deplete when you drink alcohol. Try a delicious smoothie with banana, milk, peanut butter and ice. If you’re feeling brave then add a handful or two of spinach (a nutrient powerhouse that helps replenish the body). Don’t worry – the sweetness of the banana and peanut butter mask the spinach taste and the result is actually pretty tasty (honestly!)
Smashed avocado on wholegrain toast with a poached egg – plus lashings of Jalapeño + Lime sauce of course.
Virgin Mary – tomatoes are nutritious and contain compounds that help with liver damage. Add a dash of our Hot + Sour sauce to spice things up.
Shakshuka -this aubergine version is brunch heaven, and healthy to boot. Great with both our Jalapeño + Lime and Hot + Sour sauces.
Quick cheat’s dahl– if you do fancy a curry, and can muster up enough energy to cook, then try this easy recipe. Not only will it satisfy your curry craving, but lentils are rich in fibre and protein which will help your system recover. Delicious with a side dollop of our Tamarind Ketchup.
Quick smoked paprika and chickpea stew. Another quick and healthy dish. Sauté an onion and garlic, add some smoked paprika and tinned tomatoes, then add a tin or two of chickpeas and simmer until you have a rich sauce. You can add dried chilli with the paprika if you like heat, or top with crumbled feta or halloumi for a more Mediterranean feel. Serve with crusty bread or couscous, and a good drizzle of our Jalapeño + Lime or Hot + Sour sauce for added spicy zing.
Read the full article on the Virginia Hayward site here
Photo by Alex Loup on Unsplash