Where’s the Party at?
Ayesha Shahid
It’s that time of year again! The festive season has started with plenty of Christmas parties, family gatherings and nights out with friends. There are lots of opportunities to eat, drink and be very merry!
We know this can mean eating more food than usual, having a few extra drinks and staying up late. It’s great to get out and enjoy yourself but we all know that feeling the next day. Bloated, heavy, sluggish, fatigued. Sound familiar?
Well, what if I said the key to feeling better through all the celebrations is before the party begins?
Welcome to the pre-party!
Don’t worry, this is not a about restricting what you eat or calorie counting each meal. We still want to have a good time but it’s really about planning ahead; being prepared and giving your body the support it needs to cope better.
The pre-party checklist
- Start your day well nourished – Don’t miss out on breakfast because you think you will be eating more later on. Enjoy a good breakfast filled with fibre and protein to keep you satisfied and to support stable energy. Maybe something like a veggie omelette, eggs and avocado on sourdough toast, or porridge topped with berries, nuts and seeds and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Nourish the body, don’t punish it!
- Make water a priority – It can be easy to forget to drink water, especially when you’re busy. Drink plain water regularly throughout the day – aim for about 1.5 litres. Staying hydrated can support energy levels, concentration and good digestion. Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, so increasing your water before and alongside alcohol would be helpful to your body.
- Eat colourfully – Before heading out, make sure you eat regularly to avoid energy slumps or overeating later on. If you’re eating out, choose an option on the menu that includes plenty of colourful veggies alongside a source of protein. A rainbow plate gives us a wide variety of nutrients as well as fibre to support digestion and gut health. Also, opt for olives instead of bread before your meal arrives. Olives provide good healthy fats and are a lighter alternative to bread.
- Remember to breathe – The festive period can be crazy busy. So much to do and not much time for yourself. Schedule in some time for a walk outside in nature or some gentle movement. Give yourself permission to take time out alone if you need to. It may help you feel more relaxed when you’re around lots of people.
Now for the after-party!
So, now you’ve prepared at the pre-party, the after party shouldn’t be so bad. However, sometimes festive celebrations can leave you feeling a little worse for wear the next morning.
If you didn’t manage to prepare the day before then don’t worry, the after-party is where it’s at.
- Keep hydrated – As previously mentioned, alcohol can be dehydrating which might leave you feeling thirsty, more tired and with a banging headache. Start your day with a large glass of water and continue drinking water throughout the day. Adding some lemon to your water might make it more palatable. You can also replace lost fluids with hydrating foods, too. Berries, melon, oranges, cucumber, lettuce or tomatoes are all good options. Don’t rely on caffeine after a night out. It won’t help sober you up or with clearing alcohol from your system.
- Eat a nourishing breakfast – Feel like having a greasy fry-up? This might be what you are craving but it won’t help long-term and definitely isn’t a hangover cure. Opt for a more sustaining option that provides nourishment like boiled/poached eggs on wholegrain toast with tomatoes and mushrooms or hydrating berries with natural yoghurt and some nuts. If you really can’t stomach anything then still ensure you are drinking plenty. Maybe add in some herbal teas.
- Get outside in daylight – You’ve probably gone to bed late and you’re feeling a little groggy. Getting outside for some natural light can really help support your body clock, helping you feel less fatigued. Fresh air can also help you feel more refreshed. In addition, you could benefit from a gentle walk. About 15-20 minutes is more than enough.
- Get an early night – Aim for a quiet evening and an earlier bedtime. Late nights and too much overindulgence can make you feel tired, irritable and less likely to want to do anything. Give yourself time to wind down before bed with low lighting, a warm bath and a good book. Getting yourself back into a regular routine will support better sleep.
Prep before the party and support yourself after the party. Simple.
For me, the most important thing is always to listen to your body and look after your body. Prioritise nourishing food, water and rest. It’s about finding a balance that works for you.
Remember, have fun, enjoy yourself without guilt, and give yourself a little grace along the way.
