Even the most moderate drinkers tend to take it up a notch on New Year's Eve. Blame the omnipresence of booze, the great cocktails the bartender was mixing up, or the 'it's just once a year' mindset, but it all adds up to one thing: Starting the new year with a head-pounding hangover.
Most people tend to make for the nearest greasy diner to alleviate their morning-after symptoms, which isn't exactly the healthiest way to get back to normal (though downing a burger and fries the night before can keep the hangover at bay).
This year, instead of punishing your stomach further, try making a healthy breakfast that will actually help. The medical experts behind daytime TV's The Doctors have put together two recipes to help soothe what ails you after a night of celebration. Happy new year!
Hangover Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup (250 ml) of milk (for vitamin D)
1 whole banana slices (rich in vitamin B6 and potassium)
1 Tbsp (15 ml) of honey (for magnesium)
Cup of ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend well and enjoy!
Why It Works
This hangover smoothie restores vitamins and nutrients that are lost during a night of celebration. Vitamin B6 helps support and increase the metabolism rate. Potassium is loaded with necessary electrolytes that are likely depleted with excess drinking. Vitamin D plays a role in insulin secretion under conditions of increased insulin demand, and magnesium plays a key role in regulating blood pressure naturally, which may be elevated due to drinking. Honey is the ideal liver fuel because it contains a nearly 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose.
Hangover Omelette Recipe
Ingredients :
1/4 cup (50 ml) of eggs (for protein)
1-oz. (28 g) of low-fat cheddar cheese, diced (vitamin B12)
2 pieces of asparagus (a detox vegetable loaded with potassium)
1 Tbsp (15 ml) of butter or olive oil
Put the uncooked asparagus in a large pot of water, bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered until tender. Remove from water and cut into slice, then set aside.
Heat a nonstick saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Let the eggs cook until the bottom starts to set. With a rubber spatula, push edge of egg into the center of the pan while tilting the pan to allow uncooked egg to flow underneath the already cooked portions. Repeat until liquid egg is cooked. Gently flip cooked egg over using the spatula. Add cheese and cooked asparagus. Cook for another few seconds. Using the spatula, fold one edge of the egg across and over until the edges line up. Transfer to a plate.
Why It Works
The eggs and cheese provide vitamin B12, which will deliver a quick energy boost. Asparagus provides 2/3 the daily dose of vitamin K, which helps overall brain function.
WATCH: Can exercise really help when you're hungover?